Former NHL standout P.K. Subban is gearing up to take the lead role in and serve as an executive producer for a fresh animated series based on the beloved Screech Owls franchise. The collaboration between Shaftesbury, Sphere Animation, the NHL, and Boat Rocker Studios was officially unveiled in a press release earlier this week.
Derived from the writings of Canadian author Roy MacGregor and the previous live-action adaptation in 2001, Screech Owls is scheduled to debut in the autumn of 2027 on CBC, followed by a winter 2028 release in French on Radio-Canada and TFO (Télévision française de l’Ontario).
The essence of Screech Owls revolves around a group of hockey players unraveling mysteries under the guidance of Coach P.K., emphasizing friendship and teamwork. This upcoming rendition is slated to consist of 26 episodes, each running for 11 minutes.
Hailing from Toronto, Subban is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman who notably played for the Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils over a span of 13 seasons from 2009 to 2022.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Subban remarked in a press release, “A significant aspect of my career has been exploring innovative ways to expand the sport and appeal to diverse, young audiences with positive influences, and Screech Owls, a series I cherished growing up, achieves precisely that.”
According to Subban, the series not only showcases the virtues of character, leadership, and teamwork inherent in hockey but also promises an engaging narrative for viewers who appreciate young adventurers solving puzzles while fostering camaraderie.
The animated series will be scripted by John May and Suzanne Bloch, the original creators of the live-action Screech Owls. Additionally, Sarah Nurse, a prominent figure in the PWHL and Team Canada, is set to make a special appearance as herself within the show.
Emphasizing the significance of the adaptation, Marie McCann, the senior director of children’s content at CBC Kids, commented, “This delightful series is precisely what children need at this moment — Screech Owls encapsulates camaraderie, teamwork, and the spirit of sports in a heartwarming and inspiring animated portrayal of Canadian culture.”
McCann further expressed her honor in collaborating with P.K. Subban on this modern interpretation of the iconic Canadian literary works, anticipating that it will captivate a new generation of young viewers with its blend of mystery and hockey adventures.
