Throughout it’s 70+ year history, Archie Comics has done their level best to branch out and get its characters into media other than comics, for more wide-spread consumption. And through those tireless efforts, one of the most successful would have to be the various adaptations of Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. No less than four adaptations have appeared since the character’s creation, and coming in 2013, we’ll be treated to a fifth, Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch.
Not too many details about the new animated show have leaked, although Ashley Tisdale has been cast as Sabrina. When it comes to plot details, it’s definitely sounds like a re-imagining of the concept. Sabrina is still a teenage witch of course, but rather than living a relatively mundane life in the human world, this new show will have Sabrina actively leading a double life both on Earth and in the magical realm. There also seems to be more of an emphasis on the magic than ever before, as the press release specifically mentions Sabrina will be using spells to attack her enemies. Deep down, I instantly want to dislike something that changes the dynamic so drastically. Then I sit back and realize that I am not the intended audience for this program, and as such will leave it to the intended age group to decide whether it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Regardless, I know I’ll be in front of the tube with my niece when the show appears on the HUB Network next year, to have that shared experience! Further details can be seen in the press release below.
THE HUB TV NETWORK PICKS UP NEW ORIGINAL ANIMATED SERIES
‘SABRINA: SECRETS OF A TEENAGE WITCH’ FOR SUMMER 2013
Ashley Tisdale to Voice the Title Role
LOS ANGELES – The Hub TV network, a destination for kids and their families, announced today that the pop culture phenomenon SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH will return to television in the all-new original animated series, “Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch.” Actress, singer and High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale will lend her voice to the lead character of Sabrina. Currently in production and slated to premiere in the summer of 2013, the series will feature the iconic teen character re-imagined for a new generation.
The animated “Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch” series was acquired by The Hub and produced by Moonscoop, Archie Comic Publications, Inc., DSK Group, India, Laughing Lion, and Telegael Teoranta. Writer Dean Batali (“What’s Up Warthogs,” “That 70’s Show,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) will be story editor and Trevor Wall (“Hero 108”) will serve as director for the series.
In the upcoming series “Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch,” Sabrina is half-witch and half-human, and all super hero as she leads two vastly different lives; one disguised as a normal, klutzy high school student and the other as the top sorcery student in the magical world. When her two worlds collide, Sabrina is the only one who has the power to battle her foes, while managing to keep her magical identity a secret from humankind.
Ashley Tisdale is an actress and singer best known for starring in the Emmy® Award-winning High School Musical film series. The High School Musical series became a successful franchise, which included two television films, a feature movie, a spin-off and numerous soundtrack albums. Tisdale’s work led to a prominent voice role in the critically acclaimed animated series “Phineas & Ferb.” Additional credits include “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” “Hellcats,” and, more recently, a multi-episode arc in “Sons of Anarchy” as well as roles in feature films including Aliens in the Attic and the upcoming Scary Movie 5. Tisdale also runs a successful production company, Blondie Girl Productions, and their first series “Miss Advised” premiered on Bravo this summer.
About The Hub TV Network
THE HUB is a multi-platform joint venture between Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) and Hasbro, Inc., (NASDAQ: HAS) with a goal of entertaining, enlightening, empowering and educating children and their families. The cable and satellite television network features original programming as well as content from Discovery’s library of award-winning children’s educational programming; from Hasbro’s rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties built during the past 90 years; and from leading third-party producers worldwide. The Hub lineup includes animated and live-action series, as well as specials, game shows, and family-favorite movies. The network extends its content through a robust and engaging online presence at www.hubworld.com. The Hub rebranded from Discovery Kids on October 10, 2010, and reaches more than 70 million U.S. households. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.