the industry

There Will Be a Show About Green Eggs and Ham

Ellen DeGeneres.

Netflix is turning Dr. Seuss’s classic Green Eggs and Ham into a 13-episode binge-able cartoon series, according to Deadline. Ellen DeGeneres is attached to executive-produce the project, along with Warner Bros. Animation, David Dobkin, Mike Karz, Jeff Kleeman, and Jared Stern. DeGeneres talked briefly about Ham on her daytime talk show, mentioning that the series will feature cutting-edge animation and that it’s slated for a 2018 premiere. It’s also supposed to be the most expensive animated program ever produced for television with stuff that’s “never been done before,†according to DeGeneres. Also, maybe most important, this project has received Audrey Geisel’s (Seuss’s widow’s) approval.

Netflix’s press release is actually quite a Seussian treat itself:

NETFLIX ORDERS GREEN EGGS AND HAM
THIRTEEN EPISODES FOR THE WHOLE FAM

In 2018, This Classic Book
Comes to TV with a Whole New Look

Beverly Hills, Calif., April 29, 2015 –
Issued from Netflix headquarters.
Delivered straight to all reporters.

We’d love to share some happy news
based on the rhymes of Dr. Seuss.
Green Eggs and Ham will become a show
and you’re among the first to know.

In this richly animated production,
a 13-episode introduction,
standoffish inventor (Guy, by name)
and Sam-I-Am of worldwide fame,
embark on a cross-country trip
that tests the limits of their friendship.
As they learn to try new things,
they find out what adventure brings.
Of course they also get to eat
that famous green and tasty treat!

Cindy Holland, VP of Original Content for Netflix
threw her quote into the mix:
“We think this will be a hit
Green Eggs and Ham is a perfect fit
for our growing slate of amazing stories
available exclusively in all Netflix territories.
You can stream it on a phone.
You can stream it on your own.
You can stream it on TV.
You can stream it globally.â€