Beatles songs get new spin in Netflix's upcoming animated series Beat Bugs

By Stephanie Topacio Long February 10, 2016

Young kids today don’t have to miss out on music by The Beatles: The upcoming Netflix animated series Beat Bugs will feature songs by the iconic English rock band, performed by contemporary artists like Eddie Vedder, Pink, Regina Spektor, James Corden, and more. Netflix released the trailer Wednesday and announced that the series will premiere in August 2016.

The trailer features Vedder’s rendition of Magical Mystery Tour and provides a look at the colorful world and characters of Beat Bugs. The children’s series will follow five friends (Jay, Kumi, Crick, Buzz, and Walter), who have a penchant for mischief and fun. Although the group’s entire universe is an unkempt backyard in the suburbs, they find adventure as they explore it.

Songs from the Lennon/McCartney Northern Songs catalog will accompany the Beat Bugs’ shenanigans “to tell uplifting and life-affirming stories filled with hope and melody,” according to Netflix. A Pink cover of Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Chris Cornell’s version of Drive My Car, and Sia’s spin on Blackbird will all be featured, among others. Netflix is promising over 50 Beatles songs and has so far locked down The Shins, Of Monsters and Men, Birdy, and more to record covers. The streamer is planning to bring still more artists on board and will announce additional names at a later date.

“Personally I’m very grateful to be part of Josh’s vision,” said Vedder in a press release. “A tremendous show for kids that combines beautiful animation with great stories and obviously some of the best songs ever written.”

The series comes from creator Josh Wakely, who will also direct, write, and produce with his fellow executive producer Trevor Roy through their banner Grace: A Storytelling Company. Thunderbird and Beyond Screen Production will also serve as co-production partners. Animation for the series comes from Atomic Cartoons. The series will hit Netflix in the U.S. and Canada in August.

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Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…

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