Comedy from ‘The Fonz’ set for CBBC

UK children’s broadcaster CBBC has commissioned Hank Zipzer, a new live-action comedy inspired by a book series from Happy Days icon Henry Winkler.

Canada’s DHX Media; Walker Productions, the programming arm of publisher Walker Books Group; and UK indie Kindle Entertainment will produce the 13x30mins show that’s set to launch early next year.

Based on Winkler’s own experiences, the series follows a smart twelve year-old dyslexic boy who approaches problems in a unique way.

Along with Lin Oliver, Winkler – best known as Happy Days star ‘The Fonz’ – penned the original book series, Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever, which the TV series is based on.

CBBC Drama’s executive producer, independents, Sue Nott said: “The stories are inspired by the true life experiences of Henry Winkler and how he felt growing up with dyslexia. At CBBC we try to reflect the lives of children back at them and Hank Zipzer shows that achievement comes in all shapes and sizes – and it’s set to be very funny too!”

Not will executive produce along with DHX’s president and COO Steven DeNure, Kindle’s Anne Brogan, Walker Productions boss Helen McAleer and Hugo Heppell from Studio Yorkshire.

DHX has international distribution rights. “There is a wealth of creative talent behind this show – our first collaboration with Walker Productions and Kindle Entertainment – and this promises to bring Henry’s vision to the screen in all its comedic glory,” said DeNure. “We anticipate a great deal of international interest.”