A new children’s drama series by Henry “The Fonz” Winkler will be available to watch on iPlayer a week before it is shown on CBBC.
The show called Hank Zipzer, is based on Winkler’s own book series Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever. These books are based on Winkler’s own life growing up with dyslexia. The series follows the everyday life of 12-year-old Hank Zipzer, a young man with a unique perspective on the world.
Audiences will be able to watch the show a week before it’s aired on CBBC, starting with the first episode being available on 21 January and continuing on a weekly basis throughout the series.
The move is part of the BBC Trust’s approved BBC iPlayer trial to premiere up to 40 hours of programmes across the service.
Victoria Jaye, Head of TV Content for BBC iPlayer, said: “We’re thrilled to premiere CBBC’s brand new comedy drama series Hank Zipzer on BBC iPlayer.
“This builds on the success of premiering our first children’s series, 4 O’Clock Club, on iPlayer back in December – the first episode we premiered received close to half a million requests in seven days.
“We want to draw on BBC iPlayer’s popularity to help grow new hits for the BBC, so we’re excited to see how far premiering Hank Zipzer can drive more viewers to this exciting new show.”
Cheryl Taylor, Controller of CBBC, added: “We’re proud to continue to deliver high-quality programmes in a way that suits our audience. I am certain that CBBC viewers and their parents will love the Hank Zipzer TV series.
“Hank’s adventures illuminate the ups and downs of a child navigating through life with dyslexia and do so with great warmth, insight and humour. The fact that Henry Winkler also appears in the show is just a huge cherry on an already delicious comedy cake.”
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