The hugely successful faith-based children's series, "VeggieTales," is back just in time for Thanksgiving with a new Netflix Original series.
The series, titled "VeggieTales In The House," will feature 75 new half-hour "VeggieTales" episodes for the next three years exclusively on Netflix.
A new, amped-up theme song has been added to the show in addition to several new members of the food crew including Rooney the Olive Dog, Officer Lettuce Wedge, and Bacon Bill.The animation is also slightly different from before; to better cater to a new generation of viewers, creators sped up the pace and and cartoonized the characters.
However, the Christian essence of "VeggieTales" remains the same, say the show's producers.
Since 1993, creators Mike Nawrocki and Phil Vischer have combined what kids consume as entertainment with messages of faith. Themes in each episode relate to Biblical principles such as forgiveness, compassion and generosity--and "VeggieTales in the House" will be no different.
"The heart is still about thankfulness and loving your neighbor," said co-creator Mike Nawrocki, who also voices Larry the Cucumber.
"The faith component sets us apart from a lot of other family entertainment. Story is such a powerful way to reach kids, and the values we support are integrated in the story....that's what Jesus did all the time."
Unlike most modern-day cartoons, Veggie Tales characters such as Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber and Junior the Asparagus are often shown praying to God and quoting Bible verses.
"In 'VeggieTales In The House,' our character know that theres a God who made them and loves them and they can talk about him--and that's normal," says co-creator Phil Vischer.
When asked what message kids should take away from each episode, Nawrocki says, "You're very special, and God loves you very much."
"We encourage parents to take these episodes as conversation starters, as a great opportunity to open up these questions and create teachable moments for your kids," adds Vischer.
"that's how we disciple our kids. This is the world you're growing up--why not have those values reflected in the stories you're watching."
"Veggie Tales in the House" will premiere on November 26th. You watch the trailer to the new series here.
