The Smurf Show
Premiering in 1981, the Smurf Show, an unqualified hit gathering audience shares of 44 and 45, was credited with single handedly propelling NBC out if third place in the Saturday morning programming sweepstakes.
What is so special about the Smurfs? Besides being, cuddly, cute, and loveable, there is something very unusual about these blue characters. Cartoons are not typically known for their sensitivity to social issues and rarely do they bother to illustrate the consequences that result from a character's actions. But the Smurfs have proved that responsibility and education can be a winning combination when carefully developed with humor and kindness on a level children can understand.
The Smurf Show, a two-time Emmy winner for Outstanding Children's Entertainment Series, enters its 6th season with a strong commitment to excellence that continually challenges the Saturday morning competition.
The Smurf Show continues to maintain its enviable #1 position on Saturday morning TV!
Syndication
This fall, the long-awaited syndication of the Smurf Show to independent and mixed affiliated stations will reach children five days a week with half-hous segments geared for morning and popular after-school TV viewing.
Just how many children will be watching their favorite show, The Smurfs?
Households Watching
each Saturday morning: 12,500,00
over a 5-day week: 23,785,000
6-days-a-week! 36,285,000
Smurf Show Syndication represents 87% U.S. coverage
Appeal
In published surveys and independent outside studies it was confirmed that not only do the Smurfs continue to rank among the top three licensed characters in popularity but research studies also reveal a 98% recognition factor with moms and kids alike. Procter & Gamble recently took advantage of this tremendous opportunity by teaming up their Pampers brand with an exclusively designed Smurf toddler sweatshirt offer to 2,600,000 households with very successful results.
1986 Brings a new generation of 5-year-olds who now join their 10-year-old siblings as Smurf Show fans. It is expected that the number of children under the age of five will increase to 19 million by 1990 and the number of children between the ages of five and nine will climb to over 26 million. And don't forget that the very first generation of Smurf lovers! In the 1990's they will become purchasing adults who will be encouraging their own children to be Smurf lovers, too.
Fresh Approach
Four new Smurf characters joined the Smurf community last Fall to a rousing reception. These lively blue mischievous kids (three boys and a girl) dressed in bright colored clothing bring a new dimension of humor and adventure to the experiences in the mushroom village. The Smurflings have created a strong identification and added a valuable sense of freshness to the property further enhancing fan loyalty.
A very special first time only concept for Saturday morning TV launches the upcoming 6th season with an original all new 90-minute movie featuring a surprise mysterious guest who must lead the Smurfs to their destiny. Watch the excitement build as NBC uses prime viewing time to promote this new season premiere!
Smurfs on Tour
In the past 12 months, the Smurfs on Tour have sung and danced their way with appearances at malls, fairs and special events across the country reaching audiences of hundreds of thousands in over 90 cities. This year by enthusiastic demand Kings Productions expands their original offerings to three fully staged and professionally choreographed musical revues which will clearly increase the Smurf characters' visibility on a national scale.
Theme Parks
Kings Entertainment Company reports that attendance for all five theme parks is up by 100% in the 3-11 age group which is directly attributed to the 1984 arrival of the Smurf character attractions. This year over 10 million people are expected to visit these theme parks located in major market areas across the United States and including Canada.
Park Locations
Kings Island, Cincinnati, OH
Great America, Santa Clara, CA
Kings Dominion, Richmond VA
Canada's Wonderland, Toronto, Canada
Carowinds, Charlotte, NC
Ongoing Licensing Program
We are now just beginning to experience the recurring generation phenomenon that has been an essential ingredient for the European Smurf success story for over 30 years. Recent new introductions include Columbo Smurf Yogurt and American Home Foods Smurf Pasta line, clearly have resulted in increased sales dollars by combining quality products with our classic Smurf characters.
In today's crowded marketplace the strength of a lasting property distinctly demonstrates the advantage of a firm foundation and universal appeal that continues to attract companies with outstanding reputations who are fully committed to the future of the Smurf program.
DON'T LET ANOTHER GENERATION OF SMURF LOVERS PASS YOU BY
The Smurf Property
- #1 rated time spot for 5 seasons
- one of top 3 licensed characters in popularity
- positive character image
- exciting new characters & fresh ideas
- 30-year history of international success
- 98% recognition with moms and kids
- a brand new smurf generation of Smurf Lovers!
Contact Wallace Berrie Licensing
(818) 715-8710
6101 Variel Ave.
Woodland Hills, CA
