Golden Books' licenses Lassie character for new TV series

NEW YORK, NY (BUSINESS WIRE) - Golden Books Family Entertainment today announced the return of Lassie as a prime- time weekly television series on Discovery Networks' Animal Planet channel. The 1990s version of the popular program is appearing Saturdays at 8 p.m.

"Lassie's appeal to children of all ages will enable Golden Books to develop a full range of family entertainment and merchandising products based on the new television series," said Leigh Ann Brodsky, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Golden Books Entertainment Group. "The enormous popularity of this character was demonstrated once again when TV Guide recently placed Lassie number 11 in its list of the 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time."

In Spring 1998, Golden Books will introduce several Lassie Look-Look books featuring scenes from the television show. Lassie merchandise will be sold in 134 Discovery and Nature Company stores throughout the United States.

"Animal Planet's mission is to provide high-quality, original programming that the entire family can enjoy," said Clark Bunting, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Animal Planet. "We are thrilled to be able to introduce a whole new generation to one of the most beloved characters in television history."

The program continues a television tradition that began in 1954 on CBS Television Network and continued for 17 consecutive seasons.

In addition to the new show, reruns of classic Lassie episodes can be seen on Animal Planet on Saturday mornings. Lassie has also starred in seven feature films including Lassie: Best Friends Forever, a 1994 Paramount release which won the Family Film Critics Award as well as the Parents' Choice Award and is a popular selection in Paramount's Family Favorites line.