Peyo Productions Starts Production on New Smurfs Season
The animated series will return with 52 new episodes beginning in late 2027.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Animation
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Peyo Productions and Ellipse Animation have commenced production on a new season of The Smurfs. The upcoming 52-episode run is scheduled to debut in two parts starting in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Why it matters
The production expansion allows for continued engagement with the franchise ahead of significant milestones. This rollout ensures a steady stream of content leading into the 2028 anniversary year for the brand.
The new season features 52 episodes with each running for 11 minutes. This follows a global licensing deal signed by Nickelodeon in 2020.
The players
Peyo Productions
This is the production company, formerly known as IMPS, responsible for managing the Smurfs franchise.
Ellipse Animation
A studio that is co-producing the new season of the animated series.
William Renaud
He is the director tasked with overseeing the production of the new season.
Nickelodeon
This major television network holds the global licensing rights for the animated series.
The details
Directed by William Renaud, the series features characters including Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Jokey, and Storm. The animation is handled by Ellipse Animation and Dreamwall as part of a co-production effort.
Timeline
Nickelodeon signed a global licensing deal for the series in 2020.
The production company rebranded from IMPS to Peyo Company in June 2024.
The first half of the new season premieres in the fourth quarter of 2027.
The remaining episodes will premiere in 2028.
Industry Dynamics
This production push aligns with the lead-up to the 2028 anniversary year for the franchise. It mirrors industry strategies that use milestone celebrations to coordinate content rollouts and maintain global audience interest.
Viewers can expect the new season to air in two distinct parts starting in late 2027. These episodes will be available through the distribution channels managed by Nickelodeon.
The takeaway
The sustained production of short-form episodes demonstrates the continued commercial viability of classic animation franchises. Fans should look for new content leading into the 2028 anniversary celebrations.
What happens next
The first half of the new episodes will premiere in the fourth quarter of 2027, followed by the second half of the season in 2028.
Further reading
For more on the latest updates in the industry, visit the Animation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Animation World Network.
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