EXCLUSIVE: Apple TV+‘s Kids operations underwent layoffs today. The cuts impacted eight people across music, production, development, a fraction of the overall staff involved in kids content, Deadline has learned.
The layoffs come amid a shift at Apple TV+, which sunsetted its deal with Skydance Animation and is ramping up its own animated film pipeline, starting with the recently announced first original Peanuts feature film under the streamer’s long-term deal with WildBrain.
The staffers affected by the layoffs are leaving as part of Apple’s evolving plans in the arena, according a source close to Apple.
Unlike other streamers which have signaled a retreat in kids programming and animation, Apple TV+, which has released more than 60 original kids titles since its 2019 launch, remains committed to the genre, with nearly 40 titles rolling out over the next couple years.
Last year, Apple TV+ won an Oscar for the animated short film The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse and landed a record 27 Children’s & Family Emmy Award nominations, with Tara Sorensen, Apple TV+ head of children’s programming, named Silver Circle inductee.