MUMBAI: Nick Jr. has taken the broadcast rights for Saban Brands? new animated preschool series Julius Jr. in US, Australia and New Zealand. The series will premiere on Nick Jr. this year.

Julius Jr. will be distributed internationally by MarVista Entertainment.

Following the adventures of a young version of Julius the Monkey, Julius Jr. will mark the first television vehicle for Paul Frank. Since its founding in 1997, in a Huntington Beach garage, the lifestyle fashion brand has become globally recognised for its fresh and irreverent designs and colourful cast of characters.

"This is an exciting next step for the Paul Frank brand, and for Saban Brands," said Saban Brands President Elie Dekel. "Julius Jr. will entertain and captivate millions of children and continue our tradition of creating new platforms on which to engage with our brands."

The series is built around hero Julius Jr., a funky monkey with a penchant for invention. Together with his best pals, Worry Bear, Sheree, Clancy and Ping, they build a playhouse out of a simple cardboard box.

But when they walk inside, to their surprise and delight they discover that ordinary objects magically come to life and amazing adventures are just a door away. Julius Jr. proves every day that the best inventions are the ones that help your friends.