Sony Pictures Animation’s beloved 2007 film Surf’s Up is officially riding a new wave — this time on the small screen. Thunderbird Entertainment Group’s Atomic Cartoons is developing Surf’s Up: The Series, an animated TV adaptation based on the Academy Award-nominated mockumentary comedy that charmed audiences nearly two decades ago.

The announcement has sparked excitement among fans of the original film, who fondly remember its quirky penguins, surf-culture satire, and heartfelt underdog story. With a fresh creative team, a brand-new protagonist, and the return of iconic characters like Cody Maverick, Chicken Joe, and Big Z, the project is being positioned as a modern continuation of one of Sony Animation’s most unique hits.

A Look Back: Why Surf’s Up Became a Cult Classic

Released in 2007, Surf’s Up stood out in a crowded animation field. While many animated films at the time leaned toward fairy tales or superhero adventures, Surf’s Up parodied the world of extreme sports documentaries. The story followed Cody Maverick, a teenage penguin from Shiverpool, Antarctica, who dreamed of becoming a professional surfer.

With its clever mockumentary format, interviews, and handheld-style camera animation, the film felt unlike anything else from major studios. Voice actors like Shia LaBeouf (Cody), Jeff Bridges (Big Z), Zooey Deschanel (Lani), and Jon Heder (Chicken Joe) added charm and humor to the project. The film was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, earning it a spot alongside Pixar’s Ratatouille and Sony’s own Surf’s Up recognition as an animation pioneer.

Although it didn’t dominate the box office, the movie built a passionate fanbase over the years, making it one of Sony Animation’s most fondly remembered titles.

What We Know About Surf’s Up: The Series

According to the official announcement, Surf’s Up: The Series is being developed by Atomic Cartoons, the award-winning studio behind hits like The Last Kids on Earth, Molly of Denali, and LEGO Star Wars. The show will feature 11-minute episodes, specifically targeting kids ages 6 to 9, but with plenty of nostalgic callbacks for fans of the original film.

Meet the New Hero: Flip

The TV series introduces a brand-new lead penguin named Flip, an overconfident teen surfer with dreams of becoming a surf legend. However, his reckless nature leads to hilarious wipeouts and chaotic adventures. Instead of simply chasing glory, Flip and his friends decide to build their own surf community on Pen Gu Island, blending comedy with themes of teamwork and resilience.

Returning Characters

Fans will be thrilled to know that the series will bring back Cody Maverick, Chicken Joe, and Big Z, ensuring continuity with the film while also expanding its world. These familiar faces will serve as mentors and comedic anchors as the new generation of surfers carves its own path.

The Creative Team Behind the Series

The series is being helmed by Lienne Sawatsky, Dan Williams, and John Hazlett, the same trio responsible for the animated comedy The Guava Juice Show. They’ll serve as writers and showrunners, bringing their knack for kid-friendly humor and fast-paced storytelling to the project.

On the production side, Jennifer Twiner McCarron, CEO and Chair of Thunderbird Entertainment, will executive produce, alongside Atomic Cartoons’ Joel Bradley and Aaron Behl, and Sony’s Rick Mischel. Kitty Walsh will act as co-executive producer for Atomic.

Atomic Cartoons has an impressive track record working with major brands like My Little Pony, LEGO, and CoComelon, ensuring that Surf’s Up: The Series is in experienced hands.

Why Now? Sony’s Strategy Behind the Revival

Bringing Surf’s Up back as a series seems like a strategic move from Sony Pictures Animation. In recent years, many studios have leaned into legacy IPs to reintroduce classics to new audiences. With animation streaming booming and kids’ content in constant demand, reviving a beloved but underutilized property like Surf’s Up is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

The show’s shorter runtime (11 minutes) also makes it a perfect fit for children’s programming blocks and streaming platforms, keeping episodes fun, fast, and bingeable. Moreover, the combination of humor, surfing culture, and family-friendly storytelling could help the series stand out in a market filled with sequels and reboots.

Can Surf’s Up: The Series Capture the Original’s Charm?

One of the biggest questions fans have is whether the new series can replicate the quirky, documentary-style humor that made the original film so unique. The 2007 movie’s success was rooted in its parody of sports docs like Riding Giants and Dogtown and Z-Boys. While the kids’ show format may not fully embrace that style, the creative team seems eager to blend humor, action, and heart in ways that appeal to both younger audiences and nostalgic fans.

If done right, Surf’s Up: The Series could introduce a whole new generation to Cody Maverick’s world while reigniting love for the franchise.

Atomic Cartoons’ Growing Influence

It’s worth noting that Atomic Cartoons has quickly become one of the most trusted names in children’s animation. With offices in Vancouver, Ottawa, and Los Angeles, the studio has collaborated on successful projects across streaming and broadcast platforms. Its parent company, Thunderbird Entertainment, has also expanded its global reach through divisions like Thunderbird Distribution and Thunderbird Brands, which handle international sales and merchandising.

This means Surf’s Up: The Series won’t just be a TV show — it’s also expected to come with a consumer products line, giving kids the chance to connect with the franchise through toys, apparel, and games.

Nearly two decades after its release, Surf’s Up remains one of the most original entries in Sony Pictures Animation’s catalog. By turning it into a kids’ TV series, Sony and Atomic Cartoons are betting on the enduring appeal of penguin surfers, heartfelt storytelling, and laugh-out-loud slapstick.

With a strong creative team, returning fan-favorite characters, and a new hero ready to make waves, Surf’s Up: The Series has the potential to capture both nostalgia and fresh excitement. Whether you loved Cody Maverick back in 2007 or you’re just discovering him now, the franchise’s next chapter is shaping up to be one worth riding along with.