Group Nine To Make TV Debut With Dodo-Produced Series On Animal Planet

The Dodo, a Group Nine-owned digital media brand focused on all things animals, is headed to linear television with a new Animal Planet series tentatively titled Dodo Heroes.

Dodo Heroes marks Group Nine’s first-ever TV project, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Produced in association with Nomadica Films and slated to premiere next year, the series will showcase inspiring people who go to extreme lengths to help animals in need — a theme that The Dodo frequently covers on its various channels, including Facebook, where it counts 17.8 million followers. One episode will follow a British Royal Marine who has united more than 700 street dogs with soldiers in Afghanistan, and another will introduce a doctor who builds animal prosthetics.

As part of the deal, Animal Planet and The Dodo will also collaborate on digital programming for their respective platforms as well.

“These are compelling and moving stories about the powerful relationship between animals and people,” Animal Planet president Susanna Dinnage told the Reporter in a statement, “and together we are proud to share them around the globe on every screen.”

Group Nine is backed by Discovery Communications, which also owns Animal Planet. In addition to The Dodo, the digital media giant also comprises sister brands Thrillist, NowThis,  and Seeker. Group Nine acquired comedy-centric production company Jash last month, and also closed a $40 million funding round to continue to build its digital video arsenal.