HBO Max has given a series order to Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake, an all-new half-hour young adult animated series starring the fearless sword-wielding adventurer, Fionna, and her magical best friend and talking cat, Cake.
Produced by Cartoon Network Studios, the ten-episode series will explore their relationship and the mysterious land of Ooo. Adam Muto (Adventure Time, Adventure Time: Distant Lands specials) will serve as showrunner and executive producer.
Fionna and Cake — with the help of the former Ice King, Simon Petrikov — embark on a multiverse-hopping adventure and journey of self-discovery.
All the while a powerful new antagonist determined to track them down and erase them from existence, lurks in the shadows.
“Adventure Time truly broke the mold and earned legions of passionate fans in the process,” said Billy Wee, SVP, Comedy and Original Animation, HBO Max.
“We are thrilled to partner with our friends at Cartoon Network Studios to continue innovating and expanding the Adventure Time universe with this world class team.”
Sam Register, President, Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios said: “‘Adventure Time’ broke boundaries and was a shining example of how impactful animated storytelling can be. We are excited to partner with HBO Max to carry that tradition on to new heights, lands and magical worlds.”
Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake represents the next chapter of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning Adventure Time franchise on HBO Max, following its four critically acclaimed one-hour original specials, Adventure Time: Distant Lands. The fourth and final special, Wizard City, will be coming this fall.
In other HBO news, unscripted series Painting with John has been renewed for a second season. Season one debuted in January of this year.
Nina Rosenstein, executive vice president, HBO Programming, said: “There’s something so hypnotic and captivating about John’s style. He’s a brilliant raconteur with many more stories to tell, and we can’t get enough of them.”
John Lurie, writer, director and star, added: “My hope is to make a TV show where people see it and say, ‘I have no idea what I just saw, but I couldn’t stop watching it and it was wonderful.’ I think I can get there in season two.”
Season one of Painting with John featured musician, actor, director and painter John Lurie ensconced at his worktable, honing his intricate watercolor techniques and sharing reflections on what he’s learned about life.
Combining images of Lurie’s paintings, original music, and irreverent point of view on tapping into your childlike artist side, his overall ambivalence toward fame, and more, the series serves as a reminder to prioritize a little time every day for creativity, fun and a bit of mischief.
Season one episodes are currently available to stream on HBO Max.