Kermit, Piggy, Gonzo and the gang will be back in Disney’s reimagined Muppet Babies series, which has begun production and is set to bow on Disney Junior in early 2018. The CG-animated series is a co-production of Disney Junior, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media’s Content & Media group.

“We are proud, and a little bit giddy, to begin production on our new version of the much-loved Muppet Babies,” said Nancy Kanter, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide. “Parents will delight in seeing their favorite Muppets in the mixed animation style they remember from the original series, and kids will be introduced to this warm and zany world made just right for the Disney Junior audience.”

The new series will be geared toward kids 4-7, with each episode featuring two 11-minute stories. Plots will focus on adventure themes, like the Muppet Babies building a time machine or flying through outer space. Disney Junior says the stories are “designed to highlight creative and critical thinking skills by harnessing the power and potential of imaginative play.”

“Bringing Muppet Babies to Disney Junior is a wonderful opportunity to reach a new generation of viewers and to creatively build on the innovative original series,” said Debbie McClellan, Vice President, The Muppets Studio. “We hope to engage and delight the nostalgic fans while also entertaining new kids, parents and diverse audiences through heart and humor as only the Muppets can deliver.” The Muppets Studio, the announcement noted, recognized a demand for Muppet Babies by “insights gleaned from the digital and social media channels that are run by DCPI’s Content & Media group.”

Tom Warburton (The 7D) will serve as executive producer and Emmy Award-winner Eric Shaw (SpongeBob SquarePants) is story editor.