A former Nickelodeon animator, who received multiple Emmy nominations, has started a new studio inspired by values meant to create uplifting animated content for children amidst a gloomy world. Butch Hartman, known for hit shows like Fairly OddParents, went on to create Danny Phantom, Tough Puppy, and Bunsen Is a Beast. Throughout his career, he accumulated accolades such as three Daytime Emmy nominations and four Primetime Emmy nominations, among others, before parting ways with Nickelodeon in 2018.
After his time at Nickelodeon, Hartman worked on a series called The Garden Cartoon that featured Biblical themes. In 2025, he established Butch Hartman Studio, aiming to infuse much-needed positivity into the entertainment landscape.
“Hollywood has never been a moral center,” Hartman mentioned in an interview, acknowledging his own flaws and the need for a savior. He emphasized that many children, who may never step foot in a church, are often in front of screens. As a creator, he feels it’s vital to choose content that either uplifts or detracts from their well-being.
The studio currently has at least four projects underway. One of them, a second season of The Garden Cartoon, follows best friends Lenny the Lion and Lucy the Lamb on their adventures in the Miracle Garden. The stories are designed to impart Biblical lessons.
Another project, Two by Two, approaches the Biblical story of Noah through humorous skits aimed at tweens and young adults. Hartman is also developing a series titled Opossum Pole, which features a young opossum delivering Jesus’ message. Additionally, another film titled Dragon Drive-Thru revolves around three dragons running a fast-food restaurant while dealing with a pig who seeks to sabotage their efforts.
While some projects more overtly reflect Biblical themes, all are intended to be family-friendly and value-oriented. “Our job is to shine a light in dark entertainment spaces,” Hartman expressed.
Having come to faith in Christ at age 35, Hartman reflected on merging his career with his beliefs. He understood the need for wisdom in his endeavors, aiming to encourage positive values through his work without making them too overt. He noted that while plenty of entertainment exists for adults within the Christian sphere, options aimed at kids are considerably limited.
“We want to nurture children early to help shield them from potential trauma,” he said, pointing out that awareness is crucial as children are often targets for harmful influences.
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First publication date is February 27, 2026.
