At the 18th Annual Los Angeles Times Book Festival, the HUB Network took the opportunity to host a premiere screening of its popular animated series The Littlest Pet Shop. Knowing that our own daughters enjoy both the TV show and toys, Tee and I decided to bring them. The screening was held at the Ray Stark Theater within the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California. Prior to the screening, there was plenty of giggles and chatter from the other anxious children awaiting to see what type of dilemma Blythe Baxter or one of the pets would encounter. However, I was looking forward to the Q&A with Executive Producers and Head Writers Tim Cahill and Julie McNally-Cahill that would follow the screening. The couple also created My Gym Partner’s A Monkey. I was curious to discover how they developed humorous story ideas that appealed to both adults and children.
The Littlest Pet Shop originally began in 1992 as a series of Kenner toys, was acquired by Hasbro Studios, and has retained its popularity. Set in Downtown City (similar to New York City), Blythe and her father live on top of a day camp for pets of all types. In its first season, this wrap-up episode, “Summertime Blues,” finds Blythe doubting her decisions about pursuing her dreams as a fashion designer. Without giving away any spoilers, you’ll find Mrs. Twombly at her usual off-beat antics, trying to adapt to changes as they occur. At the same time, Blythe’s
dad, Roger, remains extremely supportive – at any cost. I love his character because he “gets it,” as far as trying his best to make things happen as a single dad!
In this episode, you’ll also see how friends will and won’t support you, despite the potential advantages that you could gain because of your absence. Indeed, Blythe is in pickle with her human and animal friends! More importantly in this second season, Tim Cahill says, “Blythe discovers if she has what it takes to be a fashion designer.”
Moderated by Los Angeles Times columnist Javen Phillips, the Q&A with Tim Cahill and Julie McNally-Cahill was enlightening. First and foremost, the Cahills own two cats and a dog. They also admit to talking to their pets on occasion. Don’t we all? Yep. The couple also developed a number of new characters on the show such as Russell (the hedgehog), as well as twin sisters Whittany and Brittany Biskit, whom the Cahills refer to as “life-size Darth Vaders.” The twin bullies are rich, mean girls out to make Blythe’s life horrible. Julie McNally-Cahill goes a step further adding, “They’re (Biskit twins) kind of a mine field that she (Blythe) has to navigate through.”
Executive Producers and Head Writers Tim Cahill and Julie McNally-Cahill with fans!
When asked how they developed story ideas, Tim Cahill responded, “Well, we kinda have the quirky humor that we incorporate from sitcoms like 30 Rock and Community, and we adapt them into what works for this format,” says Tim Cahill. Well, judging from the kids seated in this theater booing at the Biskit twins, while also laughing because of Blythe’s experiences with her humans and pets, the Cahills are brilliant.
Watch The Littlest Pet Shop, Saturday, April 27, 11:30am ET/8:30am PT.
– Penny
