ESME & ROY, THE FIRST NEW ANIMATED SERIES FROM THE MAKERS OF “SESAME STREET” IN MORE THAN A DECADE, DEBUTS THIS SATURDAY, AUG. 18 ON HBO IN THE U.S.

Show Promotes “Learning Through Play” And Mindfulness

ESME & ROY, the first new animated series from the makers of “Sesame Street“ in more than a decade, debuts on HBO in the U.S. this SATURDAY, AUG. 18 (9:30–10:00 a.m. ET/PT). The show follows a young girl, Esme, and her best monster friend, Roy, on their adventures as the best monster babysitters in Monsterdale. Aimed at children ages four to six, it offers a creative new approach to teaching “learning through play” and mindfulness strategies.

With loveable characters who spark strong emotional connections among preschoolers and parents alike, ESME & ROY invites children into a colorful world where even the littlest monsters can overcome big challenges together. Across 26 episodes, ESME & ROY will use the power of play to help younger monsters through familiar situations, including trying new foods and feeling scared during loud thunderstorms. Little viewers will look up to their new favorite monster-sitters as positive role models, learning how to manage strong emotions with simple mindfulness practices alongside ESME & ROY’s charges.

August’s episodes:

Episode #1

Debut date: SATURDAY, AUG. 18 (9:30–10:00 a.m. ET/PT)

“Monster Trucks!”: Esme and Roy are having a blast watching the car-loving monster Tillie, but when bath time rolls around, Tillie refuses to hop in the tub!

“Lunch Crunch”: When the house pet gobbles up Simon Swoozle’s favorite sandwich, Esme and Roy must show Simon the art of trying new foods.

Episode #2

Debut date: SATURDAY, AUG. 25 (9:30–10:00 a.m.)

“Dark and Stormy Knight”: A storm is coming, and Esme and Roy are watching the huggable monster Snugs, but Snugs is scared of the thunderstorms!

“Two Can Play at That Game”: Frank and Franny, the Bleederblop twins, are eager to play, but want to play different games. How can Esme and Roy help them have fun together?

September’s episodes:

Episode #3

Debut date: SATURDAY, SEPT. 1 (9:30–10:00 a.m. ET/PT)

“Noisy Naptime”: The Monster Sitters are watching Hugo, the musically-inclined Ooga monster, while his baby sister Fig gets her nap. But Hugo has a hard time staying quiet! Esme and Roy find a low-key game for Hugo so his baby sister can get her beauty sleep.

“The Hugo Express”: When Esme and Roy get to Hugo’s house, his father tells them they need to keep the house extra-clean. But when the three get wrapped up playing trains, they make a huge mess! Can the Monster Sitters find a fun way to clean up before Daddy Ooga gets home?

Episode #4

Debut date: SATURDAY, SEPT. 8 (9:30–10:00 a.m.)

“Gentle, Gentle”: She’s strong! She’s mighty! She’s…teeny tiny? Esme and Roy are watching Fig, the littlest Ooga monster, who is very strong for her size. When Fig comes across Roy’s monster pet, Dumpling, she wants to squeeze Dumpling too tight! Esme and Roy use quick thinking — and a guinea pig costume! — to show Fig the strength in being gentle.

“The Case of the Missing Cuddles”: Esme and Roy are watching Snugs. Just before bedtime, they realize Snugs’ favorite stuffed toy is missing — and Snugs can’t sleep without it! With a little ingenuity and some Sherlock Holmes flair, Esme and Roy search for the missing toy.

Episode #5

Debut date: SATURDAY, SEPT. 15 (9:30–10:00 a.m.)

“Supermarket Match”: Esme and Roy are watching Tillie at the supermarket when she starts grabbing anything and everything in the store! Esme and Roy use their knowledge of matching — and some awesome teamwork — to create a game that’ll focus Tillie’s energy and make grocery shopping the best part of the day.

“Imitation Frustration”: It’s a beautiful day, so Esme and Roy take Hoozlewoo siblings Sid and Lucy to the park. But when Sid starts copying everything Lucy does, Lucy gets frustrated, because she wants to do her own thing. Esme and Roy flip the script with a playground game that helps everyone have a great time!

Episode #6

Debut date: SATURDAY, SEPT. 22 (9:30–10:00 a.m.)

“Hugo, We Have a Problem”: It’s a rainy day, so Esme and Roy are taking Hugo and baby Fig to the planetarium! When Fig refuses to put on her raingear, Esme and Roy use their love of play and crafty know-how to get Fig ready in time for blast-off.

“A New Chapter”: Esme and Roy are watching Simon, who can’t wait to read the next book in his favorite series. But Grammy Swoozle accidentally takes the book with her when she leaves! Esme and Roy use their imaginations and love of stories to find a solution where everyone lives happily ever after.

Episode #7

Debut date: SATURDAY, SEPT. 29 (9:30–10:00 a.m.)

“Game Plan”: It’s time for Monster Scout Camp, and Esme and Roy are helping Tillie get ready for her first day. But Tillie keeps getting distracted — she wants to keep playing! Thankfully, the Monster Sitters know just the game to get her focused, while still having fun…but will Tillie make it out the door before the bus arrives?

“A Way to Play”: Simon and Tillie are coming by Monster Sitters’ HQ for a playdate, but the neat-and-tidy Simon and the rambunctious and messy Tillie have trouble finding a game they can both enjoy. Thankfully, Esme and Roy find a fun (and colorful!) solution to help them find the perfect balance of messy and neat.

ESME & ROY will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and partners’ streaming portals.

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