HBO Max ain’t playing, there have been a bunch of announcements coming from the upcoming streaming service. Today’s announcement focuses on their children’s programming ambitions. It’s truly starting to look like they are going for as broad a market as possible while keeping true to their HBO programming roots as well. Now, I don’t know if it’s my jealousy speaking here or perhaps I’m old, but I didn’t even understand half the stuff in today’s Press release. Craftopia and Karma are two kids based competition series that will be hosted by “Social Media Mavens” – Lauren Riihimaki, aka LaurDIY. I have zero clue who these two are but apparently have over 21 million followers on YouTube.
Michelle Khare host of Karma. Photo Credit Photo Credit: Tony Moux. Image provided by HBO Max Publicity
Karma, currently in production, takes sixteen contestants, ranging in age from 12 to 15, completely off the grid to solve puzzles and overcome physical challenges, with the laws of karma setting the rules. This adventure competition series hosted by YouTube sensation Michelle Khare, will test the mental and physical stamina of its young contestants as they unravel how their social actions impact their success in the game. Focus, giving, humility, growth, connection, change and patience are the path to becoming the “Karma Champion.” But more importantly, the players learn one of life’s most profound lessons: “What you give out, you get back.”
Karma is executive produced by JD Roth, Adam Greener and Sara Hansemenn for GoodStory Entertainment with Fred Pichel serving as showrunner and executive producer.
Lauren Riihimaki, Host of Craftopia. Photo Credit: Lauren Riihimaki. Image provided by HBO Max Publicity
Craftopia is an epic kids crafting competition show hosted and executive produced by Lauren Riihimaki, who was deemed the “millennial Martha Stewart” by Forbes. On
Craftopia, 9 to 15-year old contestants put their imaginations to the test and make their crafting dreams come true in a magical studio. After racing to fill up their carts with inspiring materials from the studio “store,” crafters meet larger-than-life challenges, making the most amazing creations the world has ever seen. Production will begin later this year.
Craftopia is executive produced by Rhett Bachner and Brien Meagher for B17 Entertainment.