Traveling to the wonderful world of Oz normally requires something dramatic, like a wayward tornado. But next month a ticket to Oz will be available with your regular Amazon Prime subscription, courtesy of a new Amazon Original kids’ series called Lost in Oz.
Based on L. Frank Baum’s beloved Oz books, Lost in Oz will actually serve as an expansion on an Amazon Original special that’s already available to stream. The original Lost in Oz special debuted back in 2015, introducing 12-year-old Dorothy Gale as she’s transported, via magical tornado, to the world of Oz. Starring the voice talents of Ashley Boettcher, Gina Gershon, Allison Mack, and Jorge Diaz, Lost in Oz follows Dorothy, Toto, and friends as she tries to find a way home. The new installment will split the existing hour-plus special into three parts, then add 10 new episodes as well.
Dorothy’s going to have her work cut out for her when it comes to getting back home to Kansas. After traveling to the “bustling, modern metropolis” that is the Emerald City, Dorothy learns that Oz is suffering from something of a magic shortage at the moment. With help from her allies West, Ojo, Reigh the Lion, Scarecrow, and Glinda the Good, Dorothy will have to gather samples from every element on Oz’s “periodic table of magic.” Hopefully it’s smaller than our own periodic table, otherwise this could take a while…
Tara Sorensen, head of kids programming at Amazon Studios, said:
We’re excited for families everywhere to experience the magic of this serialized action-adventure comedy, led by a fearless female character and featuring a diverse group of friends. The Lost in Oz pilot and the extended special were extremely popular with young viewers and parents alike, and the new series, poised to be the next Oz-based classic, serves up even more fun for fans.
Just like the competition over at Netflix, Amazon has put a significant focus on developing original children’s series, in addition to their lineup of original comedies, dramas, films, and documentary series. Baum’s Oz mythology is rich with wonderful characters and magical places, most of which still haven’t been explored on the screen yet. Lost in Oz looks to be giving the land over the rainbow a modern spin, but it could still be great fun for Oz fans old and young. The original Lost in Oz special won three Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Children’s Animated Program, so clearly the creative team knows what they’re doing.
Lost in Oz will premiere its 10 new episodes on August 7. The series is recommended for children ages 6 to 11.
