Global animation producer Superprod Animation and its Milan-based company Red Monk Studio have launched production on their new CG-animated series “Underdog,” a reimagining of the classic 1959 cartoon franchise. The series was commissioned by M6 and Gulli in France and Rai in Italy.

This new version of “Underdog” will feel familiar to fans of the 1960s original that endured in syndication for decades across networks including NBC, CBS and Nickelodeon.

Superprod and Red Monk will produce 52 11-minute episodes of the new series, which will be aimed at kids and family audiences and follow the crimefighting antics of Underdog, a clumsy but well-meaning superhero in an oversized suit and cape. According to producers, the updated series will include humor similar to its predecessor while extolling many of the same virtues, such as teamwork, courage, and perseverance. Production will be executed out of Superprod Group’s studios in France and Italy.

The “Underdog...