Netflix slinging first original kids series hopes on animated slug

Netflix announced Tuesday that it teamed up with DreamWorks for its first original series geared toward a younger demographic.

Starting in December, Netflix will start airing the new series "Turbo: F.A.S.T.," produced by DreamWorks Animation and based on the upcoming animated film "Turbo."

Here's the basic premise: the show, like the film, will follow the exploits of Turbo, a snail imbued with super speed. While the film will see Turbo trying to compete in the Indianapolis 500, the Netflix original series will pick up where the movie left off as Turbo travels the world for new races and stunts to pull off.

Yes, it's aimed at a very immature audience, but animation-loving adults (particularly parents) should be happy to hear that along with the first Netflix original series for kids, all new DreamWorks Animation films will become available through Netflix starting with the studio's 2013 lineup.

Streaming to a new generation

Netflix launched its first original series last year with "Lilyhammer," which received a mixed reception.

More recently, Netflix put out another original series, "House of Cards," a Kevin Spacey-led drama that's met a much more positive response from fans and critics alike.

In fact, Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said during the D: Dive Into Mobile event today that the show is the service's most watched title, though he declined to give specific numbers.

Netflix is certainly on a role, with CEO of Sony Corporation of America Michael Lynton saying it, along with DVRs, has "fundamentally changed the creative nature of [content] in a spectacular way," a comment he made during a different Dive Into Mobile session.

Granted he was talking about long-form dramas, but perhaps "Turbo" is the key to Netflix revolutionizing every genre of small screen entertainment.

DreamWorks isn't bashful about its partnership or Netflix's potential either.

"Netflix boasts one of the largest and fastest-growing audiences in kids television," DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg added.

"They pioneered a new model for TV dramas with 'House of Cards,' and now together, we're doing the same thing with kids' programming. DreamWorks is thrilled to be part of the television revolution."