Karma's World Explained

Creator:Chris Bridges
Based On:The Karma's World educational website created by Ludacris
Endtheme:Welcome to Karma's World (instrumental)
Language:English
Num Seasons:4
Num Episodes:40
Runtime:13 minutes (per episode)
Network:Netflix

Karma's World is an animated musical comedy television series created by Chris Bridges and developed by Wendy Harris, Rachel Kalban, and Jennie Stacey for Netflix. It was released on October 15, 2021.[1]

Produced by 9 Story Media Group in Canada and Brown Bag Films in Ireland, and animated by its Bali studio subsidiary, the series is loosely based on an educational website of the same name created in 2009 by Karma’s World Entertainment, a consortium created by Ludacris specifically for his eldest daughter, Karma Bridges, whose name and inspiration he cited in interviews as the core reason behind his creation of the series.[2] Netflix renewed Karma's World for a second season, which was released on March 10, 2022.[3] Season 3 was released on July 7, 2022.[4] The fourth season was released on September 22, 2022.

Premise

The series follows the story of Karma Grant, a young girl who begins middle school and learns that through her music she can stay "true to herself" instead of letting challenges push her down.

Characters

Main

Supporting

Episodes

Season 4 (2022)

Production

The series is produced by the Bali studio subsidiary of Brown Bag Films and Creative Affairs Group, both subsidiaries of 9 Story Media Group, and Karma's World Entertainment, Ludacris' consortium/production company.[7] [8] Apart from Ludacris, Vince Commisso, Cathal Gaffney, Wendy Harris, Darragh O'Connell, Angela C. Santomero, Jennie Stacey are also executive producers for the series, while Danielle Gillis, Lorraine Morgan, and Lisa O'Connor are producers. They are joined by Bronagh O'Hanlon as the show director and Elaine A. Lugo Herrera as art director. Additionally, the show's head writer is Halcyon Person.

On October 13, 2020, Netflix announced the green-lighting of the series with a 40-episode order, each of which would be 11 minutes long.[9] [10] The series was targeted at children who are 6–9 years old.[11] Ludacris also claimed that the show would "move hip hop culture forward" by showing young girls they can change the world with the tools at their disposal.[12]

On June 14, 2021, a sneak peek of the series was shown at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.[13] At the festival, Ludacris said he hoped that the show would be something that has a "a long-lasting impression" on children. Person, on the same panel, argued that the show, set in a fictional neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, said that the series includes a diversity of "hair texture and diversity of skin tones" in order to make sure all kinds of characters are celebrated, and argued that the series "models great behavior" for children.[14] [15]

The official trailer for the series was released on September 23, 2021.[16] [17]

The show's first episode premiered on YouTube on October 4, 2021.[18]

The show's first season premiered on 15 October 2021.[19] All 15 episodes of the season premiered on the same day[20] and that day, the series premiered on Netflix across the world.[21] Before the show's premiere, Ludacris said that the show was inspired by his eldest daughter, Karma. He also said that he tried to "make every single character unique" and hoped that his daughter would be able to guest star on the show in the future. He additionally said that having positive roles and "different ethnicities" he tool from the Fast & Furious franchise.

On November 5, 2021, Ludacris told Billboard that the show had been "close to 14 years in the making" and hoped that would be a show for everyone, kids and adults. He said that he believed the series would change "young people’s lives for the better."[22]

On November 8, 2021, Person told Essence about how with Karma they tried to celebrate her hairstyle and everyone's, working "really hard to try and get right" in order to have "authentic storytelling." She also noted that she and writers she worked with collaborated to address microaggressions, working with an organization named the Perception Institute, which analyzes people's perceptions as they're watching media. She also praised Netflix for giving them the opportunity to tell these stories about Black culture.[23]

On March 10, 2022, the show's second season premiered on Netflix. All eight episodes premiered the same day.

On July 7, 2022, the show's third season premiered on July 7, 2022. All nine episodes premiered on the same day.[4]

On September 22, 2022, the show's fourth season premiered on September 22, 2022. All eight episodes premiered on the same day.[4]

In December 2022, Darnell Lamont Walker, writer for the Season 3 episode "Friendship In a Flash", was interviewed by BET, said that working on the series was "incredible", that it was his "first real job as a children’s writer", and noted that episodes like the one he wrote were "important", especially for those with dyslexia.[24] Walker had joined the show's writing team in 2019,[25] and later said that the episode aired over two years after he wrote it.[26] He was later nominated, along with the show's writing team, for Outstanding Writing for an Animated Program at the 1st Children's and Family Emmy Awards.

Music

The show's original music and sound design are supervised and created by Ludacris and James Bennett Jr., while Gerald Keys is a producer. Songs tackle issues such as discrimination, body positivity, self-esteem, friendship, family, and differences.[27] [28] [29] The show's theme song, "Welcome to Karma’s World", is sung by Asiahn, the voice actress for Karma.[30]

On September 14, 2021, Ludacris unveiled the show's soundtrack, which was released by Universal Music Group through its Def Jam label on the same date as the show's Netflix premiere.[31] [32]

Merchandise

Books

In March 2021, 9 Story Media Group and Karma's World Entertainment started a deal with Scholastic Corporation, with the books planned to be released between January and March 2022 to accompany the Netflix series. All three books were co-written by Person.[33] In an October 2021 interview, Ludacris noted that a Karma's World entitled Daddy and Me and the Rhyme to Be was coming out. Apart from the aforementioned book, currently the juvenile fiction books The Great Shine-A-Thon Showcase, and Viral Video Showdown, and journal Karma's World Creativity Journal: Freestyling With Friends are listed on the Scholastic website.[34]

Toys

In April 2021, 9 Story and Karma's World Entertainment signed a deal with Mattel to develop a toy line for the franchise, including dolls, "doll accessories," and other elements.[35] In March 2022, it was announced that the dolls would be released in the summer of 2022.[36]

Clothing

In February 2022, FIT's Design and Technology Lab (DTech) announced a deal with Karma's World Entertainment and 9 Story to create a 50-piece fashion set for children which was inspired by the series, including dresses, jackets, and footwear.[37] 9 Story called it a "unique partnership."[38] Essence called it a "fashion-forward" collection, while one of the designers, Hawwaa Ibrahim, said they were grateful for the opportunity to apply their skills.[39]

Other merchandise

9 Story and Karma's World Entertainment have announced planned expansions of the franchise beyond books, toys, and clothing. In November 2021, 9 Story noted that the franchise would be expanded to bags, backpacks, consumer electronics, skateboards, and other materials.[40]

Reception

The series has been received positively. Joly Herman of Common Sense Media described the series as "top-shelf", saying that it has "creative, fully fleshed-out characters" and has the characters artfully face "heartfelt, complex issues." Herman also argued that the series is "full of empowering moments" and said that it uses art to "inspire, empower, and elevate through storytelling," calling it an excellent series for "young tweens."[41] Claretta Bellamy of NBC News stated that the show's second season tackles challenges such as personal space and body shaming in a way that "both entertains and allows for kids to comprehend."[42]

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResultRef.
2021 Outstanding Children's Program Karma's World [43] [44]
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television) Ludacris – Karma's World
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television) Halcyon Person – Karma's World
20221st Children's and Family Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing for an Animated ProgramKarma's World[45]

Notes and References

  1. Vorrasi-Banis. Lacey. Ludacris' new Netflix show, Karma's World, is an animated love letter to his daughter. EW. October 16, 2021. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220201213713/https://ew.com/tv/ludacris-show-karmas-world-is-animated-love-letter-to-his-daughter/. February 1, 2022. live.
  2. Web site: Netflix Drops 'Karma's World' Trailer. Animation World Network. September 27, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211019031319/https://www.awn.com/news/netflix-drops-karmas-world-trailer. October 19, 2021. live. April 18, 2022.
  3. March 10, 2022 . Karma's World Season 2 Now Streaming on Netflix Worldwide! . New York City. 9 Story Media Group. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220313064537/https://9story.com/karmas-world-season-2-now-streaming-on-netflix-worldwide/. March 13, 2022. live.
  4. Web site: 'Karma's World' Season 3 Exclusive Trailer: Netflix's Hit Children's Series from Ludacris is Back . June 18, 2022 . February 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220701164841/https://www.shadowandact.com/karmas-world-season-3-exclusive-trailer-netflixs-hit-childrens-series-from-ludacris-is-back . July 1, 2022 . live.
  5. Web site: Milligan. Mercedes. Trailer: 'Karma's World' Brings a Positive Beat to Netflix. Animation Magazine. September 23, 2021. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20211005210447/https://www.animationmagazine.net/streaming/trailer-karmas-world-brings-a-positive-beat-to-netflix/. 5 October 2021. live.
  6. Web site: Germain. Tabie. 2023 NAACP Image Awards: Experience Keke Palmer's Magic Behind the Mic: Her Most Unforgettable Voiceover Performances Yet!. BET. February 7, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230220013222/https://www.bet.com/article/d4h5kq/2023-naacp-image-awards-keke-palmer-voiceover-nominee. February 20, 2023. live.
  7. Web site: Karma's World. Brown Bag Films. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20211226093847/https://www.brownbagfilms.com/work/karmas-world. December 26, 2021. live.
  8. Web site: Karma's World. 9 Story. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20211226080607/https://9story.com/portfolio/karmas-world/. December 26, 2021. live.
  9. Shin. Sophia. 13 October 2020. Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges Brings His New Animated Musical Kids Series Karma's World to Netflix . Los Gatos, California. Netflix. Karma's World Entertainment, 9 Story Media Group, Brown Bag Films. 18 April 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20210627225840/https://about.netflix.com/en/news/chris-ludacris-bridges-brings-his-new-animated-musical-kids-series-karmas . June 27, 2021 . live.
  10. Web site: Sarto. Dan. Netflix Greenlights Ludacris' 'Karma's World' Animated Musical Kids' Series. Animation World Network. October 13, 2020. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20201021104934/https://www.awn.com/news/netflix-greenlights-ludacris-karmas-world-animated-musical-kids-series. October 21, 2020. live.
  11. Web site: Netflix to stream Ludacris' animated series 'Karma's World'. UPI. October 14, 2020. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20210807064406/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2020/10/14/Netflix-to-stream-Ludacris-animated-series-Karmas-World/2671602673925/. August 7, 2021. live.
  12. Web site: Ludacris' Animated Series 'Karma's World' Is Headed to Netflix. Complex. October 13, 2020. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20210116123611/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2020/10/netflix-orders-ludacris-karmas-world-animated-series. January 16, 2021. live.
  13. 13 June 2021. Coming Up: Annecy Panel – Netflix Kids & Family Animation Sneak Peek. New York City. 9 Story Media Group. 18 April 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20210613222656/https://9story.com/coming-up-annecy-panel-netflix-kids-family-animation-sneak-peek/. 13 June 2021. live.
  14. Web site: Annecy: Chris "Ludacris" Bridges Hopes His 'Karma's World' Series Will "Have a Long-Lasting Impression on the Soul". The Hollywood Reporter. June 14, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20220107080710/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/annecy-chris-ludacris-bridges-hopes-his-karmas-world-series-will-leave-lasting-impression-on-the-soul-1234967623/. January 7, 2022. live.
  15. Web site: Tartaglione. Nancy. 'Karma's World': Ludacris Talks Animated Netflix Series Inspired By His Daughter; New Images – Annecy. Deadline. June 14, 2021. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20211115212817/https://deadline.com/2021/06/karmas-world-series-ludacris-netflix-new-images-1234774635/. November 15, 2021. live.
  16. Web site: Inman. Demicia. First Look: Ludacris Shares Trailer For Netflix Animated Series 'Karma's World'. Vibe. September 23, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211026144125/https://www.vibe.com/news/movies-tv/ludacris-series-karmas-world-trailer-1234629649/. October 26, 2021. live.
  17. Web site: Maglio. Tony. Watch the Trailer for Ludacris' Animated Kids Show, 'Karma's World' (Video). The Wrap. September 23, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20220105101812/https://www.thewrap.com/ludacris-karmas-world-trailer-animated-kids-show-netflix-video/. January 5, 2022. live.
  18. October 4, 2021. Karma's World 'I Am Karma' Episode Now Available on Netflix Futures YouTube Channel. New York City. . April 18, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181621/https://9story.com/karmas-world-i-am-karma-episode-now-available-on-netflix-futures-youtube-channel/ . October 27, 2021. live.
  19. Web site: Netflix Drops Music Video, Premiere Date for 'Karma's World' from Ludacris. Animation Magazine. 10 September 2021. 18 April 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20210912020015/https://www.animationmagazine.net/streaming/netflix-drops-music-video-premiere-date-for-karmas-world-from-ludacris/. September 12, 2021. live.
  20. Web site: 'Karma's World' Trailer Reveals Ludacris' Animated Series About a Girl Using Music to Change the World. Collider. September 23, 2021. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20211009034058/https://collider.com/karmas-world-trailer-ludacris-netflix/. October 9, 2021. live.
  21. Tabarsi. Anahita. January 18, 2022. Karma's World NOW Streaming on Netflix!. Dublin, Ireland. Brown Bag Labs. Brown Bag Films. February 18, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230218150831/https://www.brownbagfilms.com/labs/entry/karmas-world-now-on-netflix. February 18, 2023. live.
  22. Bridges . Christopher Brian . Ludacris . Darlene Aderoju . 'There Are No Words' to Express Ludacris' Joy About Executive Producing New Children's Show 'Karma's World' . . November 2, 2021 . April 18, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211222225102/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/ludracris-karmas-world-interview-executive-producer-9651062/ . December 22, 2021 . live.
  23. Web site: Brown. D'Shonda. How Netflix's 'Karma's World' Addresses Microaggressions Black Girls Experience With Their Hair. Essence. November 8, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211223125543/https://www.essence.com/hair/karmas-world-hair-comes-trouble/. December 23, 2021. live.
  24. Web site: Gist. Jon. Behind The Scenes: Get To Know Darnell Lamont Walker, Emmy-Nominated Writer From Netflix's 'Karma's World'. BET. December 8, 2022. February 18, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230115101227/https://www.bet.com/article/lrgepi/get-to-know-darnell-lamont-walker-emmy-nominated-writer-from-netflix-karmas-world. January 15, 2023. live.
  25. News: Sathe . Jane . December 9, 2022 . Charlottesville television writer, team await Emmy results Saturday . . February 18, 2023 . subscription . https://web.archive.org/web/20230115215606/https://dailyprogress.com/entertainment/television/charlottesville-television-writer-team-await-emmy-results-saturday/article_2d316906-781b-11ed-b752-0bff579fb642.html . January 15, 2023 . live.
  26. Davenport . Sarad . November 28, 2021 . Living Beyond the Limitations: A Conversation with Darnell Lamont Walker . Vinegar Hill magazine . . February 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220111195716/https://vinegarhillmagazine.com/23230-2/ . January 11, 2022 . live.
  27. Web site: Ramos. Dino-Ray. 'Karma's World': Ludacris Brings Animated Series Inspired By His Daughter To Netflix. Deadline. October 13, 2020. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20211019025713/https://deadline.com/2020/10/karmas-world-chris-ludacris-bridges-animated-9-story-media-group-karmas-world-entertainment-1234596477/. October 19, 2021. live.
  28. Web site: Duncan-Smith. Nicole. Ludacris To Executive Produce A New Animated Series 'Karma's World'. BET. October 13, 2020. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220418214607/https://www.bet.com/article/1m6vjj/ludacris-to-executive-produce-series-karma-s-world. April 18, 2022. live.
  29. Web site: Thorne. Will. Ludacris Sets Animated Series 'Karma's World' at Netflix. Variety. October 13, 2020. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20211112173630/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/ludacris-animated-kids-series-karmas-world-netflix-1234803056/. November 12, 2021. live.
  30. Web site: Paul. Larisha. Asiahn Shares 'Welcome to Karma's World' From Ludacris' Animated Series 'Karma's World'. Yahoo!. discovermusic. September 11, 2021. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20211019025652/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/asiahn-shares-welcome-karma-world-173934966.html. October 19, 2021. live.
  31. Web site: Aswad. Jem. Ludacris Unveils Soundtrack for Netflix Kids' Series 'Karma's World'. Variety. September 14, 2021. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20211019184634/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/ludacris-netflix-karmas-world-1235064235/. October 19, 2021. live.
  32. September 10, 2021 . Volume Up – New Karma's World Updates . . . April 18, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210914194615/https://9story.com/volume-up-new-karmas-world-updates/ . September 14, 2021 . live.
  33. Web site: Animated series 'Karma's World' secures publishing deal with Scholastic. AnimationXpress. March 23, 2021. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220418222043/https://www.animationxpress.com/animation/animated-series-karmas-world-secures-publishing-deal-with-scholastic/. April 18, 2022. live.
  34. Web site: Karma's World. Scholastic. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220405180501/https://kids.scholastic.com/kid/books/karmas-world/. April 5, 2022. live.
  35. Marquardt . Danit . Karaca . Kristine . April 26, 2021 . Mattel Joins with 9 Story Media and Karma's World Entertainment for Multi-Year Global Licensing Deal on Chris Bridges' Upcoming Animated Series Karma's World on Netflix . . . April 18, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220327012001/https://corporate.mattel.com/news/mattel-joins-with-9-story-media-and-karmas-world-entertainment-for-multi-year-global-licensing-deal-on-chris-bridges-upcoming-animated-series-karmas-world-on-netflix . March 27, 2022 . live.
  36. September 10, 2021 . First Look: Mattel + Karma's World Coming Summer 2022 . . . April 18, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220418224040/https://9story.com/first-look-mattel-karmas-world-coming-summer-2022/ . April 18, 2022 . live.
  37. Web site: Lockwood. Lisa. FIT Students Design Children's Collection for Netflix's 'Karma's World'. February 16, 2022. April 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220321102731/https://wwd.com/fashion-news/sportswear/fit-students-childrens-collection-netflix-karmas-world-1235078869/. March 21, 2022. live.
  38. February 16, 2022 . 9 Story and Karma's World Entertainment Tap Students from The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to Design Fashion-Forward Streetwear Collection Inspired by Karma's World . . . April 18, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220418225015/https://9story.com/9-story-and-karmas-world-entertainment-tap-students-from-the-fashion-institute-of-technology-fit-to-design-fashion-forward-streetwear-collection-inspired-by-karmas-world/ . April 18, 2022 . live.
  39. Web site: Brown. D'Shonda. Netflix Series 'Karma's World' Partners With FIT Students For Kids' Streetwear Collection. Essence. March 3, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220418225015/https://9story.com/9-story-and-karmas-world-entertainment-tap-students-from-the-fashion-institute-of-technology-fit-to-design-fashion-forward-streetwear-collection-inspired-by-karmas-world/. April 18, 2022. live.
  40. November 15, 2021 . 9 Story Media Group and Karma's World Entertainment Expand Licensing Program for New Animated Property 'Karma's World' . . . April 18, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211129045748/https://9story.com/9-story-media-group-and-karmas-world-entertainment-expand-licensing-program-for-new-animated-property-karmas-world/ . November 29, 2021 . live.
  41. Web site: Herman. Joly. Karma's World [Review]]. February 28, 2022. April 18, 2022. Common Sense Media. https://web.archive.org/web/20220126055609/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/karmas-world. January 26, 2022. live.
  42. Web site: Ludacris's latest project celebrates the joy and complexities of Black girlhood. NBC News. March 21, 2022. April 22, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220421185417/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/ludacriss-latest-project-celebrates-joy-complexities-black-girlhood-rcna19174. April 21, 2022. live.
  43. Web site: Mekishana. Pierre. January 18, 2022. 2022 NAACP Image Awards Nominations: The Full List. live. April 18, 2022. Entertainment Tonight. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183412/https://www.etonline.com/2022-naacp-image-awards-nominations-the-full-list-177914 . January 18, 2022 .
  44. Tabarsi. Anahita. January 18, 2022. Karma's World and Ada Twist, Scientist Nominated for 53rd NAACP Image Awards!. Dublin, Ireland. Brown Bag Labs. Brown Bag Films. February 18, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20220120131931/https://www.brownbagfilms.com/labs/entry/karmas-world-and-ada-twist-scientist-nominated-for-53rd-naacp-image-awards. January 20, 2022. live.
  45. Web site: The 1st Children's and Family Emmy Nominees. November 2022 . February 18, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230210021204/https://theemmys.tv/cafe/1st-nominees/. February 10, 2023. live.

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