Hank Zipzer – Series 1

Nick James stars as Hank Zipzer © Tiger Aspect - Photographer: Matt Squire

Henry ‘The Fonz’ Winkler’s brand-new comedy drama series, Hank Zipzer premiered on BBC iplayer and CBBC. The show, filmed in Halifax, was secured for the region after investment from Screen Yorkshire through its Yorkshire Content Fund.

The series – which is inspired by the book series Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever – is based on Henry Winkler’s own experiences as a young boy growing up with dyslexia. Fast-paced and funny, the series follows the everyday life of 12-year-old Hank Zipzer, a young man with a unique perspective on the world. Hank Zipzer is produced by Kindle Entertainment and Walker Productions for CBBC, backed by Screen Yorkshire with ERDF funding through the Yorkshire Content Fund.

Nick James and Henry Winkler stars as Hank and Mr Rock in 'Hank Zipzer' © Kindle Entertainment, Walker Productions, DHX Media

Felicity Montagu (I’m Alan Partridge, Nighty Night, Bridget Jones Diary) stars as Hank’s teacher Ms Adolf, Juliet Cowan (The Revolting World of Stanley Brown, The Bill, Shameless) as his mum Rosa, and Neil Fitzmaurice (Peep Show, Mount Pleasant, Waterloo Road) as his dad. The show also stars Vincenzo Nicoli (Black Books, The Knot, EastEnders) as Papa Pete and Nick Mohammed (Sorry I’ve Got No Head, Reggie Perrin, Drifters) as head teacher Mr Love.

We’re proud to continue to deliver high-quality programmes in a way that suits our audience. I am certain that CBBC viewers and their parents will love the Hank Zipzer TV series. Hank’s adventures illuminate the ups and downs of a child navigating through life with dyslexia and do so with great warmth, insight and humour. The fact that Henry Winkler also appears in the show is just a huge cherry on an already delicious comedy cake.

– Cheryl Taylor, Controller of CBBC

Hank Zipzer © Tiger Aspect - Photographer: Matt Squire

Hank Zipzer is adapted for the screen by writer Joe Williams (The Sparticle Mystery, Young Dracula) and produced by Siobhan Bachman for Kindle Entertainment. Anne Brogan is executive producer for Kindle Entertainment, Helen McAleerfor Walker Productions, Sue Nott is executive producer for CBBC and Hugo Heppell for Screen Yorkshire. DHX Media is distributing the series internationally, with Steven DeNure being executive producer.

Creative England provided locations support.