‘Big City Greens’ Creators The Houghton Brothers Sign Overall Deal With Disney TV Animation

Chris and Shane Houghton, the brothers behind the hit Disney Channel series Big City Greens, are cementing their relationship with the House of Mouse. The pair have signed an overall deal with Disney Television Animation, the producer of Big City Greens, which has been renewed for a third season.

Under the pact, the Houghtons will develop new animated series, shorts, and movies for Disney Channel and Disney+, while continuing to work on Big City Greens, which they created and executive produce. The series, which premiered on Disney Channel in 2018, follows the adventures of a rural family in the city they now call home. It has gathered nearly 300 million views across all platforms (including social media), according to Disney.

The brothers are also known for their comic book series Reed Gunther, a playful take on the Western with a bear-riding cowboy for a protagonist. Other print work includes writing and illustrating comics based on animated series including The Simpsons, Adventure Time, and Peanuts.

They both worked on Nickelodeon’s Harvey Beaks, Chris as storyboard director and Shane as staff writer (for which he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy). Chris worked as a storyboard artist on Disney’s Gravity Falls and Shane as an editor for the live-action reality series Tattoo School. Both have been nominated for multiple Emmys for their work on Big City Greens.

Meredith Roberts, senior vice president/general manager, Television Animation, Disney Channels, said in a statement: “Chris and Shane have a wonderfully unique vision for characters and stories with both humor and heart, and we’re especially pleased to continue working with them on more Big City Greens and other creative ventures.”

In a joint statement, the Houghton brothers said, “We are excited to be deepening our relationship with Disney. They have been very supportive of us and our crazy ideas, and we are looking forward to continuing to grow Big City Greens as well as develop new and exciting projects together.”

The Houghtons are represented by Julie Kane-Ritsch of The Gotham Group and attorney Matthew Saver.