Strawberry Shortcake & the Care Bears are coming together for the first time ever in animated adventure

[Enter Stage Rite]

Two childhood icons are about to cross paths in a way that blends nostalgia with a bit of magic. WildBrain and Cloudco Entertainment have teamed up to create a new animated special, tentatively titled The Care Berry Switch, which unites the worlds of Strawberry Shortcake and the Care Bears. This 44-minute adventure promises humor, heart, and a dash of 1980s charm as the beloved characters explore each other’s homes—and face off against familiar foes.

 

The story kicks off when Strawberry Shortcake and Cheer Bear each make a wish on the same star, unknowingly opening a magical portal. As a result, Strawberry finds herself in Care-A-Lot while Cheer Bear ventures into Strawberryland. Both characters soon realize they are “fish out of water” in their new environments, leading to funny, magical moments and new friendships. 

 

But things take a turn when two classic villains—Strawberry’s Purple Pie Man and the Care Bears’ nemesis No Heart—join forces to create chaos. It’s up to the Care Bears and the Berries to team up, save their worlds, and protect the friendships they’ve made.

 

 

This crossover is the first time these two franchises have shared the screen, making it a special treat for fans who grew up with them. WildBrain Studios is leading the animation production, bringing back the character designs and nostalgic elements inspired by the 1980s—complete with moments like the iconic “Care Bear Stare.”

 

Steph Betts, EVP of content creation at WildBrain, shares her excitement about the tie-in, describing the shared values that make this partnership feel natural:  “Bringing these two much-loved and instantly recognizable brands together for the first time was an opportunity too good to miss, with their shared ethos of sweetness and friendship perfect for crossover adventures and fun.”

 

Echoing the enthusiasm, Ian Lambur, EVP of content strategy at Cloudco, calls the special a rare opportunity to bring together two magical brands in a way that amplifies the wonder and fun they each represent.

 

“Both brands are inherently magical and charming in their own right, so we cannot wait to show off all the exponential wonder and fun that results when these two worlds cross over,” says Lambur.

 

Fans can expect a loving tribute to both franchises’ four-decade histories, with plenty of nods to their original charm. The Care Berry Switch aims to rekindle childhood memories while introducing these timeless characters to a new generation of fans.

 

• https://www.animationmagazine.net/2024/10/80s-icons-strawberry-shortcake-care-bears-team-up-in-retro-animated-special/ 
• https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/129383807.html 
• https://animesuperhero.com/forums/threads/the-care-berry-switch-strawberry-shortcake-and-care-bears-crossover.5800342/ 
• https://kidscreen.com/2024/10/16/wildbrain-and-cloudco-partner-on-care-bears-strawberry-shortcake-crossover/ 

 

Images: WildBrain