'Thunderbirds' Flies High for ITV

ITV Studios Global Entertainment has secured multiple licensing partners to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic television series “Thunderbirds.”

Last month, ITV Studios Global Entertainment celebrated the 50th anniversary of the classic television series "Thunderbirds," and in its honor, the company has secured multiple licensing partners to create limited edition and collectible product ranges.

"It's a pleasure to see the joy that 'Thunderbirds' continues to bring fans of all ages all around the world," says Trudi Hayward, senior vice president and head, global merchandise, ITVS GE. "As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic TV show, it's fitting to introduce a special range of commemorative products that recognize five decades of 'Thunderbirds' heritage. We're confident these new lines will delight all fans and give them exciting ways to participate in the anniversary celebrations."

The commemorative collection includes product across categories such as gifting, apparel, publishing, stationery, toys and novelties, and is rolling out at retail all year spanning all mercantile channels.

Licensees aboard for the celebration include 3D Online Factory for figurines; Planet Replica for prop replicas; Hornby for die-cast vehicles; Tinamps for a portable speaker; Forbidden Planet for a direct-to-retail line of apparel, gifts and accessories; Octopus Publishing Group for gift books; Dreamtex for adult bedding; Smiffys for costumes; Misirli for socks; Lou Dalton for knitwear; Turnbull and Asser for luxury men's handkerchiefs and ties; Fashion Lab for adult apparel; and New Zealand Mint for a limited edition series of coins.

But what is the series without the fans? Around the world, events have taken place to pay tribute to the British series such as a giant "'Thunderbirds' Are 50" maze near York, England, and a "Thunderbirds" x "Shaun the Sheep" sculpture in partnership with Aardman Animation that sat in Bristol alongside 69 other sculptures.

Fans even rallied around the classic series as they supported film director Stephen La Riviere's Kickstarter campaign that raised funds for three new episodes of "Thunderbirds." The project–"Thunderbirds 1965"–will bring life to three original mini audio vinyls using puppets, which will be available on DVD and Blu-ray.