Hank Zipzer (TV series)


Hank Zipzer is a British children's television series which stars Nick James in the titular role as a 12-year-old dyslexic schoolboy. The show is based on the series of books by Henry Winkler, who plays the character of Mr. Rock, Hank's music teacher. The first series premiered in January 2014 on the CBBC Channel. Unlike the books that took place in Winkler's native United States, the series takes place in London, in the United Kingdom. The second series began airing on 13 August 2015. Javone Prince made his first appearance as Mr. Joy in season 2, episode 5, "Hank's Hero". The third series began airing on 26 May 2016, which was followed by an 84-minute Christmas movie later in 2016. In April 2017, Neil Fitzmaurice, who plays Stan, Hank’s father, confirmed that there will not be a new series of the show.

Plot

The series focuses on the misadventures of Hank Zipzer, a 12-year-old schoolboy in London who suffers from dyslexia. Hank's friends are named Frankie and Ashley, and Nick McKelty is his nemesis. The show is based on Henry Winkler's Hank Zipzer children's books, which are based on his own experiences as a dyslexic child. In the show, he plays Hank's favourite teacher, Mr. Rock, who is based on Winkler's own music teacher. Javone Prince joined the cast in season 2 as Mr. Joy.

Cast

Episodes

Production

commissioned the series in 2013 to be produced by Kindle Entertainment, and filming commenced in October 2013. The show was filmed at St Catherine's Catholic High School in Halifax, Yorkshire for Series 1-2. For Series 3, it was filmed at Birkdale High School in Dewsbury, Yorkshire. The first season premiered on 28 January 2014 and concluded on 22 April 2014.
On 9 June 2014, Cheryl Taylor, the CBBC Controller, announced that the show had been renewed for a second season of thirteen episodes. Nick James, Henry Winkler, Felicity Montagu, and Nick Mohammed were all confirmed to return, as Hank, Mr. Rock, Miss Adolf, and Mr. Love respectively. Additionally, Javone Prince joined the main cast as Mr. Joy.
Jon Macqueen replaced script editors Lucy Guy and Danny Springs, while Jim Poyser joined as a producer. Returning writers include Mark Oswin and Madeleine Brettingham, who each wrote one episode and former script editor Lucy Guy, who wrote two. Several new writers worked on the second series, including Jon Macqueen, Mark Evans, and Adam G. Goodwin & Jonathan Parkyn.
Matt Bloom was the lead director on all three seasons.

Awards