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Chia Pet Set to Sprout into Film & TV Franchise

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. ia-pet-set-to-sprout-into-film-tv-franchise.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 12:57 GMT by Variety
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM

Los Angeles, CA - January 28th, 2026 - The iconic Chia Pet, a cultural touchstone for generations, is poised to sprout into a full-fledged entertainment franchise. A comprehensive media deal, confirmed today, will see the creation of both a feature film and a television show centered around the novelty item. The news, first reported by Variety, signals a significant investment in leveraging nostalgia and expanding a surprisingly enduring brand.

For those unfamiliar (though few likely are), the Chia Pet is a terracotta figurine covered in chia seeds. When watered, the seeds sprout, creating a "fur" or "hair" on the figure - typically a sheep, but over the years expanding to include celebrities, cartoon characters, and even pop culture icons. First introduced in 1977 by Joseph Enterprises, the Chia Pet became a massive fad in the 1980s, fueled by memorable television commercials featuring a catchy jingle. Despite shifts in toy trends, the Chia Pet has remarkably remained in production and continues to be a popular gift item, appearing in countless homes and often resurfacing in viral internet moments.

The announcement of a film and television show represents a bold move to capitalize on this enduring appeal. While details remain scarce, industry insiders suggest the project will lean heavily into comedic territory, likely aiming for a family-friendly demographic. The inherent absurdity of a growing ceramic animal offers a wealth of storytelling possibilities. Initial speculation ranges from animated adventures to live-action comedies featuring the Chia Pets as quirky companions or even protagonists.

"The Chia Pet is more than just a product; it's a feeling," says Dr. Eleanor Vance, a cultural anthropologist specializing in toy history at UCLA. "It evokes a sense of innocent fun and a connection to a specific time period for many people. That nostalgic pull is incredibly valuable in today's media landscape."

This deal is part of a wider trend within the entertainment industry. Studios are increasingly turning to established brands and intellectual property (IP) to mitigate risk and guarantee a pre-existing audience. The success of reboots, remakes, and adaptations of beloved characters and stories has demonstrated the commercial viability of this strategy. Consider the recent surge in animated films based on classic board games or the ongoing revival of 80s and 90s television series. The Chia Pet, with its instantly recognizable form and inherent comedic potential, fits neatly into this pattern.

However, transforming a novelty item into a successful franchise is not without its challenges. The key, according to veteran producer Mark Olsen, will be finding the right creative angle. "You can't just rely on nostalgia alone," Olsen explains. "The story needs to be genuinely engaging and offer something new. They'll need to expand the Chia Pet universe - perhaps creating a world where Chia Pets are sentient beings, or explore the origins of the chia seed magic. The possibilities are there, but it requires smart storytelling."

Representatives from the company behind the deal have remained tight-lipped about the specifics. No writers, directors, or actors have been announced, and release dates remain unknown. The lack of immediate details is likely a strategic move to build anticipation and allow the creative team the freedom to develop their vision. What is clear is that the Chia Pet is no longer just a kitsch collectible. It's a burgeoning entertainment property, poised to sprout into a potential blockbuster franchise. The question now is: will this gamble grow into something truly substantial, or will it remain a curious, albeit fleeting, footnote in Hollywood history?