The creator behind Nickelodeon classics like The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom is diving into faith-based family entertainment with his newest project: A Garden Cartoon Movie: The Greatest Thing Ever! Directed and written by Butch Hartman, this 85-minute animated film, set to stream globally on July 1st 2025, promises to blend Hartman’s signature humor with biblical values. Here’s what Christian families can expect from this highly anticipated release.
Announced via Hartman’s Instagram, this film is scheduled to premiere on July 1st 2025. The Greatest Thing Ever! expands the world of The Garden Cartoon, a series already beloved for its faith-centered storytelling. The movie will feature Lenny the Lion and Lucy the Lamb, the cheerful protagonists of The Garden Cartoon, as they embark on a new adventure rooted in Christian teachings. While plot details remain under wraps, Hartman describes it as a “labor of love” designed to entertain while nurturing young viewers’ faith.
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Best known for secular hits like Fairly OddParents, Hartman has long been open about his Christian faith and creationist beliefs. After leaving Nickelodeon in 2018 (announced on his YouTube channel here), he shifted focus to faith-based projects, including The Garden Cartoon universe. This movie marks his first feature-length venture into explicitly Christian storytelling. In a 2023 interview, Hartman emphasized his goal to partner with parents in teaching kids about Jesus through engaging content, a mission reflected in The Garden’s app and YouTube channel, which offer Bible-based activities and episodes.
The Garden Cartoon has already carved a niche as a faith-friendly alternative to mainstream kids’ shows. The series’ app describes Lenny as a lion with “unwavering love for Jesus” and Lucy as a lamb who “points everyone to Christ”, traits that will likely anchor the movie’s themes. Parents can expect:
For those new to The Garden, stream the original series on Yippee.tv to meet Lenny and Lucy before the movie’s release.
The Greatest Thing Ever! will stream on Yippee.tv alongside our existing library of faith-based shows and movies. While we wait for the release on July 1st 2025, parents can:
Butch Hartman’s pivot to faith-based animation could redefine Christian kids’ entertainment. With its global streaming reach and focus on bible stories, verses, and teachings, The Greatest Thing Ever! could become a staple for families seeking fun and spiritual growth. As Hartman said, “We’re just getting started!”
Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, you can watch The Garden Cartoon on Yippee.tv today!
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