Starbucks taps “Simpsons” writers for animated series

Starbucks has launched its first-ever animated web series — with the help of some veteran comedy writers.

The limited-edition series, called “1st & Main," debuted on Dec. 16, on the coffee giant’s digital platforms. It features cartoon animals that hang out in a Starbucks store. The kick-off episode, “Baby Names,” follows two porcupines as they try to name their future child, with assistance from baristas calling out customers’ names written on Starbucks cups.



The lighthearted series was created by “Simpsons” writers Joel H. Cohen, John Frink and Rob LaZebnik, and Starbucks. The inspiration is real-life customers and baristas at a Starbucks outpost in Los Angeles.



The animated shorts run 75-90 seconds, and each arrives weekly at starbucks.com/1standmain through Jan. 20, with a special Valentine’s Day episode in February.



This is Starbucks’ second foray into original media content. In September, the coffee giant launched its first-ever original content series, “Upstanders,” which was comprised of short stories, videos and podcasts featuring Americans helping out in their community.



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