Beginning life as the international sales arm of Jim Henson Productions, HiT Entertainment was formed as a children's TV production company when senior management at Henson's company purchased its international sales wing. The name HiT comes from Henson International Television, which was later shortened and stylized to HiT. The company was formed in 1989 and was planned as a producer and distributor of children's programming and nature and wildlife documentaries. Originally, HiT was largely focused on distributing existing programs around the world, such as Barney & Friends. Partnership deals with a number of English and European animation houses and TV producers saw HiT move into production of its own series shortly after it was formed.
Many of the iconic animated TV characters of children's TV in the 1990s and 21st century began life with the assistance and backing of HiT. One of the most famous and the first successful production for HiT was Kipper & Friends, which was produced for the British network ITV before being sold around the world. Other characters and series from the HiT group include Brambly Hedge and Percy the Park Keeper, who largely made their TV debuts in the UK before appearing in North America and beyond. Perhaps the most famous HiT Entertainment character is Bob the Builder, who began his TV life as a direct to video character before HiT brought the character to the TV for a successful run around the world.
