"Transformers Rescue Bots" rolling out on The Hub

The Hub TV network, a television network for kids and their families, announces the return of all-new, action-packed Transformers programming from Hasbro Studios on Saturday, February 18 with the world premiere of a new Hub original series, the animated Transformers Rescue Bots, and the second-season premiere of the Daytime Emmy-winning CG animated series Transformers Prime, as well as the network debut of the 1986 classic Transformers: The Animated Movie.

Kicking off this ultimate day for Transformers fans is the world premiere of the series Transformers Rescue Bots with two back-to-back, half-hour episodes (11:30 a.m. and noon ET). In addition, the second season of the popular series Transformers Prime launches with the first episode of a special three-part premiere (8:30 p.m. ET), and is immediately followed by The Hub Network premiere of Transformers: The Animated Movie (9 p.m. ET).

Created specifically for the younger generation of Transformers fans, Transformers Rescue Bots and features a group of Autobots charged with a mission to protect and learn about humans. Stationed by Optimus Prime on a technologically advanced island, the Rescue Bots -- Heatwave, Boulder, Blades and Chase -- team with a human family of first responders, including a police chief, firefighter, rescue pilot and engineer, to keep peace and safety in their new-found home.

Alongside their new human friends, the Rescue Bots learn teamwork and heroism. Produced by Hasbro Studios, the half-hour series brings family, heart, humor and adventure to the Transformers brand.

Executive produced by Jeff Kline (Transformers Prime), Transformers Rescue Bots features the vocal talents of LeVar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Lacey Chabert (Party of Five), Steve Blum (Transformers Prime), Maurice LaMarche (Emmy winner for Futurama) and Peter Cullen (Transformers Prime), who voices Optimus Prime when he makes cameo appearances in the series.

The second season of the popular animated series Transformers Prime digs deeper into Transformers mythology as both the Autobots and Decepticons uncover clues relating to secret artifacts of Iacon, Cybertron's capital city. Their discoveries could change the balance of power in the war and also potentially revive their dead home planet.

Spearheading the creative efforts on Transformers Prime are co-executive producer Duane Capizzi (The Batman, Superman: Doomsday) and executive producers Jeff Kline (Jackie Chan Adventures, Men in Black: The Animated Series), as well as writing-producing duo Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (Star Trek, Cowboys & Aliens and Transformers feature films, and TV's Fringe and Hawaii Five-O). Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, Josh Keaton, Jeffrey Combs, Kevin Michael Richardson, Ernie Hudson, Markie Post and Steve Blum lend their voices to the returning series produced by Hasbro Studios.

Transformers Prime was honored with a Daytime Emmy in 2011 for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation for both background design and color design, and was nominated for four additional Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in Animation, Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition, Outstanding Directing in an Animated Program and Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime.

Capping off Transformers Mega-Saturday is the network premiere of the feature film Transformers: The Animated Movie. Featuring the voice of legendary actor Orson Welles in his final role, the 1986 film depicts the epic battle between the Autobots, Decepticons and a mysterious new villain, Unicron, for peace on Cybertron. Produced by Hasbro and Marvel, the animated film features the voices of Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek) and Eric Idle (Monty Python and the Holy Grail).