Diego the barista, from the new Starbucks animated series, “1st & Main.” (Starbucks Image)

Starbucks, meet “The Simpsons.”

The Seattle-based coffee giant today unveiled its first-ever animated series, co-written by “The Simpsons” writers Joel Cohen, John Frink and Rob LaZebnik.

Called 1st and Main, the seven-episode series features cartoon animals that hang out in a Starbucks store. The writers came up with the idea after working out of a Starbucks in Los Angeles and coming across interesting moments. They approached Starbucks, and this show is the end result.

The first episode will debut Friday at starbucks.com/1standmain. The episodes, which will air weekly, run about 90 seconds each. Here’s a teaser.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8O1XqVop2o

This is Starbucks’ second foray into original media content. In September, the company launched its first-ever original content series called “Upstanders” that consists of short stories, videos and podcasts that tell stories about Americans that are doing good for their community.

1st and Main certainly has a different, lighter feel than Upstanders and is more closely related to the Starbucks brand. It also builds off the fact that Starbucks stores have become meeting spots and a gathering place for customers.

The company says the characters are inspired by real-life baristas and customers. Here’s a character list for 1st and Main, with descriptions from Starbucks.

  • Chet (beaver), a building contractor and a regular customer who knows everyone at his store
  • Diego: A hipster cat barista/artist. He’s passionate about his art and creating the perfect beverage, every time.
  • Gord: He’s a trainer at the local gym who loves Skinny Mochas and Protein Bistro Boxes.
  • Julie (bear): The store’s manager and matriarch. She’s an extrovert who loves working with people.
  • Iggy: An octopus, and a newly-hired barista.
  • Chloe: A rabbit getting used to a new town and new school.
  • Alexa: A slightly neurotic beagle who’s working on her first novel and loves having the community of Starbucks around her.
  • Sasha: She’s a 20-something Giraffe paramedic dedicated to helping creatures great and small.
Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.