Series Based on 'The Cove' Coming to Animal Planet This Summer

Oscar's touch truly is golden. A day after winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary, 'The Cove' was greenlit as a television series on Animal Planet, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

With two episodes already in the can, the tentatively titled 'Dolphin Warriors' is poised to debut this summer, although no official premiere date has been set.

Focusing on Taiji, Japan's divisive dolphin trade wherein fisherman capture the marine mammals to sell to zoos or slaughter for meat, the series, like the documentary, will star famed animal rights proponent -- and former 'Flipper' trainer -- Ric O'Barry, whose son, Lincoln, will executive produce.Oscar's touch truly is golden. A day after winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary, 'The Cove' was greenlit as a television series on Animal Planet, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

With two episodes already in the can, the tentatively titled 'Dolphin Warriors' is poised to debut this summer, although no official premiere date has been set.

Focusing on Taiji, Japan's divisive dolphin trade wherein fisherman capture the marine mammals to sell to zoos or slaughter for meat, the series, like the documentary, will star famed animal rights proponent -- and former 'Flipper' trainer -- Ric O'Barry, whose son, Lincoln, will executive produce.

Ever the ardent activist, O'Barry used his 45 seconds of acceptance speech air time on Sunday to hoist a banner that read "text DOLPHIN to 44144." By Monday, more than 50,000 people had texted to get more info on the cause and big-time celebs like Sting, Ben Stiller and Daryl Hannah have already joined the fray.

Controversial though the movie has been -- Japan insists that its differing food traditions need to be respected -- the show is right up Animal Planet's alley. Marjorie Kaplan, the channel's general manager and president told the L.A. Times, "Ric and Lincoln O'Barry are fascinating men with an important mission and remarkable stories to share. We're delighted to be working with them on their next project."