01. THE CONCEPT
High-energy and heart-forward, Team Turbo is a smart, character-driven family adventure that blends humor, inspiration, and real emotion. It’s fast-paced and fun, with a surprising amount of soul — making big ideas about health, teamwork, and perseverance feel personal and accessible for kids and parents alike.
Title: Team Turbo
Format: 13 x 30-minute episodes
Condensed Synopsis: Sam, an anxious gym teacher, is unexpectedly recruited by the secretive Turbo Council—a team of kids on a mission to help others reach their full potential. Transformed into Coach Sam, he arrives at Turbo HQ, where he’s mentored by Francesca, a retired rodeo star turned tech-genius lizard, and supported by Dr. Tina, a remote health expert tracking his performance. Together, they respond to real kids’ challenges—like building confidence or training for a race—using custom workouts called Learn’N’Burns, animated science explainers, and inspiring field missions. Each episode ends with a celebratory dance party and a win for one more Cadet on their path to resilience, strength, and self-belief.
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Meet Sam—an unassuming gym teacher who suddenly finds himself recruited by the mysterious Turbo Council, a secret team of kids who believe every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Each one has their own challenges to overcome.
At first, Sam is visibly nervous- almost to the point of anxiety. But when he chooses to rise to the occasion, he’s launched through the Team Turbo Tunnel, transforming his appearance—and his confidence—into Coach Sam, the spirited leader Team Turbo has been searching for.
Coach Sam lands at Team Turbo HQ, a glowing, high-tech training bunker hidden deep inside a cave. There, he meets his new guide and mission control operator: Francesca—a real-life bearded dragon with a tech-genius brain and a huge heart. Francesca was originally tasked by the Turbo Council to build a leader for the team—so she engineered a well-meaning robot gym teacher named Turbo Tom.
But despite all his features, Turbo Tom didn’t connect with the Cadets. He had circuits—but not soul. That’s why Francesca searched the world to find someone real: Coach Sam. Now, Tom lives in the supply closet—occasionally rolling out to offer hilariously unhelpful advice and quietly hope for redemption.
Luckily, Coach Sam doesn’t have to go it alone. Monitoring from her off-site research lab is Dr. Tina, a brilliant, kind-hearted scientist who uses her custom-built Turbo Phones—a headset and parabolic microphone system that functions like a long-distance stethoscope—to monitor Coach Sam’s lungs, heartbeat, and performance in real time. She offers gentle corrections, fascinating biology facts, and encouragement to Sam and the Cadets.
Every episode kicks off with Coach Sam leading a warm-up routine at HQ. But things kick into high gear when the Turbo Alarm sounds, signaling a new mission from a real kid (aka the Guest Cadet) facing a real-world challenge— like training for a 5K, building strength for the monkey bars, or staying focused under pressure.
Coach Sam responds with high-energy workouts called Learn'N'Burns, which combine movement, mindset, and motivation. Through Turbo Dives—comedic, animated segments—he and Dr. Tina explain the science behind the moves: how our muscles, brains, lungs, and bones work together to overcome obstacles.
When the challenge requires deeper wisdom, Coach Sam uses the Turbo Transporter to travel across North America, meeting real-world athletes, explorers, and performers who share stories of perseverance and purpose. Their advice fuels new training sequences Sam can bring back to the Cadets at HQ.
As the episode ends, Coach Sam delivers a final custom workout designed to help the original Cadet—and all viewers—get stronger, more confident, and closer to unlocking their full potential. If successful, the Turbo Council declares the mission “One Cadet Closer”—another step toward fully activating Team Turbo.
Each episode closes with Turbo Mode—a dance-fueled celebration of growth, grit, and good vibes.
High-energy and heart-forward, Team Turbo is a smart, character-driven family adventure that blends humor, inspiration, and real emotion. It’s fast-paced and fun, with a surprising amount of soul — making big ideas about health, teamwork, and perseverance feel personal and accessible for kids and parents alike.
01. THE CONCEPT
Title: Team Turbo
Format: 13 x 30-minute episodes
Condensed Synopsis: Sam, an anxious gym teacher, is unexpectedly recruited by the secretive Turbo Council—a team of kids on a mission to help others reach their full potential. Transformed into Coach Sam, he arrives at Turbo HQ, where he’s mentored by Francesca, a retired rodeo star turned tech-genius lizard, and supported by Dr. Tina, a remote health expert tracking his performance. Together, they respond to real kids’ challenges—like building confidence or training for a race—using custom workouts called Learn’N’Burns, animated science explainers, and inspiring field missions. Each episode ends with a celebratory dance party and a win for one more Cadet on their path to resilience, strength, and self-belief.
-
Meet Sam—an unassuming gym teacher who suddenly finds himself recruited by the mysterious Turbo Council, a secret team of kids who believe every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Each one has their own challenges to overcome.
At first, Sam is visibly nervous- almost to the point of anxiety. But when he chooses to rise to the occasion, he’s launched through the Team Turbo Tunnel, transforming his appearance—and his confidence—into Coach Sam, the spirited leader Team Turbo has been searching for.
Coach Sam lands at Team Turbo HQ, a glowing, high-tech training bunker hidden deep inside a cave. There, he meets his new guide and mission control operator: Francesca—a real-life bearded dragon with a tech-genius brain and a huge heart. Francesca was originally tasked by the Turbo Council to build a leader for the team—so she engineered a well-meaning robot gym teacher named FitnoBot.
But despite all his features, Turbo Tom didn’t connect with the Cadets. He had circuits—but not soul. That’s why Francesca searched the world to find someone real: Coach Sam. Now, Tom lives in the supply closet—occasionally rolling out to offer hilariously unhelpful advice and quietly hope for redemption.
Luckily, Coach Sam doesn’t have to go it alone. Monitoring from her off-site research lab is Dr. Tina, a brilliant, kind-hearted scientist who uses her custom-built Turbo Phones—a headset and parabolic microphone system that functions like a long-distance stethoscope—to monitor Coach Sam’s lungs, heartbeat, and performance in real time. She offers gentle corrections, fascinating biology facts, and encouragement to Sam and the Cadets.
Every episode kicks off with Coach Sam leading a warm-up routine at HQ. But things kick into high gear when the Turbo Alarm sounds, signaling a new mission from a real kid (aka the Guest Cadet) facing a real-world challenge— like training for a 5K, building strength for the monkey bars, or staying focused under pressure.
Coach Sam responds with high-energy workouts called Learn'N'Burns, which combine movement, mindset, and motivation. Through Turbo Dives—comedic, animated segments—he and Dr. Tina explain the science behind the moves: how our muscles, brains, lungs, and bones work together to overcome obstacles.
When the challenge requires deeper wisdom, Coach Sam uses the Turbo Transporter to travel across North America, meeting real-world athletes, explorers, and performers who share stories of perseverance and purpose. Their advice fuels new training sequences Sam can bring back to the Cadets at HQ.
As the episode ends, Coach Sam delivers a final custom workout designed to help the original Cadet—and all viewers—get stronger, more confident, and closer to unlocking their full potential. If successful, the Turbo Council declares the mission “One Cadet Closer”—another step toward fully activating Team Turbo.
Each episode closes with Turbo Mode—a dance-fueled celebration of growth, grit, and good vibes.
02. CHARACTERS
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Who He Is
A humble gym teacher unexpectedly chosen by the Turbo Council to help kids unlock their full potential—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The Transformation After launching through the Turbo Tunnel, Sam becomes Coach Sam: a confident, high-energy leader who learns just as much as he teaches.
Why He Works
Enthusiastic, kind, and endlessly encouraging
Balances goofiness with genuine emotional depth
Makes exercise feel fun, empowering, and non-intimidating
A rare, emotionally intelligent male role model in children’s media
Boys and girls benefit from seeing kind, emotionally intelligent male mentors (Psychology Today, Univ. of Worcester).
Team Turbo Connection: Coach Sam leads with warmth, humor, and strength—a refreshing male figure in media and education.
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Francesca – Tech Mastermind & Mission Control Wiz
A real life bearded dragon with a brilliant mind and a big heart. Former rodeo star turned engineer. Blunt but kind, she runs Turbo HQ with calm authority.
Francesca built the first coach robot, Turbo Tom, but learned kids need human connection to thrive.
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The Original Turbo Coach
A blocky robot coach who lives in the HQ supply closet. He was invented by Francesca, but lacked the human element to be a good fit for Team Turbo.
Awkward, retro, and often misunderstood, Fitnobot offers accidental wisdom and occasional hilarity. Never mean—just a little off.
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Each episode features an inspiring guest who’s overcome real challenges—athletes, performers, or adventurers who bring powerful stories of resilience and purpose. They help Coach Sam understand what it takes to push through adversity, offering the tools, techniques, and motivation he needs to create a custom workout that helps the Guest Cadet—and every viewer—grow stronger, inside and out.
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From the Team Turbo Council to the Guest Cadet to kids joining in from home—Cadets are the heart of every Team Turbo episode. Anyone can be a Cadet: any age, any background, as long as they’re ready to learn, grow, and push themselves to become stronger inside and out.
03. KEY TERMS
Guest Cadet
Each episode features a kid facing a real-life challenge. Coach Sam trains to help them overcome it—culminating in a custom workout.
Learn’N’Burns
High-energy challenge segments that mix movement, science, and storytelling to create “aha!” learning moments—like understanding core strength through side planks, holograms, and humorous PSAs.
Turbo Circuit
A personalized exercise routine designed by Coach Sam using everything he’s learned from that episode, tailored to help the Guest Cadet.
Turbo Mode
Every episode ends with a celebratory dance party—Coach Sam, the Guest Cadet, and viewers bop to the beat as the credits roll.
04. RUN OF SHOW
Opening Sequence (1–2 minutes): Coach Sam enters HQ, greets Francesca, leads a quick warm-up, Turbo Alarm sounds.
Mission Briefing (2–3 minutes): Turbo Monitor displays a Cadet's challenge, Coach Sam analyzes it, possible Dr. Tina discussion.
Learn and Burns: Science + Movement (5–7 minutes): Coach Sam introduces targeted exercises, explains the science with comedy and animation (Turbo Dives), FitnoBot or Dr. Tina appear, follow-along activities with variations.
Turbo Transporter Field Trip (5–7 minutes): Coach Sam meets an expert, gets demonstrations and inspiration, shares replicable exercises, possible FitnoBot, Dr. Tina, or Francesca interaction.
Custom Turbo Workout Creation (3–4 minutes): Coach Sam designs a tailored workout and encourages practice.
Turbo Council Review & Turbo Mode (2–3 minutes): Coach Sam presents progress to the Council, "One Cadet Closer" vote, Turbo Mode celebration.
Closing & Teaser (1 minute): Coach Sam offers encouragement and a show teaser.
Sample Episode
101 – GOING THE DISTANCE – ASHLEY PAULSON
It’s Coach Sam’s very first mission as leader of the Turbo Cadets! Recruited by the mysterious and energetic Turbo Council, Coach Sam is tasked with one important job: to help every Turbo Cadet be their best self and conquer any mission they face in life—through movement, motivation, and real-world inspiration. But when the Turbo Alarm goes off for the first time, Coach Sam feels a little overwhelmed. Can he really do this?
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In this episode, we help a young girl named Hattie train to complete her family’s annual Thanksgiving 5K Turkey Trot. She’s tried before but always runs out of breath, overheats, or gives up before the finish line. Sam wants to help—but to do that, he needs to understand how to build endurance and train the right way. With the help of Francesca the bearded dragon, he warms up, leads cardio-boosting Turbo Bursts, and dives into body science: how running affects your heart, lungs, legs, and core, all while leading the cadets in physical demonstrations and challenges. He shares fun facts about endurance athletes across the world—and then remembers Ashley Paulson, an ultra-marathoner, mother of four, and the record holder for running across Death Valley, one of the hottest places on Earth. She’d know EXACTLY how to help Hattie.
There’s just one problem: to meet her, Coach Sam has to use the Turbo Transporter for the very first time—and he’s nervous! Luckily, the Turbo Council reminds him that being brave doesn’t mean going it alone. With teamwork, encouragement, and deep breaths, Sam zaps to Utah to meet Ashley. There, he learns that even world-class athletes get tired, overheated, or have to stop—and that what matters most is training smart, listening to your body, and leaning on your team. Ashley shares how she stays hydrated and prepares for the danger of the desert, and she even leads the cadets in a few stretches and exercises she does on a daily basis! Ultimately, Ashley says that leaning on her family and friends is one of the biggest tools she has for accomplishing her goals. Sam realizes: that’s exactly what he has had to do with Turbo Council!
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Endurance, self-belief, cardiovascular health, teamwork, training, overcoming fear, inspiration from real people
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In the beginning, both Sam and Hattie feel unsure of their ability to complete a big challenge. Sam is nervous about using the Turbo Transporter; Hattie is afraid to try the Turkey Trot again. Through training, research, and a boost from real-life hero Ashley Paulson, they learn that bravery means preparation, pacing, and teamwork. Hattie gains a plan to finish the 5K. Sam finds his confidence as Turbo HQ’s fearless leader. Together, they go the distance.
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St. George, Utah / Death Valley – to visit Ashley Paulson and talk extreme endurance
Local neighborhood or school track – for relatable kid-friendly 5K setting
Turbo HQ + Turbo Council Hall – to establish the world of the show
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Hattie needs help finishing her family's 5K Turkey Trot. Coach Sam will create a training plan to build her endurance and confidence.
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Coach Sam's first mission using the Turbo Transporter makes him nervous, but his team supports him.
FitnoBot: Robot assistant helping with facts and information.
Dr. Tina: Remotely monitors health with Turbo Phones (headphones + parabolic mic).
Francesca: Offers grounded support, as well as access to the Team Turbo archives and resources.
05. CREATIVE TEAM
Sam Woodworth is an experienced Health and Physical Education teacher with over 12 years of service at both the elementary and high school levels. He earned his K–12 Health and Physical Education teaching degree from Messiah University and holds a master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania (now Pennsylvania Western University). In addition to his teaching career, Sam has a strong passion for coaching. He served as an assistant soccer coach at Messiah University for 10 seasons and continues to play an active role in organizing, coaching, and directing the university’s summer soccer camps for students from elementary through high school.
Sam’s dedication to youth development through sports inspired him to create Team Turbo, an exercise adventure show designed to engage children in physical activity. While teaching and coaching are his professional passions, his greatest priority is his family. He draws daily motivation and inspiration from his wife, Claire, and their daughter, Charlotte. Guided by his Christian faith, Sam approaches every aspect of his life—personal, professional, and recreational—through the lens of his relationship with Jesus Christ.
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Executive Producer/Director
Brandon Gulish is a writer, director, and producer with nearly two decades of experience in unscripted television and documentary film. He wrote and directed for the Emmy Award–winning children’s series Weird But True! and has overseen productions in more than 50 countries for National Geographic, Discovery, Travel, and Disney. As co-founder of Philamedia, he’s collaborated with major brands and co-directed the award-winning documentary The Elephants and the Grass with creative partner Beau Rosario. Brandon is a husband and father of three elementary-aged kids, who inspire him to create the kind of fun, thoughtful programming he wishes existed for his own family.
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Executive Producer/Cinematographer
Beau Rosario is the founder of Philamedia and a creative force who thrives on bringing bold, high-energy ideas to life through visually striking storytelling. With a background in writing, cinematography, and editing, Beau has shaped original content for TV, film, and commercial campaigns—collaborating with brands like Foot Locker and Puma and capturing stories in locations ranging from Iceland and Paris to Cambodia. Beau specializes in visual concept development, helping ideas take shape from the first sketch to the final frame. He’s also the proud co-founder of Homework Club, a grassroots mentorship program that’s supported youth in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood for over ten years—and draws daily inspiration from life as a husband and father.
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Grant Woodworth is someone who wears many hats on the Team Turbo crew. Whether he’s cutting together episodes in the editing booth, crafting story arcs on the page, or picking up a camera to capture the action, Grant’s versatility and creative problem-solving are central to the show’s DNA. As Coach Sam’s younger brother, you could say he was the original Cadet—learning, laughing, and adventuring under Sam’s enthusiastic guidance.
With a background in advertising, a passion for storytelling, and over 15 years of experience working with kids through summer camps and Philadelphia’s Homework Club, Grant co-created Team Turbo to combine his creative skills with his heart for youth—and to finally share his big brother with the world.
06. WHY CFA?
We recognize significant overlap between Chick-fil-A Play’s target audience and the market gaps that Team Turbo fills.
Content meant to activate, not pacify.
Participation: There is a huge market gap for families that want engaging, participatory content for their kids and not just passive viewing- after all, physical activity significantly enhances memory and cognitive function. Team Turbo's "Learn'N'Burns" fill this gap by combining workouts with educational content like science lessons, helping information retention through movement. (PLOS One, British Journal of Sports Medicine)
Co-Viewing: Like CFA Play’s slogan “Family time at your fingertips,” we see a gap for more shared experiences; Team Turbo isn’t just background noise, but a “together” watch- parents, siblings, and friends.
Aligned Brand Values: Chick-fil-A champions family values and positive experiences, making it the perfect partner for a show that unites parents and kids through movement, heart, and humor.
Market Leadership Opportunity: With educational content facing funding cuts and public broadcasting resources stretched thin, Chick-fil-A Play can establish itself as a leader in high-quality, health-focused family programming by investing in Team Turbo. Team Turbo's blend of exercise and entertainment fills this void, offering content parents that parents can be excited to incorporate into their children's schedules.
Trust & Community Standing: Chick-fil-A's established reputation as a family-friendly brand provides the credibility and reach needed to introduce an innovative children's fitness program in an increasingly crowded media landscape.
07. HOW IT FITS
Team Turbo’s place in the Chick-fil-A ecosystem.
Across the Entire Play App
A TURBOTASTIC ADVENTURE
WATCH
Full episodes of Team Turbo, where Coach Sam and the Cadets tackle real challenges with movement, science, and motivation.
Special episodes with holiday themes or location-based stories (e.g., "Turbo Christmas in the Arctic").
Animated segments (like Turbo Dives) highlighting the science of exercise, energy, and perseverance.
LISTEN
Guided audio-only workouts for screen-free days, narrated by Coach Sam and Dr. Tina.
“Turbo Tales” mini-stories submitted by real Cadets.
PLAY
Interactive fitness challenges kids can complete at home and log into the app.
Gamified badge system based on effort and milestones—rewarded with Chick-fil-A food prizes or exclusive content.
CREATE
Kid-friendly recipes inspired by athletes (e.g., “Team Turbo Trail Mix” or “Coach Sam’s Smoothie Fuel”).
Design-your-own-Cadet avatar activity, with printable badges and mission cards.
Engagement Opportunities
Gamification with badges and milestones.
Bited-sized additional content for mobile viewers on the go.
Sales funnel through rewards.
08. EXPANSION
Expanding the Experience: From Streaming to Live Events
Team Turbo LIVE! is a competitive game show where kids apply what they've learned in obstacle-course challenges. Think Floor is Lava meets Legends of the Hidden Temple, with educational value built in.
Opportunities for local partnerships: gym-based pop-up events, Chick-fil-A family nights, school activations, and branded community fitness days.
Seasonal and Thematic Programming
Special episodes tied to holidays or seasons add variety and relevance throughout the year.
— Winter: A Christmas episode with Arctic swimmers
— Spring: A track-and-field story with a Jamaican bobsled legacy