Steve Nash, Randi Zuckerberg developing shows for CBC-TV

Two new youth-centred projects backed by famous faces a one-hour drama from recently retired NBA star Steve Nash and an animatedkids show from social media maven Randi Zuckerberg are in the works for CBC Television.

Nash is developing Hardwood, a drama about a "flashy, big-city entrepreneur" who opens an elite youth basketball school outside of Toronto, with Insight Productions, the public broadcaster said in a statement.

The two-time NBA MVP and general manager of Canada's men's basketball national team will serve as executive producer of the "character-driven drama," working with screenwriter and series creator Skander Halim.

The show will explore "all the highs and lows" as well as the high-stakes drama faced by teen basketball players, according to Nash.

"I see our young basketball stars having to navigate a very challenging landscape," he said in a statement.

"Being a teenager is difficult enough, but add to that the bright spotlight, the countless dubious characters, the expectations and pitfalls of the recruiting process, and it can be a toxic mix. But it's also one of the most exciting times of a player's life, when anything is possible."

Adventure-seekergoes from book to TV

The focus is on younger children aged four to seven years old with the upcoming Kids' CBC series Dot, based on the 2013 picture book of the same name by Zuckerberg, the digital lifestyle mogul and sister of Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg.

The series follows the curious, adventure-seeking and tech-savvy heroine introduced in the book, with Toronto children's entertainment company Industrial Brothers teaming up with The Jim Henson Company to bring Dot to life.

"Dot will help teach so many children about the excitement of going outside and exploring while simultaneously using tech, in a balanced way, to learn more about their surroundings," Zuckerberg said.

Potential airdates for the two projects have yet to be announced.