Australian animated comedy “Do Not Watch This Show,” created by entertainer and bestselling children’s author Andy Lee, is heading to North America through a new licensing agreement between 9 Story Distribution International and Amazon Kids+.
The complete 12-episode first season will launch on Amazon Kids+ in the US and Canada on September 3rd, marking the series’ North American debut.
A 20-episode second season will follow at a later date, with the first show available to subscribers via Fire TV and Fire Tablets.
Based on Lee’s “Do Not Open This Book” series, which has sold more than four million copies and been translated into 35 languages, “Do Not Watch This Show” centres on Wizz, a pompous blue monster determined to convince audiences to stop watching him.
Believing he has no business starring in a television series, Wizz attempts to sabotage each episode, only for his increasingly ridiculous efforts to make the show more entertaining.
“We love the irreverent humour and silliness of ‘Do Not Watch This Show,’ and can’t wait for families across the US and Canada to watch it on Amazon Kids+. Sorry, Wizz,” said Josh Mandel, senior executive, development/production for Amazon Kids+.
The series premiered in Australia on the ABC, where its launch drew an average audience of one million viewers across ABC Family and ABC iview during its first two weeks.
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According to 9 Story, it became the biggest launch of a new children’s and family program in ABC iview history, generating 115 million minutes of viewing in its first three months, leading to the second season renewal.
“From the moment Do Not Watch This Show premiered, audiences embraced its clever humor, cheeky spirit and truly original premise,” said Alix Wiseman, SVP distribution and acquisitions at 9 Story Distribution. “Andy Lee has created a standout comedy that resonates with kids and parents alike, and we’re delighted to partner with Amazon Kids+ to introduce Wizz and his wonderfully chaotic adventures to families across North America.”
Lee, who created the series and serves as executive producer while also voicing Wizz, said the character would be less than pleased with the show’s latest expansion.
“I’ve spent years telling children not to open the book and not to watch the show, and unsurprisingly they’ve refused to listen,” Lee said. “We’re thrilled to bring Wizz to audiences across the U.S. and Canada. He’ll be absolutely devastated to hear that even more people are about to ignore his instructions.”
“Do Not Watch This Show” is a Lee Bones Production for the ABC, with major production investment from Screen Australia and the ABC in association with VicScreen.
The series is directed by Leo Baker and features Lee as Wizz alongside an ensemble voice cast. 9 Story Distribution International holds worldwide distribution rights outside Australia and New Zealand.
Lee is best known as one half of comedy duo Hamish & Andy, whose podcast is distributed through LISTNR, and as host of Nine panel show The Hundred. His Do Not Open This Book publishing franchise provided the basis for the animated series.