What's Happening?
The Australian animated comedy series 'Do Not Watch This Show,' created by entertainer and bestselling children's author Andy Lee, is making its North American debut. The complete 12-episode first season will launch on Amazon Kids+ in the U.S. and Canada
on September 3rd. This distribution is a result of a new licensing agreement between 9 Story Distribution International and Amazon Kids+. A 20-episode second season is slated to follow at a later date, with the show accessible to subscribers via Fire TV and Fire Tablets. The series is based on Lee's 'Do Not Open This Book' series, which has sold over four million copies globally and been translated into 35 languages. 'Do Not Watch This Show' centers on Wizz, a pompous blue monster who attempts to dissuade audiences from watching him, inadvertently making the show more entertaining through his sabotage efforts. The series premiered in Australia on the ABC, where it achieved significant viewership, including becoming the biggest launch of a new children's and family program in ABC iview history.
Why It's Important?
The North American debut of 'Do Not Watch This Show' on Amazon Kids+ signifies a growing trend of international content, particularly children's programming, finding a wider audience in the U.S. market. For Amazon Kids+, this acquisition strengthens its content library, offering diverse and critically acclaimed international shows to its subscribers, which can enhance its competitive edge against other streaming platforms. The success of the series in Australia, evidenced by its high viewership and renewal for a second season, suggests a strong potential for resonance with U.S. and Canadian families. This move also highlights the increasing importance of global distribution agreements for content creators and distributors, allowing them to monetize their intellectual property across different territories. For Andy Lee, it expands his brand and reach beyond Australia, solidifying his reputation as a successful children's content creator. The show's unique premise, featuring a character who actively tries to deter viewers, offers a fresh approach to children's entertainment, potentially captivating a new demographic.
What's Next?
Following its North American launch on September 3rd, the performance of 'Do Not Watch This Show' on Amazon Kids+ will be closely monitored. Its success will likely influence future content acquisition strategies for Amazon Kids+ and other streaming services looking to expand their international children's programming. The subsequent release of the 20-episode second season will provide further content for subscribers and could help build a dedicated North American fanbase. The series' reception in the U.S. and Canada will also be a key indicator for 9 Story Distribution International regarding the marketability of similar international animated content. If successful, it could pave the way for more Australian and other international children's shows to enter the competitive U.S. streaming landscape. Andy Lee's continued involvement, both as creator and voice actor, will be central to the show's ongoing development and appeal.
Beyond the Headlines
The premise of 'Do Not Watch This Show,' where the main character actively tries to discourage viewership, subtly engages with the concept of media literacy and critical thinking, even for young audiences. By presenting a character who challenges the very act of consumption, the show might inadvertently encourage children to think about why they watch what they watch. This meta-narrative could foster a more active and engaged viewing experience, moving beyond passive entertainment. Furthermore, the show's success, both in Australia and potentially in North America, underscores the universal appeal of humor and unique storytelling in children's media, transcending cultural boundaries. It also highlights the power of established intellectual property, as the series is based on a popular book franchise, demonstrating how successful literary works can be adapted into other media formats to reach broader audiences and create synergistic entertainment ecosystems.
