A new television series based on the British horror-comedy web series Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared has officially been announced, and here's what is known about it so far. News about its release has been more cryptic than the original six episodes since the announcement. However, with its premiere approaching and an audience excited for more of Becky Sloan’s and Joseph Pelling’s puppet-based horror, there’s a lot to reflect upon and even more to look forward to when the web series comes to TV.
While the puppets may seem very much similar to Sesame Street and the Muppets, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared has very different lessons to teach, and they have little to do with counting, spelling, and identifying shapes. Featuring musical numbers, disturbing imagery, and social satire, the horrific and surreal nature of the six-episode web series helped it find popularity on YouTube. Then in 2018, it became officially announced that Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared was returning, and this time as a television show.
After the debut of the final short, “Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared 6,” it was unknown if the series would return. With the series concluded and a cryptically happy ending for the characters, it was unsure what direction Sloan and Pelling could take their creation. However, on the Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared YouTube channel in 2018, the creators confirmed that a television series was in development; since then, everything known about the show has painted a colorful picture of what audiences can expect. Here's what we know about it so far.
How Don't Hug Me I'm Scared Started
Filmed in their spare time and without a budget, creators Becky Sloan and Joseph Pelling with their friends at THIS IS IT filmed the original weird horror short while studying at Kingston University. Becoming an internet sensation, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared was offered several sponsorships, but Sloan and Pelling rejected most of them to “keep it fairly odd.” However, after the original Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared shorts ended, British public service network Channel 4 decided to bring the puppets to TV.
Don't Hug Me I'm Scared Is Bringing Back The Original Cast
Starring the original characters of Red Guy, Yellow Guy, and Duck, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared uses puppetry and animation to bring its cartoony world to life. Although an ambitious collaboration between Blink Industries, Super Deluxe, and Conan O’Brien’s Conaco, many of the original talent who created the original shorts will be returning. Baker Terry, Joseph Pelling, and Becky Sloan will be reprising their roles as the original three protagonists and playing several new characters created for their TV series.
Don't Hug Me I'm Scared Embraces Social Satire–And Horror
Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared will still be true to its satirical roots as it tackles more timely social commentary. A pilot aired at 2019’s Sundance Film Festival gave insight into what’s next for Red Guy, Yellow Guy, and Duck. Set in the community of Clayhill, the town uncovers a conspiracy when the mayor disappears. As Clayhill panics over their fear of strangers invading their homes, Duck wonders who will take charge, and Red Guy goes in search of their missing politician. With musical numbers, disturbing moments, and a self-aware sense of humor, everything that made Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared memorable returns in new stories.
When Don't Hug Me I'm Scared Should Release In The U.S.
Since the announcement in 2018, over two million viewers have eagerly awaited news of Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared’s TV premiere date. On Father’s Day 2022, audiences learned that the series is coming to UK’s Channel 4 in September 2022 (via YouTube). Unfortunately, there's no word yet on whether or not Don't Hug Me I'm Scared will release in the U.S., but if it proves to be a cult hit in the UK, it's almost certain that a streaming service will pick it up sooner rather than later. In any case, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared’s teaser doesn’t herald much else, but it does give fans something to look forward to very soon.