‘Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared’ Quietly Makes Its Television Debut
Image Source: tubefilter
There are a lot of bizarre YouTube videos out there and a lot of strange internet sensations. It doesn’t take a lot to surprise the internet collective, but when it was announced this past week that Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared found a TV release on All 4/Channel 4, fans who have stuck with the series since its debut in 2011 were thrilled. Curious onlookers who may have stumbled in by the child-like appearance are probably raising an eyebrow at how something so bizarre and twisted could get a TV development deal. The best way to describe the show is if you took the education and fun of Sesame Street, give it some mood-enhancing drugs, and then ask David Lynch to direct.
The series consisted of only six episodes released over a 5-year span on YouTube, but it developed a cult-like following. Each episode focuses on three unnamed characters, a yellow-skinned human-like puppet, a green human-like duck, and a red-mopped head human, and how they learn about fundamental aspects of life like time, creativity, love, health, and computers. At the start, it is very innocent with a catchy tune, but then, like a switch, the images turn darker and more surreal, leading to some body horror and general disturbing images.
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Collectively the series has amassed over 260 million views and is seen as a commentary on social issues while providing the viewer with a sense of dread. However, not much has happened since the end of 2015, but then four years later, in 2019, Channel 4 received a grant from the British Film Institute’s Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF), which covered 50% of the production costs. Channel 4 Head of Comedy, Fiona McDermott, said:
“Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared is a uniquely pitched show from one of the most creative production companies. Ideas that came with such a strong identity and established following are scarce, but they are essential when making content for younger audiences. We were desperate to endorse this glorious genre-blending-puppet-tour-de-force, and with the YACF, we found the perfect partners to make that a reality. We’re thrilled to be making this series with them both.”
The early reviews of this season have stated that even with the longer run time, the show has not lost its appeal and continues to build the uncomfortable nature while still presenting as a kid’s show. Fans are excited about the new format, and newcomers will soon learn life lessons in the most unusual way ever.
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Source(s): bfi.org