Andy Lee’s ‘Do Not Watch This Show’ Expands to North America After Record-Breaking ABC Launch
Australian comedian Andy Lee is taking his animated hit Do Not Watch This Show to North America, with the series making its U.S. and Canadian debut on Amazon Kids+.
The complete 12-episode first season launched on the service on Sept. 3 following a new licensing agreement between 9 Story Distribution International and Amazon Kids+.
A 20-episode second season is also set to arrive on the platform at a later date.
The international expansion marks another milestone for the Australian children’s series, which began life as Lee’s hugely successful Do Not Open This Book publishing franchise.
The books have sold more than four million copies internationally and been translated into 35 languages.
Do Not Watch This Show follows Wizz, a blue monster who desperately wants audiences to stop watching his television series. His increasingly elaborate attempts to sabotage each episode instead have the opposite effect.
Lee created and executive produces the series while also providing the voice of Wizz.
“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 in announcing the North American deal.
The move follows a significant response to the series in Australia.
After premiering on the ABC, Do Not Watch This Show attracted an average audience of one million viewers across ABC Family and ABC iview during its first two weeks.
According to distributor 9 Story, that made it the biggest launch for a new Children’s & Family program in ABC iview history.
The first season went on to generate 115 million minutes viewed during its opening three months, helping secure its 20-episode second season.
The series has also begun building an audience outside Australia, with both seasons recently launching in the U.K. on the BBC’s children’s channel CBeebies.
Its arrival on Amazon Kids+ now gives the Australian production another significant international market.
Do Not Watch This Show is produced by Lee Bones Productions for the ABC, with major production investment from Screen Australia and the ABC in association with VicScreen. Leo Baker directs, while 9 Story Distribution International handles worldwide distribution outside Australia and New Zealand.
The expansion adds Lee’s animated creation to a growing list of Australian children’s properties finding audiences beyond the domestic market — this time with a character who would very much prefer they weren’t watching.
Season one of Do Not Watch This Show is now available on Amazon Kids+ in the U.S. and Canada.