Currently in production, the animated series is already confirmed for YLE in Finland and TV3 in Catalonia, with presales also secured for RUV (Iceland) and Prima (Czechia).
Banijay Kids & Family, a global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, today announces it has secured distribution rights to Pyjama Films’ mockumentary-style adult animation Belzebubs, co-produced by Movimenti Production (Banijay Kids & Family) and Mago Production.
Currently in production, Belzebubs (13 x 22’) is already confirmed for YLE in Finland and TV3 in Catalonia, with presales also secured for RUV (Iceland) and Prima (Czechia). The black-and-white animated series is based on the globally popular webcomic created by JP Ahonen, which has amassed over half a million fans worldwide. Blending domestic comedy with heavy metal satire, the series follows Sløth, a well-meaning stay-at-home dad striving to balance family life with his ambitions as the frontman of a heavy metal band, alongside his unconventional family navigating everyday chaos.
Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay Kids & Family says: “The acquisition of Belzebubs distribution rights marks a continued push for Banijay Kids & Family into bold, creator-led IP. A standout title, unlike anything else in the market, it broadens our offering across audience demographics and sits firmly within our premium slate for MIFA 2026.”
Terhi Väänänen, CEO and Co-Founder, Pyjama Films adds: “It has been an absolute privilege to collaborate with JP Ahonen on the making of the animated series. The outcome is an exceptional series with a pulsing dark heart and delightfully offbeat humour, not to mention the amazing characters and storylines that we know will resonate with audiences globally.”
Jarmo Lampela, commissioner and head of Yle Drama, comments: “We at Yle Drama believe that Belzebubs resonates due to its universal themes of family, diversity and perseverance, with an audience of young adults (20-35), while also appealing to a broader audience. Belzebubs is also a part of Yle’s extensive autumn 2026 metal lineup.”
The Belzebubs animated series is based on the webcomic phenomenon of the same name by JP Ahonen, which has garnered over 650,000 online fans already. The band, signed worldwide with Sony Music Entertainment / Century Media Records, received raving reviews with its debut album and two award-winning music videos clocking over 6 million views on YouTube. The group’s second album is ready for release in the near future, with another set of animated music videos. The comic book rights have been sold to over 20 countries so far.
English voice cast for the series includes Andrew Wheildon-Dennis as Sløth, award-winning singer and comedian Jess Robinson as Sløth’s wife, Lucy, actor Pippa Haywood (Green Wing, Bridgerton) as Nana, Amalia Vitale (Big Mood, Beyond Paradise) as Blasphe-My, Charlie Hiscock (Ted Lasso) as Sam, and James Alexander as Hubbath.
JP Ahonen is head writer for the series. The producer is Terhi Väänänen (Pyjama Films), alongside Giorgio Scorza and Davide Rosio (Movimenti Production, part of Banijay Kids & Family) and Peter Keydel (Mago Production).
