Banijay Kids & Family Picks Up Global Distribution Rights for Adult Animated Series ‘Belzebubs’

Banijay Kids & Family has expanded its premium animation catalogue by acquiring worldwide distribution rights to Belzebubs, a new adult animated comedy series currently in production.

The 13-episode, 22-minute series is based on Finnish artist JP Ahonen’s internationally successful Belzebubs webcomic, which has amassed more than 650,000 fans online. Produced by Pyjama Films in collaboration with Movimenti Production (Banijay Kids & Family) and Mago Production, the black-and-white animated series blends family sitcom humour with heavy metal culture through a mockumentary-style format.

Already generating international interest, Belzebubs has secured broadcast commitments from YLE in Finland and TV3 Catalunya, with additional presales completed for RÚV in Iceland and Prima in the Czech Republic.

The series follows Sløth, a devoted stay-at-home father who struggles to balance everyday family responsibilities with his ambition to lead a heavy metal band. Alongside his unconventional family, Sløth navigates domestic life with an absurd, darkly comedic twist inspired by Ahonen’s original comics.

Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer at Banijay Kids & Family, states:

“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 of Pyjama Films, praised the collaboration with Banijay Kids & Family and creator JP Ahonen, noting that the adaptation remains faithful to the spirit of the original comic while reaching an even broader audience. The series is also part of YLE’s extensive autumn 2026 metal-themed programming lineup.

Beyond the comic’s popularity, the fictional band featured in Belzebubs has developed a significant following of its own. Signed worldwide to Sony Music Entertainment/Century Media Records, the project has released an acclaimed debut album and multiple award-winning animated music videos that have collectively attracted more than six million YouTube views. A second album is expected in the near future.

The English-language voice cast includes:

• Andrew Wheildon-Dennis as Sløth
• Jess Robinson as Lucy
• Pippa Haywood (Green Wing, Bridgerton) as Nana
• Amalia Vitale (Big Mood, Beyond Paradise) as Blasphe-My
• Charlie Hiscock (Ted Lasso) as Sam
• James Alexander as Hubbath

JP Ahonen serves as head writer for the series. Producers include Terhi Väänänen (Pyjama Films), Giorgio Scorza and Davide Rosio (Movimenti Production), and Peter Keydel (Mago Production).

Banijay Kids & Family will showcase Belzebubs as part of its premium animation slate at MIFA 2026, reinforcing its continued expansion into creator-driven and adult-oriented animated programming.