The quirky, crazy characters of One Animation’s non-dialogue animated comedy Oddbods are proving a major hit in the U.K., according to the latest ratings figures. The show is now one of CITV’s top five shows of 2016 so far, racking up over 5 million views. Data from 2015 also places Oddbods as one of the highest-rated kid’s TV shows of the year in the U.K., despite only premiering there in late autumn.
“Every so often animated characters come along whom everyone just seems to fall in love with,” comments Trudi Hayward, SVP Head of Global Merchandise at ITVS GE. “In the past this has been iconic characters such as Tom and Jerry, or in more recent times the highly successful Minions. Characters and shows like these have a universal appeal because of their conceptual simplicity combined with good old-fashioned fun.”
“Oddbods, which celebrates all the ‘oddness’ in everyday life, is certainly one of these types of show, not least because of the fantastic quality of storytelling and cinema-quality production. But also because the slapstick, dialogue free concept works so brilliantly for the multi-screen generation.”
Oddbods is a sketch-style show following the antics of seven adorably odd characters — from sleepy Zee to angry Fuse. The series currently airs across the globe in 46 x 5 and 224 x 1-minute formats. A 60 x 7-minute format will premiere in the U.K. early this summer. Oddbods is also available online and through social media platforms, including on YouTube where it has surpassed 65 million views. Over the winter, One Animation has secured a number of partnerships and deals to expand the brand into licensed merchandise.
