Banijay Kids & Family has secured distribution rights to Pyjama Films’ mockumentary-style adult animation “Belzebubs.”
Currently in production, it’s 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. Ahonen is head writer for the series.
Blending domestic comedy with heavy metal satire, it 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.
In short, it’s about “your average devil-worshiping family next door, their romantic affairs and the sluggish evolution of the father’s hapless black metal band,” it was stated. The focus is on everyday issues and the challenges of marrying a rather challenging career with kids, PTA meetings – and satanic masses. As we all know, “juggling work and family is Hell.”
Bonafide phenomenon, “Belzebubs· – which started as “an improvised therapy project and a humble webcomic” – has since grown into a global cross-media beast with a three-album record deal with the world’s largest metal label Century Media, owned by Sony Music Entertainment. The band’s second album “Damnatio Memoriae” will be released in 2027.
“It has been an absolute privilege to collaborate with JP Ahonen,” said Terhi Väänänen, CEO and Co-Founder of Pyjama Films.
“The outcome is an exceptional series with a pulsing dark heart and delightfully offbeat humor, not to mention the amazing characters and storylines that we know will resonate with audiences globally.”
Pyjama’s previous productions include “Sore Eyes for Infinity,” “Planet Z – Surprise Egg,” and “Still Lives” – as well as Belzebubs music videos “Blackened Call” and “Cathedrals of Mourning,” with over 6M views on YouTube.
Väänänen produces alongside Giorgio Scorza and Davide Rosio (Movimenti Production, part of Banijay Kids & Family) and Peter Keydel (Mago Production).
English voice cast for the series has also been announces, featuring Andrew Wheildon-Dennis as Sløth, Jess Robinson as Sløth’s wife, Lucy, 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.
“This marks a continued push for Banijay Kids & Family into bold, creator-led IP,” added Delphine Dumont, Chief Commercial Officer, calling the series “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.”
Banijay Kids & Family is already behind “Totally Spies!,” “Mr Bean”, “Super Happy Magic Forest” or “Hello Kitty: Super Style!” and “This World Can’t Tear Me Down.”
Jarmo Lampela, commissioner and head of YLE Drama, noted the show appeals to young adults, but also to a much broader audience.
“We believe that ‘Belzebubs’ resonates due to its universal themes of family, diversity and perseverance.”
“What I love about the series is that, although it’s set in the world of heavy metal and black metal cultists, the characters are lovable and sweet,” observed Väänänen.
“They might be satanic but you root for them as they tackle everyday challenges revolving around love, work and family. You cannot but admire Sløth’s and the others’ persistence in chasing their dreams even when life gets in the way.”