Following a record-breaking debut in Australia, 9 Story Distribution has acquired worldwide distribution rights
9 Story Distribution International is pleased to announce it has acquired worldwide distribution rights (excluding Australia and New Zealand) for the breakout animated comedy series Do Not Watch This Show (12 x 11 min), created by beloved Australian entertainer and bestselling author Andy Lee.
Based on Lee’s wildly popular book series Do Not Open This Book, the new show has taken Australia by storm – becoming a true cultural phenomenon. In just three months, it has topped ABC iview charts, amassing over 115 million minutes watched. It achieved 1 million average viewers across ABC Family and ABC iview in its first two weeks1 and has officially become the biggest launch of a new Children & Family show in ABC iview history.* ABC recently confirmed a second season, driven by the show’s exceptional performance.
The show’s explosive debut builds on the global success of the book series, which has sold over 4 million copies and been translated into 35 languages.
Aimed at children aged 5-8 and their families, Do Not Watch This Show stars Wizz, a pompous blue monster who is desperate for viewers to stop watching. Voiced by Lee himself, Wizz’s increasingly absurd attempts to sabotage his own show only make him more irresistible. Each episode invites audiences to unravel the mystery: Why doesn’t Wizz want us to watch?
“I’ve always loved making kids laugh, and Do Not Watch This Show gave me the perfect excuse to be as silly as possible,” said Andy Lee, creator and voice of Wizz. “It’s been amazing to see how much kids – and their parents – have embraced Wizz’s ridiculous attempts to stop them from watching. We’re thrilled to be partnering with 9 Story to bring the show to families around the world…even if Wizz isn’t!”
“Whether you’re eight or eighty, this show will have you laughing out loud at Wizz’s ridiculous antics,” said Alix Wiseman, SVP, Acquisitions and Distribution for 9 Story. “Andy Lee is an extraordinary creative force whose storytelling has already captivated millions through his bestselling books and hit TV formats. With Do Not Watch This Show, he’s brought that same irreverent charm and comedic brilliance to animation, creating a series that’s as clever as it is hilarious. We’re incredibly excited to bring this fresh, funny and universally appealing show to audiences around the world.”
“Whether you’re eight or eighty, this show will have you laughing out loud at Wizz’s ridiculous antics,” said Alix Wiseman, SVP, Acquisitions and Distribution for 9 Story. “Andy Lee is an extraordinary creative force whose storytelling has already captivated millions through his bestselling books and hit TV formats. With Do Not Watch This Show is a Lee Bones Production for ABC. Major production funding from the ABC and Screen Australia. Financed in association with VicScreen. Directed by Leo Baker. Series Producer Patrick Crawley. Written by Andy Lee, Jason Marion, Melanie Bracewell, Ray Matsen and Katie Westcott. Executive Producers Andy Lee, Greg Sitch.
9 Story will officially launch international sales at MIPJunior and MIPCOM, where the first season will be available for screening.
*Source: OzTAM VOZ Total TV and BVOD, National, Average Audience, When Watched period 04.07.2025-17.07.2025, OzTAM VPM Minutes.
About 9 Story Distribution
9 Story Distribution International is the international distribution arm of 9 Story Media Group, a leading content creator, producer, and distributor of kids & family-focused intellectual property, now part of Scholastic’s portfolio. Recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Wild Kratts, Barney, Clifford The Big Red Dog, and Garfield and Friends, 9 Story Distribution International represents approximately 5,000 half hours of animated and live-action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. www.9story.com
About Andy Lee
Andy Lee is one of Australia’s most beloved entertainers, best known as half of the iconic comedy duo Hamish & Andy, hosts of the country’s No. 1 Australian podcast on LISTNR. He also stars as host of Nine’s The Hundred, a hit panel show blending comedy and statistics. Beyond TV and radio, Andy is a celebrated children’s author with the globally best-selling Do Not Open This Book series. His latest venture, the animated adaptation Do Not Watch This Show, recently premiered on ABC to widespread acclaim.