Dropout: 'Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared' Now Streaming

Variety

by Jennifer Maas

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Dropout, formerly known as CollegeHumor, is set to expand its content offerings with the streaming debut of the British comedy series *Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared* on Monday. This marks Dropout’s first-ever licensing deal, a significant milestone for the comedy streaming service as it transitions into selective content acquisition. Created by Becky Sloan and Joseph Pelling, *Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared* combines dark humor with surreal puppetry, blending elements of *The Muppet Show* with the eerie atmosphere of *Twin Peaks*. The series will initially stream its web series version on Dropout, followed by biweekly releases of a longer TV series starting March 20. The show, which originated as a YouTube phenomenon, has amassed over a quarter of a billion views and cult following. It follows three characters—Red Guy, Yellow Guy, and Duck—as they navigate life’s questions through encounters with peculiar talking objects and teachers who seem out of their depth. Produced by Blink Industries, an award-winning studio known for its innovative animation, *Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared* has been a staple on Channel 4 in the UK but is now making its global streaming debut. For Dropout, this deal represents a strategic move to diversify its content and attract new audiences. CEO Sam Reich expressed his enthusiasm for acquiring the show, calling it one of his favorite “weird and wonderful” internet phenomena. The licensing agreement underscores Dropout’s evolution from user-generated content platform to a platform curating premium, original series. Sloan and Pelling also shared their excitement about bringing the show to Dropout, highlighting the platform’s commitment to high-quality production. This move is particularly significant as Dropout continues to grow its subscriber base and expand its programming slate. By licensing *Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared*, Dropout not only taps into a proven hit but also positions itself as a destination for quirky, boundary-pushing comedies. For fans of the series, this marks an opportunity to revisit beloved characters in a new format, while Dropout gains a fresh perspective on its platform. This partnership highlights the growing trend of niche comedy content gaining mainstream attention and underscores the importance of unique storytelling in today’s competitive streaming landscape. As Dropout

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Originally published on Variety on 2/23/2026