Chikn Nuggit is an animated web series on TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and later YouTube created by Kyra Kupetsky. The series follows Chikn Nuggit and his animal friends in their various, mainly comedic, antics.[1] Since its initial release in October 2020, according to Genius Brands (now Kartoon Studios), Chikn Nuggit has included over three-hundred 15-20 second long shorts and over eight million followers and a billion views on TikTok, X, YouTube and Instagram,[2][3][4][1][5] entertaining fans worldwide with its "sweet and surreal adventures",[6] and has even released a merchandise line.[7]
| Chikn Nuggit | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | |
| Created by | Kyra Kupetsky |
| Written by |
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| Directed by | Kyra Kupetsky |
| Voices of |
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| Production | |
| Producer | Kyra Kupesky |
| Animators |
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| Production companies | BuzzFeed Animation Lab Frederator Studios (series) |
| Original release | |
| Network | |
| Release | October 15, 2020 – present |
Synopsis
The series follows a long-eared, yellow dog named Chikn Nuggit and his fast food-named animal friends getting into their sweet and sometimes spooky and surreal comedic adventures and antics he and his friends get into.[1]
Voice cast and characters
Main characters
- Kyra Kupetsky as Chikn Nuggit, a weird, but good-natured male dog. Chikn is later revealed to be the Demigod of Chaos, destined to break the fabric of reality.
- Vivian Nweze as Cheezborger, a cheerful, but sometimes shy female calico cat who wears a cheeseburger hat.
- Nate Charpentier as Iscream, a terrifying demon disguised as a cute bunny who loves causing chaos.
- Carolina Reynoso as Slushi, a kind-hearted, nerdy female Arctic fox.
- Cristina Vee as Fwench Fwy, a sweet, magical wish dragon.
- Dawn M. Bennett as Sody Pop, a hyperactive male red panda kid with explosive abilities.
- Elisabeth Riley as Cofi, a literal, mysterious female sheep in wolf's clothing.
- Kellen Goff as Bezel, a personification of the doomsday clock who has come to reveal to Chikn his true nature.[8][9]
Recurring characters
- Nick Butera as Hawt Saus, an obnoxious male squirrel.
- Kevie Santos as Sassparilla, Sody Pop's mother.
- Kyra Kupetsky as Milkshek, Slushi's friend who can't seem to stop dating bad partners.
- Matt Pierce as Old Pea, an old, green newt-like creature.[9]
Minor characters
- Nate Charpentier as Krampus
- Santa Claus
- Baphomet
- Katsup and Meowstard, Cheezborger's younger siblings
- Kellen Goff as the Overlord, Iscream's master
History and production
On October 15, 2020, Kyra Kupetsky, the lead animator of BuzzFeed's Animation Lab, premiered the series on TikTok, Twitter and Instagram[10] as a part of a few animated web series owned by BuzzFeed, such as The Land of Boggs. In 2022, the show debuted on YouTube, as part of the YouTube Shorts platform. Occasionally, long-form videos are exclusively posted there.
On February 4, 2023, Genius Brands International, Inc through its Frederator Networks subsidiary proposed a deal to BuzzFeed's Animation Labs that they would develop and produce a series based on the original works from BuzzFeed’s Animation Labs into extended series, which included Chikn Nuggit in consideration because of its rapid growth in popularity, gathering over 7 million followers.[11]
Michael Hirsh, CEO of Wow Unlimited Media, the parent company of Frederator Network, stated on the project: "We are pleased further to expand our roster of original animated series with BuzzFeed, giving the global fans of wildly popular IP, such as Chikn Nuggit, more of what they love."[3]
Zee Myers, Head of BuzzFeed Animation Lab, also commented: "Millions of fans have let us know that they need the Chikn Nuggit animated series! We can’t wait to continue expanding our content universe for our global community in partnership with Frederator, a pioneer in animation and television."[3]
On June 23, 2023, Genius Brands confirmed and started development on Chikn Nuggit into making it into a "premium content series."[12] It became the second IP in development since the deal, after The Land of Boggs.[2] A release date is yet to be announced.[12]
References
- ^ a b c "Frederator and BuzzFeed to serve up Chikn Nuggit series". Retrieved December 3, 2023.
- ^ a b Bharanidharan, Sadhana. "Frederator, BuzzFeed to serve up Chikn Nuggit series". Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ a b c "BuzzFeed Animation Lab to Develop New Animated Series "Chikn Nuggit" With Genius Brands' Frederator Network, Inc". Yahoo Finance. June 20, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ "Frederator and BuzzFeed Team Up on 'Chikn Nuggit'". Animation World Network. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ Spry, Jeff (June 20, 2023). "BuzzFeed Animation and Frederator to Serve Up a 'Chikn Nuggit' Show". Retrieved December 3, 2023.
- ^ "BuzzFeed and Frederator to Develop 'Chikn Nuggit' Series". VideoAge International. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
- ^ Cowan, Cierra (February 24, 2023). "Calling All Chikn Nuggit Fans: Shop BuzzFeed Just Dropped New Merch For The Rewind Relaunch". BuzzFeed. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ "Chikn Nuggit". BuzzFeed Animation Lab. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
- ^ a b paraga (June 28, 2022). "Is Chikn Nuggit a dog?". Pet Animals Care. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ Bell, James (June 20, 2023). "Chikn Nuggit TV Series Officially In The Works". The Nerd Stash. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
- ^ BuzzFeedPress (February 14, 2023). "BuzzFeed Strikes First-Look Content Deal With Genius Brands' Frederator Network, Inc". BuzzFeed. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
- ^ a b "BuzzFeed Animation Lab to Develop New Animated Series "Chikn Nuggit" With Genius Brands' Frederator Network, Inc". Kartoonstudios.com. June 20, 2023. Retrieved December 3, 2023.