Netflix streaming surreal new series based on one of the most-watched YouTube videos ever

A peculiar animated series with a dark comedic twist is now available on Netflix, with more episodes set to arrive soon.

The Amazing Digital Circus, a unique CGI adventure series, is based on a pilot episode that became a sensation on YouTube in 2023.

This show is unlike anything else on the streaming platform and could be just the ticket for fans of animation, comedy, or those looking for something out of the ordinary.

The three-episode premiere of the series, created by Gooseworx and produced by Glitch Productions, debuted on Netflix this Friday.

The series, which also streams for free on YouTube, will release subsequent episodes simultaneously on both platforms. The plot revolves around Pomni (voiced by Lizzie Freeman), a young woman who finds herself trapped in a virtual world alongside five other humans.

They become the playthings of an eccentric AI named Caine (Alex Rochon) and descend into madness when they realise there's no escape. The Amazing Digital Circus draws inspiration from the sci-fi short story I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream by American author Harlan Ellison.

To give potential viewers a point of reference, Glitch Productions described the series as: "What if it was Toy Story, but everyone was a jerk?"

A trailer for the series, unveiled last year, garnered an astonishing 28 million views, generating immense anticipation among enthusiasts of the animation studio for this unconventional cartoon creation.

The original pilot has already become one of the most-watched animation pilots on the platform, boasting an impressive 348 million views.

Reacting to the teaser, one YouTube user commented: "I don't think any of us could have predicted how much this show would break the internet."

Another user noted: "If this is going to be "I have no mouth, and I must scream" but with a plentiful coat of primary colored paint and a happy facade to hide the pain, then the show is going to be perfect,".

A third viewer observed: "I already love the tone of the show: silly and goofy on the outset, but clearly going to be very sad and even disturbing the further into hell it drags us. Just amazing."

Beneath its vibrant and playful virtual Big Top, The Amazing Digital Circus might just emerge as one of the darkest new series of 2024.

As horror fans compile their favourite Halloween films to binge-watch this spooky season, be sure not to miss this innovative take on the sci-fi thriller genre.

The Amazing Digital Circus is available to stream on Netflix, with subsequent episodes coming to Netflix and YouTube.