Don't Hug Me I'm Scared

Don't Hug Me I'm Scared is a British surreal horror-comedy musical web series that begins with three anthropomorphic puppets – Yellow Guy, Red Guy, and Duck – living in a brightly colored, seemingly innocent world. Their days are interrupted by catchy songs about everyday topics like health, time, or computers, which quickly descend into disturbing, nightmarish scenarios. The series explores themes of repressed trauma, cult indoctrination, and the dangers of forced positivity through its unsettling blend of childlike aesthetics and grotesque imagery.

The series gained a significant cult following online for its unique and disturbing take on children's programming. While not formally reviewed by major critics due to its web-based nature, it is widely praised for its creativity, dark humor, and effective use of psychological horror. Its unsettling imagery and commentary on societal pressures resonated strongly with a dedicated online audience.

• Praised for its unique and disturbing surrealist horror.

• Commended for its dark humor and unsettling blend of childlike aesthetics with grotesque elements.

• Recognized for its creative commentary on societal issues and psychological themes.

Google audience: Online audiences have largely embraced the series' dark and unconventional approach. Viewers often express admiration for its originality and willingness to push boundaries with its unsettling content and shocking twists, while some find it excessively disturbing.

The series was created by independent animators Becky Sloan and Joseph Pelling, who initially released the first episode on YouTube as a short film before it grew into a multi-episode series.