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Gremlins (TV series)

Gremlins
Season 1 logo with the Secrets of the Mogwai subtitle
Also known as
  • Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai (season 1)
  • Gremlins: The Wild Batch (season 2)
Based on
Developed byTze Chun
Voices of
Music bySherri Chung
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes15
Production
Executive producers
ProducerDanielle Witz
Running time22 minutes[1]
Production companies
Original release
NetworkMax
ReleaseMay 23, 2023 (2023-05-23) –
present
Related

Gremlins is an American animated fantasy adventure horror comedy television series.[2] Serving as a prequel to the eponymous 1984 film of the same name and its 1990 sequel Gremlins 2: The New Batch,[3] the series is set in 1920s Shanghai, East China, and tells the story of how 10-year-old Sam Wing met Gizmo, a young Mogwai.[4] It was written and executive produced by Tze Chun. Steven Spielberg, Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, Sam Register, and Brendan Hay also serve as executive producers,[5] with Joe Dante (the director of the Gremlins films) as consulting producer. In February 2021, ahead of the series premiere, the series was renewed for a second season.[6][7]

The first episode had its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 13, 2022,[8][1] before the series debuted with the launch of Max on May 23, 2023, consisting of 10 episodes. The series was also set to air on Cartoon Network as part of their ACME Night block.[9][10][11] However, the block moved to Adult Swim in September 2023 before that could happen.[12]

The first half of the second season titled Gremlins: The Wild Batch was released on October 3, 2024. It shows how Sam and Gizmo move from Shanghai to America before Randall Peltzer discovers Gizmo.[13][14]

Premise

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The series focuses on how 10-year-old Sam Wing met the young Mogwai called Gizmo. Along with a teenage street thief named Elle, Sam and Gizmo take a perilous journey through the Chinese countryside, encountering, and sometimes battling, colorful monsters and spirits from Chinese folklore. On their quest to return Gizmo to his family and uncover a legendary treasure, they are pursued by Riley Greene, a power-hungry industrialist and his growing army of evil Gremlins.[15] The series also delves into the creation of the Mogwai by the goddess Nuwa and her brother Fuxi.

Voice cast

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Main cast

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Additional stars

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Series overview

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SeasonSubtitleEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1Secrets of the Mogwai10May 23, 2023 (2023-05-23)June 22, 2023 (2023-06-22)
2The Wild Batch10October 3, 2024 (2024-10-03)present

Episodes

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Season 1: Secrets of the Mogwai (2023)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [17]
11"Never Get Them Wet"Michael Chang & Stephanie GonzagaTze ChunMay 23, 2023 (2023-05-23)
22"Never Feed Them After Midnight"Vaughn RossBrendan HayMay 23, 2023 (2023-05-23)
33"Always Buy a Ticket"Stephanie GonzagaAnna ChristopherJune 1, 2023 (2023-06-01)
44"Don't Drink the Tea"Alexandra ChiuSarah NerbosoJune 1, 2023 (2023-06-01)
55"Always Stab or Run"Vaughn RossPeter ChenJune 8, 2023 (2023-06-08)
66"Always Buy a God a Drink First"Stephanie GonzagaBrendan HayJune 8, 2023 (2023-06-08)
77"Never Squeeze a Fox"Alex ChiuAnna ChristopherJune 15, 2023 (2023-06-15)
88"Never Hug a Mogwai"Vaughn RossSarah NerbosoJune 15, 2023 (2023-06-15)
99"Never Give Up"Stephanie GonzagaBrendan HayJune 22, 2023 (2023-06-22)
1010"Never Ever Expose Them to Bright Light"Alex ChuTze ChunJune 22, 2023 (2023-06-22)

Season 2: The Wild Batch (2024)

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No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [17]
111"Always be Ready for Adventure"Jasmine Goggins & Vaughn RossTze ChunOctober 3, 2024 (2024-10-03)
122"Never Take a Tour"Stephanie GonzagaAnna ChristopherOctober 3, 2024 (2024-10-03)
133"Never Use Double Negatives"Alex ChiuBrendan HayOctober 3, 2024 (2024-10-03)
144"Always Bring a Toothpick"Jasmine GogginsSarah NerbosoOctober 3, 2024 (2024-10-03)
155"There's Always a Fortune in the Cookie Factory"Stephanie GonzagaFelicia HoOctober 3, 2024 (2024-10-03)
Elle meets her mother Margot who reveals her name is Elle-Marie.

Development

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On February 25, 2019, WarnerMedia greenlit an animated series based on Gremlins,[18][19] for its streaming service HBO Max.[20] Tze Chun was confirmed to write the series and serve as an executive producer with Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, Sam Register, and Brendan Hay.[21] On July 1, 2019, the series, now titled Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, was given a series order of 10 episodes.[22][23]

In February 2020, Joe Dante, director of the original two films, revealed that he acted as a consultant for the series.[24] In July of that same year, it was revealed that Howie Mandel would not reprise his role as Gizmo for the series.[25] On February 17, 2021, ahead of the series premiere, HBO Max renewed the series for a second season at the TCA virtual Press Tour.[6]

In February 2021, the voice cast of Izaac Wang, Ming-Na Wen, B. D. Wong, James Hong, Matthew Rhys, and Gabrielle Green was announced, with A.J. LoCascio voicing Gizmo.[26] In December 2021, the first clip was shown in an HBO Max trailer for 2022 releases.[27] In July 2022, Zach Galligan, Sandra Oh, Randall Park, George Takei, and Bowen Yang were revealed to have roles in the series. Galligan previously portrayed Billy Peltzer in the films.[10] Animation for the series was provided by Blue Spirit Productions and 88 Pictures.

In July 2024, it was announced that John Glover, Michael Paul Chan, Ronny Chieng, Keith David, Will Forte, Kelly Hu, Simu Liu, and Jimmy O. Yang had joined the cast of Gremlins: The Wild Batch.[28]

Release

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The first episode of Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai had its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 13, 2022,[8][1] before the 10-episode series debuted with the launch of Max on May 23, 2023.[29][30] In September 2021, it was announced the series would air on Cartoon Network as part of their ACME Night block.[9] However, the block moved to Adult Swim in September 2023 before that could happen.[12] The series aired in the United Kingdom on CBBC and BBC iPlayer on October 30, 2023.[31]

The first half of the second season titled Gremlins: The Wild Batch debuted on October 3, 2024.[13][14]

Reception

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Critical reception

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The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% approval rating with an average rating of 8.5/10 based on 20 critics. The website's consensus reads: "Recapturing the original movies' blend of cuteness and mayhem, Secrets of the Mogwai is delightful family entertainment -- just don't feed it after midnight."[32] On Metacritic, the series has a weighted average score of 78 out of 100 based on reviews from seven critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[33]

Accolades

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Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2024 Saturn Awards Best Animated Television Series or Special Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai Nominated [34]
Annie Awards Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production Leah Artwick (for "Never Give Up") Nominated [35]
Producers Guild Awards Outstanding Children's Program Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai Nominated [36]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival
  2. ^ Welch, Chris (July 9, 2019). "WarnerMedia confirms its Netflix rival will be called HBO Max". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  3. ^ Squires, John (July 1, 2019). "Animated Prequel "Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai" Ordered to Series at WarnerMedia!". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  4. ^ Evangelista, Chris (July 1, 2019). "'Gremlins' Prequel Animated Series Will Reveal 'Secrets of the Mogwai'". /Film. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  5. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (July 1, 2019). "'Gremlins' Prequel Animated Series Officially A Go At WarnerMedia Streamer". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  6. ^ a b Petski, Denise (February 17, 2021). "'Gremlins' Prequel Animated Series Gets Early Season 2 Renewal By HBO Max – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  7. ^ "WarnerMedia Expands Kids & Family Offerings on Cartoon Network and HBO Max Under New Tagline Redraw Your World" (Press release). WarnerMedia. February 17, 2021. Archived from the original on February 17, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  8. ^ a b Hopewell, John (March 18, 2022). "'Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai' to World Premiere at Annecy Animation Festival (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  9. ^ a b Milligan, Mercedes (September 1, 2021). "WarnerMedia Kids & Family Launching 'ACME Night' Block Sept. 19". Animation Magazine. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  10. ^ a b "'Gremlins' Star Zach Galligan, Sandra Oh, George Takei & More Join 'Secrets of the Mogwai' Guests". July 22, 2022.
  11. ^ Pfeiffer, Jeff (April 13, 2023). "Gizmo & His Rambunctious Brethren Are Back in the Teaser for Max's Animated 'Gremlins' Prequel Series". Remind Magazine. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Flook, Ray (August 28, 2023). "Adult Swim, Cartoon Network Roll Out "Checkered Past" Beginning Today". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Zahed, Ramin (June 7, 2024). "'Gremlins: The Wild Batch' S2 to Wreak Havoc on Max This Fall". Animation Magazine. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Milligan, Mercedes (July 26, 2024). "SDCC: 'Gremlins: The Wild Batch' Adds Simu Liu to Main Cast, Sets Premiere Date". Animation Magazine. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  15. ^ Hamman, Cody (September 1, 2021). "Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai HBO Max series will air on Cartoon Network". JoBlo.com. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  16. ^ [1]
  17. ^ a b "Shows A-Z – Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai on Max". The Futon Critic. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
  18. ^ Porter, Rick (February 25, 2019). "'Gremlins' Animated Series in Development for WarnerMedia Streaming Service". The Hollywood Reporter. Valence Media. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  19. ^ Otterson, Joe (February 25, 2019). "'Gremlins' Animated Series in the Works at WarnerMedia Streaming Service (Exclusive)". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  20. ^ Spangler, Todd (July 9, 2019). "Friends to Leave Netflix for WarnerMedia's HBO Max Streaming Service in 2020". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  21. ^ Iannucci, Rebecca (July 1, 2019). "'Gremlins' Prequel Snags Series Order at WarnerMedia Streaming Service". TVLine. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  22. ^ Otterson, Joe (July 1, 2019). "'Gremlins' Animated Prequel Ordered to Series at WarnerMedia Streaming". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  23. ^ Trumbore, Dave (January 15, 2020). "'Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai': Release Date Confirmed for HBO Max Animated Series". Collider. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  24. ^ Bui, Hoai-Tran (February 18, 2020). "'Gremlins' Director Joe Dante Will Consult on HBO Max's Animated 'Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai' Series". /Film. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  25. ^ Cainan (July 16, 2020). "'Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai' Update with Writer and Executive Producer Tze Chun". Geek Vibes Nation. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  26. ^ Zorrilla, Mónica Marie (February 16, 2021). "'Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai' Adds Ming-Na Wen, BD Wong, Matthew Rhys to Cast (Exclusive)". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  27. ^ "HBO Max Reveals New Campaign Spot Highlighting Upcoming Originals, Warner Bros. Streaming Exclusives, Hit Movies and More Arriving in 2022 | Pressroom". Archived from the original on December 14, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  28. ^ Taylor, Drew (July 26, 2024). "'Gremlins: The Wild Batch' Adds Simu Liu as Series Regular, Sets Season 2 Premiere Date". TheWrap. Archived from the original on July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  29. ^ Petski, Denise (April 12, 2023). "'Gremlins: Secrets Of The Mogwai' Gets Premiere Date On Max; Watch Teaser". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  30. ^ Brown, Sarah (January 8, 2023). "Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai: Plot, Cast, and Everything Else We Know". MovieWeb. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  31. ^ "CBBC - Gremlins: Secrets Of The Mogwai".
  32. ^ "Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  33. ^ "Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai : Season 1 (2023) Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  34. ^ Hipes, Patrick (December 6, 2023). "'Avatar: The Way Of Water', 'Oppenheimer', 'Star Trek' Series Lead Nominations For Genre-Focused Saturn Awards". Deadline.
  35. ^ Giardina, Carolyn (January 11, 2024). "'Nimona' Leads Annie Awards Animated Feature Competition With Nine Noms; Snubs Include 'Wish,' Which Was Shut Out". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 12, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  36. ^ Davis, Clayton (January 12, 2024). "PGA Awards Nominations: 'Anatomy of a Fall' and 'Zone of Interest' Make History and Join 'Barbie,' 'Oppenheimer' and More". Variety. Archived from the original on January 12, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
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