The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Web Series›Don't Hug Me I'm Scared
Entertainment • Web Series

Don't Hug Me I'm Scared

Don't Hug Me I'm Scared (often abbreviated DHMIS) is a British adult puppet comedy-horror web series created by Becky Sloan and Joe Pelling.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Don't Hug Me I'm Scared (often abbreviated DHMIS) is a British adult puppet comedy-horror web series created by Becky Sloan and Joe Pelling. The original web series consists of six short episodes released between 2011 and 2016, and later expanded into a television series that premiered in 2022 on Channel 4. The series is known for blending puppetry, music, surreal humour and psychological horror.

Premise

The series follows puppet characters who are introduced to lessons or topics that begin as educational segments and then turn surreal, unsettling or violent. Its style is built around contrast between childlike presentation and horror imagery.

Production and release

The original web series was created by Becky Sloan and Joe Pelling. It was released on YouTube between 29 July 2011 and 19 June 2016, consisting of six short episodes. The series later expanded into a television adaptation that premiered in 2022 on Channel 4.

Style and themes

The series is known for surreal comedy, dark humour, musical numbers and psychological horror elements. Its visual approach combines puppetry with live action and several forms of animation.

Reception and influence

DHMIS became a prominent internet cult series and inspired fan communities, analysis and reaction content. Its unusual format helped make it one of the best-known British web series of its era.

Key facts

  • The original web series consists of six short episodes.
  • It was released on YouTube between 2011 and 2016.
  • The series combines puppetry, live action, and multiple animation styles.
  • Its style mixes educational formats with disturbing or surreal twists.
  • The franchise expanded into a television series on Channel 4 in 2022.
🍁
Canadian context

The series has an online fan audience in Canada, but it is a British production and does not have a specific Canada-only origin or setting.

Frequently asked questions

What does DHMIS stand for?
DHMIS is an abbreviation of Don't Hug Me I'm Scared.
Who created Don't Hug Me I'm Scared?
The web series was created by Becky Sloan and Joe Pelling.
How many episodes are in the original web series?
The original web series consists of six short episodes.
When was the original series released?
The original episodes were released between 29 July 2011 and 19 June 2016.
Is there a television version?
Yes. A television adaptation premiered in 2022 on Channel 4.
What genre is it?
It is generally described as adult puppet comedy horror, with surreal and psychological horror elements.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don't_Hug_Me_I'm_Scared
    Supports: Original web series creators, format, release period, and genre
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don't_Hug_Me_I'm_Scared_(TV_series)
    Supports: 2022 television adaptation, Channel 4 release, and main characters
  3. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction — https://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/dont_hug_me_im_scared
    Supports: British puppet and animated web series dates and classification