Pocket.watch is developing a new franchise around the animated series Onyx Monster Mysteries.
Inspired by YouTube creators, the Onyx Family, Onyx Monster Mysteries season one consists of 12 episodes getting wide release on over 20 streaming platforms. Season two is available exclusively on Amazon Kids+.
Pocket.watch is rolling out a new slate of content and consumer products surrounding the series, including an original music soundtrack, video games available via the pocket.watch app, and an apparel collection on Amazon.
“We are so lucky to get to work with the incredibly talented Onyx Family. Onyx Monster Mysteries is an animated celebration of everything that makes this family so popular — music, humor, adventure, and teamwork,” said pocket.watch chief marketing and franchise officer Kerry Tucker. “At pocket.watch, we strive to create franchises that proudly represent our diverse global audience and we are thrilled to bring it to so many people, in such a unique way, through this many platforms at once.”
The Onyx Family consists of parents, Mirthell and Rita, and their four children Shalom, Sinead, Sade (Shasha), and Shiloh. Their portfolio spans videos, books, music, courses, podcasts, branded merchandise, and more. They provide the voices and musical performances behind Onyx Monster Mysteries, which was created by pocket.watch chief content officer Albie Hecht.
Additional crew on the show include showrunner Doreen Spicer (The Proud Family), producer Jon Barnett, and creative consultant Adrienne Lopez.
“We are so proud of Onyx Monster Mysteries, and its message of diversity and empathy, which are core values of our family,” said Rita and Mirthell. “We are grateful to pocket.watch for their vision, creativity and commitment to bringing diverse voices and characters to kids and families all over the world.”
The Onyx Family joins Ryan’s World and Love, Diana as kids and family YouTube creators that have launched a franchise with pocket.watch. Most recently the company announced its collaboration and upcoming series with the channel Toys and Colors.