US viewers have been enjoying this series on Cartoon Network. African viewers have been watching Iyanu on Showmax across 44 African countries since June 13. Now UK viewers can see what they've been missing. But if you can't wait, remember: the first two episodes are free to watch on the Iyanu Youtube channel. Here's all the info from Lion Forge:
Lion Forge Entertainment's Iyanu Makes UK Debut on ITVX July 3rd
Complete First Season Available to Stream
Series Created by Award-Winning Nigerian Filmmaker, Roye Okupe and Produced by Lion Forge Entertainment
Lion Forge Entertainment’s hit superhero animated series Iyanu will debut July 3rd on ITVX for UK and Northern Ireland audiences, with all 10 episodes of season one available at launch.
The series UK debut on ITVX continues Iyanu’s global breakout first season, which captivated young audiences as a cross-platform sensation on Max and Cartoon Network in the U.S., ranking as the number one kids series on Cartoon Network and a Top 10 Kids & Family series on Max. The success has already led to Cartoon Network and Max greenlighting season 2 and two feature films.
The series follows Iyanu, a young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. While studying history and ancient arts, she yearns for a normal life—until a looming threat awakens divine powers not seen since the legendary Age of Wonders. Accompanied by newfound friends Biyi, Toye, and a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu sets out to uncover the source of this evil, unlocking her destiny along the way.
Iyanu is adapted from creator Roye Okupe's graphic novel series “Iyanu: Child of Wonder”, published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics. Lion Forge Entertainment, the Emmy®-winning company behind Oscar®-winning Hair Love, produces the series.
Lion Forge Entertainment Founder and CEO David Steward II says, “Iyanu has already captured the imagination of audiences in the U.S., and we’re excited to build on that momentum with ITVX. This premiere marks a major step in the franchise’s global journey and ITV has been an incredible partner in helping us bring this culturally rich, action-packed story to even more viewers. We’re confident Iyanu will connect deeply with UK audiences looking for bold, original storytelling.”
Darren Nartey, Senior Acquisitions Manager: Films & Kids added, ‘Iyanu will make a wonderful addition to ITVX. It’s a powerful series which we’re sure will capture audiences both young and old.
Okupe, who serves as series creator, EP and showrunner, says, "Iyanu is a story deeply rooted in Yoruba history, culture, and mythology—and that cultural authenticity is something we’re incredibly proud of. But as I always say, Iyanu is for everyone: kids, adults, and families from all walks of life. That’s why I’m so excited about this partnership with ITVX. I can’t wait for audiences in the UK to experience the magic and wonder of Iyanu. A series that’s already capturing hearts around the world."
Award-winner Serah Johnson leads the all-African voice cast as Iyanu, alongside award-winning Nollywood stars Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello from Netflix hit The Black Book.
Story editor Brandon Easton (Transformers: War for Cybertron; Marvel’s Agent Carter) headed the Iyanu writers' room, which also featured Emmy winner Kerri Grant (Doc McStuffins; Ada Twist, Scientist).
Iyanu is executive produced by David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands and Matt Heath of Lion Forge Entertainment, Roye Okupe of YouNeek Studios, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe of Superprod.
Iyanu makes its UK debut on ITVX July 3rd, following its launch on Showmax across 44 African countries June 13.
About Lion Forge Entertainment
Lion Forge Entertainment (LFE), one of the few Black-owned entertainment studios of scale in North America, was founded in 2019 by David Steward II to amplify authentic, diverse voices in both animated and live-action content. With "Diverse Stories, Authentically Told" as its driving mission, LFE has won an Academy Award for Hair Love and multiple Emmy® awards. LFE is part of Polarity, a media and sports-focused firm whose portfolio includes publishers Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group and Magnetic Press within the broader Steward Family holdings, which range from technology, sports, and music among other interests. LFE is led by President and CCO Stephanie Sperber, an accomplished and award-winning media executive and franchise builder in the kids and family space.
About ITVX
Launched in late 2022, ITVX is UK’s freshest streaming service, letting viewers stream new programme exclusives, with adverts, for free; ranging from premium dramas, documentaries, US series, comedy and reality shows to blockbuster films and much, much more. ITVX is the first streaming service in the UK to offer viewers the flexibility to access free content with ads and ad-free paid subscription, all in one place. Paying subscribers also have access to BritBox UK. ITVX live streams must-watch events, from live sport to Love Island, as they are broadcast on ITV’s channels. ITVX also offers an ever-changing host of exclusive themed channels in line with viewer preferences and popularity; these constantly evolving pop-up channels provide a scheduled experience through a streaming service.
For more on the series, its characters, and its future, see my post on Iyanu Season Two.
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