‘We didn’t set out to make a show for animals!’ The Netflix seal cartoon that’s a huge hit … with pets
Videos of cats and dogs transfixed by Netflix kids’ show Sealook – or pawing at its characters – are everywhere. We tried to find out why … and asked a goldendoodle for its verdict
TL;DR
- The Netflix children's cartoon Sealook has become a viral hit with pets, particularly cats and dogs.
- Videos show pets intensely watching and interacting with the show, pawing at the screen and exhibiting focused attention.
- Experts theorize that the show's visual elements, such as bright colors (blues and yellows) and constant movement, attract animal attention.
- The high-pitched sounds made by the seals may mimic prey animals or squeaky toys, further engaging pets.
- Dogs, in particular, seem drawn to animal-like movement on screen, and seals are perceived as closer to dogs than humans.
- The show's producers were surprised by its popularity with pets, as it was originally designed for children.
- Despite the trend, one goldendoodle named Ozzy showed only brief interest, indicating the appeal may vary among individual pets.