A new animated children’s series, set to debut later this year, is taking a bold step away from traditional TV networks and streaming platforms. Instead, the series will premiere on a decentralized web platform utilizing blockchain technology—complete with a crypto wallet involved.
The show, titled Owen Nowhere, follows Owen B. Gloom, a preteen content creator on a road trip with his quirky family as they explore offbeat tourist spots. Owen’s adoptive vampire parents, a magical shape-shifting vehicle, a pet cat, and a stroller-riding fish all add to the comedic yet heartwarming family dynamic.
According to the founders of We Ghosted Media, Jammal and Demas, the project is more than just a show. They aim to set a “new standard for children’s entertainment in the decentralized era.”
The series will be developed and accessible on Lamina1’s upcoming platform, Spaces, which allows creators to build immersive virtual worlds. This platform supports a variety of formats including 2D, 3D, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), giving creators the tools to create interactive experiences and digital content.
The creators envision Owen Nowhere as an interactive experience, where fans can engage with the show and contribute ideas. The virtual space will also feature exclusive behind-the-scenes content, digital collectibles, and community-driven activities such as voting on story choices. For example, viewers could vote on where the Gloom family should travel next, or even decide on Owen’s new outfit or a souvenir he might pick up.
We Ghosted Media, founded by Chris Jammal (a former assistant director for Bob’s Burgers) and Jaclynn Demas (producer of Peg + Cat), is embracing this decentralized approach, often referred to as web3, as part of its mission to revolutionize how children’s content is created and consumed.
Lamina1, the blockchain company collaborating on the project, was founded by Snow Crash author Neal Stephenson. Lamina1’s goal is to create a decentralized metaverse, providing creators with a platform to protect, control, and monetize their intellectual property. The company’s vision for the metaverse includes lifelike 3D avatars and virtual worlds.
While blockchain and the metaverse have yet to see widespread adoption, introducing a kids’ show into this space is a particularly ambitious move. One challenge is figuring out how children will navigate a platform that requires a crypto wallet. However, Jammal and Demas believe that the decentralized nature of the platform, which encourages fan participation, will be a big draw for users.
Parents, though, may have concerns about introducing their children to a system that involves digital assets and crypto wallets. Even if the parents manage the wallets, there could be fears of financial manipulation or loss. Still, some parents are becoming more open to these digital concepts, with some even sending their kids to crypto-focused summer camps.
Rebecca Barkin, CEO of Lamina1, acknowledged these concerns, stating that while the company doesn’t have all the answers yet, they are focused on learning what protections are needed as the project develops. One of the goals for Owen Nowhere is to use digital assets as a way to engage fans and allow them to contribute to the show’s production. These assets—such as artwork, characters, and costumes—will serve as collectibles and give fans a stake in the show’s success.
Barkin emphasized that these tokens aren’t about trading or investing but rather about rewarding fan contributions and offering “token-gated access” to exclusive content. While the series is primarily aimed at kids and preteens, it also includes content that will appeal to adults, much like Bob’s Burgers attracts a large adult audience with its humorous take on parenting.
Lamina1’s Spaces platform is expected to launch in the fall, alongside other virtual worlds such as Artefact, a project by Wētā, the visual effects company behind The Lord of the Rings.
Lamina1 has raised $9 million to date from investors, including LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and Bloq co-founder Matthew Roszak.
