Wonkybot Launches ‘The Swines’ Animation Series | From Podcast to Piggy Paradise

Independent entertainment studio Wonkybot Entertainment has officially expanded from audio storytelling into animation with its bold new division, Wonkybot Animation. The studio, already known for hit podcasts like Tara Tremendous and teen thriller Origins Unknown, is making its animated debut with “The Swines”, a dysfunctional, character-driven comedy featuring anthropomorphic pigs.

Set to premiere on YouTube on November 19, the series will launch with six 11-minute episodes, laying the foundation for an ever-expanding “Swineverse.” Companion books are scheduled for release this winter, and a feature-length animated film is already in development for 2026.

Wonkybot Animation: The Next Evolution of a Storytelling Powerhouse

Founded in 2016, Wonkybot began as an incubator for co-founder Stewart St John’s library of original characters and universes. The company first captured global attention with the ‘Tremendous Universe’, launching with the podcast Tara Tremendous. That series achieved millions of downloads worldwide and is now slated to become a live-action feature film shooting in Australia in 2026.

Now, with “The Swines”, Wonkybot is applying the same creative DNA to animation:

Original Characters: Unique personalities that drive the story forward
Bold Storytelling: A mix of satire, comedy, and heart
Immersive Universes: Expanding narrative worlds beyond a single medium

Co-founder St John explains:

“As a fully self-financed mini-studio, Wonkybot represents the future of what’s possible when creative heart and soul meets the power of technology. That approach lets us stay independent, form strategic partnerships, and license our content on our own terms.”

Meet ‘The Swines’: Oinkersfield’s Hilarious Herd

“The Swines” is a serialized, soap-style comedy set in the fictional town of Oinkersfield, a world entirely inhabited by pigs. At its center is a middle-class hillbilly family living, loving, and feuding on Hog Heaven Ranch.

The series draws inspiration from St John’s own life:

Growing up in a large, eccentric family
Experiencing chaotic yet heartwarming family dynamics
Channeling those experiences into satire and comedy

St John notes:

“My mother always called our household ‘God’s favorite sitcom.’ The Swines is my way of channeling that chaos and comedy into a world of snouts and pigheaded drama. It’s semi-autobiographical, wrapped in satire — and at its core, it’s about how laughter can hold even the messiest families together.”

A Strategic Step into Animation

Wonkybot sees the YouTube release of “The Swines” as a strategic first step, similar to how Tara Tremendous started as a podcast before expanding into a broader universe.

Executive Producer Todd Fisher explains:

“This short-form rollout lets us test the audience, build directly with fans, and keep complete creative freedom. If a streamer or network wants to expand the IP, the door is open.”

This approach allows the studio to:

Gauge audience response in real-time
Maintain full creative control
Plan future projects without external interference

Expanding the Swineverse

The launch of The Swines is just the beginning. Wonkybot has already announced several companion projects to build out the universe:

Books:
- Lipstick On A Pig: How A Stuck-Up Attitude Can Manifest Your Best Life (satirical self-help)
- The Swines: The Official Guide to Oinkersfield’s Most Outrageous Family
Merchandise:
- T-shirts, mugs, and calendars available through Wonkybot’s online store
Future Media:
- A feature-length animated film planned for 2026

This multi-platform strategy reflects a modern approach to IP development, blending digital media, books, and merchandise to create a fully immersive fan experience.

Why This Matters: The Rise of Independent Animation Studios

Wonkybot is a perfect example of the growing trend of independent studios leveraging technology to compete with large networks:

Creative Freedom: Independent financing allows for original storytelling without external pressure
Direct-to-Audience Engagement: Platforms like YouTube enable studios to reach global audiences instantly
Scalable Universes: Multi-platform IP can expand organically, from audio to animation to merchandise

By focusing on quality content and universe-building, Wonkybot is setting a template for future independent studios looking to thrive in the digital era.