The breakout first season of Iyanu will be available to binge on Showmax from Friday, 13 June 2025, just in time for the school holidays.
Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, Iyanu follows a teenage orphan who discovers her divine powers and her destiny to save the ancient kingdom of Yorubaland.
After its US launch in April 2025, the show ranked as the #1 series on Cartoon Network and in the top 10 kids and family series on Max during its run. Cartoon Network and Max have already greenlit Season 2 and two linked feature films.
Screenrant hails it as “The Last Airbender and Black Panther hybrid you didn’t know you needed.”
Produced by Oscar and Emmy winners Lion Forge Entertainment (Hair Love), the epic fantasy animation series is adapted from Roy Okupe’s graphic novel series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics, the powerhouse behind the likes of The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy comics.
Experience the magic and wonder of Iyanu
“The support for our show has been nothing short of humbling – and because of that incredible response, we now get to bring the next chapter of Iyanu’s story to life,” says Roye. Born and raised in Nigeria, he serves as creator, executive producer and showrunner on the show. “I’m thrilled to share this journey with audiences across the globe. This is just the beginning.”
Speaking about Iyanu’s upcoming African premiere on Showmax, he adds, “One of the reasons I started YouNeek Studios and created this series is because I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria watching superhero stories on DStv. To now see Iyanu launching on Showmax across 44 African countries is truly a full-circle moment. I’m beyond thrilled that kids, adults, and families across the continent will get to see a superhero who looks, sounds, and feels like them.”
What: Iyanu
Where and when: Showmax from 13 June 2025
WS
