TheSonic the Hedgehogbrand has more reasons to celebrate after the spin-off seriesKnucklesdebuted on Paramount+. Following the release of two very successful theatrical films, the character was spun off for his own series after making his big-screen debut in the sequel. It has already provento be a big hit for the streaming platform. Per a press release fromParamount,Knuckleswas streamed more than 4 million hours for its debut. This makes it the most-watched original series on the platform of all time.
In addition to this feat, it’s also the most-watched kids-and-family release ever for Paramount+.Knucklesalso had a halo effect on otherSonictitles on the streamer, with the brand increasing 278 percent over their global daily average. When speaking onthe success of theSonicfranchise, Paramount’s Jeff Grossman said:
“The Sonic the Hedgehog fans came out in full-force. We’re so thrilled with the record-breaking performance of KNUCKLES and the incredible lift the whole Sonic universe has experienced following KNUCKLES' premiere.”
Knuckles Made His Big Screen Debut in Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Knuckles is a spin-off of the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise created for Paramount+. Idris Elba reprises his role as Knuckles the Echidna in the action-adventure series, and the show will follow him on a new adventure as he meets new allies and faces new foes.
Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba) was introduced to movie audiences inSonic the Hedgehog 2as a traveling warrior who has returned to Earth for revenge on Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz). Knuckles is in search of the Master Emerald, an ancient relic that grants its user ultimate power and the ability to change reality, so he can bring honor to his ancestors. After he is betrayed by Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and realizes he was wrong about Sonic, they team up alongside Tails (voiced by Colleen O’Shaughnessey) to stop him.
Knuckles Showrunner Teases More Spinoffs to Come from the Sonic Franchise
Knuckles showrunner Toby Ascher says they ‘have a really good plan for the future of Sonic.’
TheKnucklesminiseries, created by John Whittington and Toby Ascher, takes place between the events of the second film andthe upcomingSonic the Hedgehog 3. The story follows Knuckles the Echidna as he trains Deputy Sheriff Wade Whipple (Adam Pally) in the ancient ways of the Echidna warrior to help him prepare for a bowling tournament in Reno, Nevada, where his estranged father will also be competing. During the journey, Knuckles is pursued by a former agent of Dr. Robotnik, who now seeks to take his powers for himself.
The six-episode series has been well-received by critics, registering a 70 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes with a consensus that reads,“Pairing Idris Elba’s terse echidna with a befuddled Adam Palluy, Knuckles could use some extra punch to appeal more broadly beyond youngsters but hits just fine as light family entertainment.”
Knuckleswill appear next inSonic the Hedgehog 3, and he’ll be joined by returning cast members Schwartz (Sonic), Carrey (Dr. Robotnik), James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, O’Shaughnessy (Tails), and Lee Majdoub. Joining the voice cast in a highly-anticipated appearance isKeanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog, while Krysten Ritter joins the live-action cast as Captain Rockwell.
Knucklesis now streaming on Paramount+ andSonic the Hedgehog 3hits screens on December 20.
