Kisah Bawah Tanah, a new animated comedy series, will premiere in 2026 on Astro in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, and on Boom in Thailand. Unlike most local cartoons aimed at children, this series targets teens and young adults, blending Southeast Asian folklore, satire, and supernatural humor into a unique viewing experience.

The story follows best friends Sam and Zack, two skeletons who embark on unpredictable adventures in the world of Bawah Tanah as they search for meaning in their lives. Along the way, they encounter a variety of “hantus”—supernatural beings from Southeast Asian myths—such as pocongs, pontianaks, and penanggal, all reimagined with a comedic twist.

Produced by Animasia Studio and Spaceboy Studios, the 26-episode series explores a surreal world where folklore meets real-life challenges. Each episode stands alone, using supernatural chaos to reflect the realities of adulthood, including:

• Career pressures
• Financial struggles
• Relationships
• Societal expectations
• Everyday quirks familiar to Southeast Asians

The show addresses universal themes of belonging, growing up, and navigating a confusing world, making it relatable to a wide audience.

The project began with support from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), which has backed the series since its early development in 2018. Komet Productions, led by Ahmad Izham Omar, joins as consulting producer to help guide the series’ long-term growth and multi-format potential.

The partnership with Astro aims to connect with younger, digitally engaged viewers. The rollout will include cross-promotions, digital campaigns, and brand collaborations to expand the series’ reach. The collaboration also creates opportunities for crossover content within Astro’s growing portfolio.

Astro Malaysia vice president Azlin Reza Azmi described the series as a bold step forward for Malaysian animation, highlighting its fearless and witty approach. Boom will introduce the series to Thai audiences in late 2026, further promoting cross-cultural storytelling in the region.

Boom CEO Pornpoj Laohasukkasem expressed excitement about bringing the show to Thailand, noting its blend of humor, heart, and regional spirit. The series aims to showcase Southeast Asian creativity and prove that local animation can appeal to audiences beyond its home region.

As Kisah Bawah Tanah prepares for its debut, it represents a significant step for Southeast Asian animation, bringing regional folklore into the spotlight for global viewers. The series combines horror, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling, encouraging audiences to reconnect with the myths and legends of their childhood.

Co-creator and Spaceboy Studios executive producer Hendra Wardi emphasized the importance of sharing Southeast Asian stories with the world, stating, “With Kisah Bawah Tanah, we’re finally giving them the spotlight they deserve.”

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.