Beat Bugs

Beat Bugs is a series for children between the ages of 5 and 7, set in an overgrown suburban backyard, which serves as an environment that 5 young bug friends regularly explore. To the bugs, the backyard is known as "Village Green". Songs by the Beatles, such as "Come Together" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds", are interwoven into the narrative of the episodes. 1 episode, "Come and Get It" features a song that was originally recorded by the band, Badfinger, albeit written by the Beatle Paul McCartney and published under the Beatles' Apple Records label. These versions are performed by popular recording artists such as Pink and Sia. The songs often influence the life lessons that the young bugs learn.{{cite web|url=http://postperspective.com/atomic-cartoons-helps-bring-beatles-music-to-kids-for-netflixs-beat-bugs/ |title=Atomic Cartoons helps brings Beatles music to kids for Netflix's Beat Bugs |last= Altman |first=Randi|website=Post Perspective|date=22 September 2016|access-date= 11 November 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fresnobee.com/entertainment/tv/article93064172.html |title=New Netflix series Beat Bugs uses The Beatles music to inspire adventures |website=The Fresno Bee |last=Bentley|first=Rick|publisher=The McClatchy Company|access-date=15 November 2016}}

Wakely described the series as "about teaching kids, but with a bit of humor and not in a patronizing way." He stated that the message of the song "All You Need is Love" was the main idea he wanted to portray.{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/review/beatles-revived-for-kids-tv-show-beat-bugs-by-daniel-johns-josh-wakely/news-story/eebe7afff8676dc7112ff500ebdd60dd |title=Beatles revived for kids TV show Beat Bugs by Daniel Johns, Josh Wakely |website=The Australian | last=Shedden | first=Iain | publisher=News Corp Australia | date=23 July 2016 |access-date=1 August 2016}}

{{Main|List of Beat Bugs episodes}}

{{:List of Beat Bugs episodes}}

• Kumi: Kumi is a confident and imaginative ladybug with a zest for life who is protective of her friends. She is also the leader of the group. Speaking voice provided by Erin Mathews and singing voice provided by Lisa Mitchell.{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Kumi/|title=Voice of Kumi|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://beatbugs.com/media/attachment/file/594cb53b604c6.pdf |title=kumi |website=beatbugs.com |quote=Kumi is a ladybug. Draw where a ladybug lives.}}{{cite web|url=https://au.tv.yahoo.com/shows/beat-bugs/a/31996877/kumi-beat-bugs/ |title=Kumi Beat Bugs |publisher=Yahoo!7 TV |date= 4 July 2016 |access-date=11 November 2016}}
• Jay: Jay is a curious, ambitious and impulsive beetle who likes skateboarding and music. He is the second leader of the group. Speaking voice provided by Ashleigh Ball and singing voice provided by Andy Bull.
• Lili Beaudoin as Crick, an intelligent and creative cricket who is also an inventor. He likes science and math. He wears a brown hat, a gray T-shirt, beige pants and yellow Converse shoes. Singing voice provided by Sullivan and Julia Stone.{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Crick/|title=Voice of Crick|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://au.tv.yahoo.com/shows/beat-bugs/a/32003424/crick-beat-bugs/ |title=Crick Beat Bugs |publisher=Yahoo!7 TV |date= 4 July 2016 |access-date=11 November 2016}}
• Charles Demers as Walter, a theatrical blue slug with a big heart but excessive fears. Singing voice provided by iOTA and Daniel Johns.{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Walter/|title=Voice of Walter|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://beatbugs.com/media/attachment/file/57984f2e4b1d6.pdf |title=walter |website=beatbugs.com |quote=Walter the slug can squeeze into small spaces!}}{{cite web|url=https://au.tv.yahoo.com/shows/beat-bugs/a/32003368/walter-beat-bugs/ |title=Walter Beat Bugs |publisher=Yahoo!7 TV |date= 4 July 2016 |access-date=11 November 2016}}
• Rebecca Husain as Buzz, an optimistic and enthusiastic fruit fly who is the youngest of the group. Singing voice provided by Gossling.{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Buzz/|title=Voice of Buzz|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://beatbugs.com/media/attachment/file/57984f06e44a0.pdf |title=buzz |website=beatbugs.com |quote=Buzz is a fruit fly. Draw Buzz's favorite fruits to eat.}}{{cite web|url=https://au.tv.yahoo.com/shows/beat-bugs/a/31998117/buzz-beat-bugs/ |title=Buzz Beat Bugs |publisher=Yahoo!7 TV |date= 4 July 2016 |access-date=11 November 2016}}

• Lucy the Dragonfly is a dragonfly with kaleidoscope eyes who is a sleep doctor.
• Boris the Frog (Doron Bell, singing Aloe Blacc) is a frog who loves things Mother Nature provided.
• Postman Bee (Brian Drummond; singing Wesley Schultz){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Postman-Bee/|title=Voice of Postman Bee|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}} is a bee who, as his name implies, works as a postal worker. He is never late and always gets his deliveries right, unless he is feeling sad about something. He cares a great deal for his grandmother, Granny Bee (Nicole Oliver){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Granny-Bee/|title=Voice of Granny Bee|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}} who was once a famous TV chef known for her honey pie.
• Doris the Spider (Gwynyth Walsh){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Doris-the-Spider/|title=Voice of Doris the Spider|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}} is an elderly arachnid who is always filling her garden with beautiful art pieces that are made from her webbing and various other objects found in the backyard. She teaches the bugs to see the beauty in everything.
• Geoff the Cockroach (Peter Kelamis; singing Dave Faulkner){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Cockroach/|title=Voice of Cockroach|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}} is an opportunistic roach who acts like a sleazy business man. He typically sells homes to the residents in the backyard, implying that he is a realtor. He gets along with Alex the Stinkbug.
• Alex the Stinkbug (Fred Ewanuick){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Alex-the-Stinkbug/|title=Voice of Alex the Stinkbug|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=3 December 2017}} is a jokey bug that is always farting. His farts are powerful enough to power machines built by Crick. He can be uncouth, but is very friendly. He gets along with Geoff the Cockroach.
• Dr. Robert (Ian Hanlin){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Dr-Robert/|title=Voice of Dr. Robert|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}} is a mantis in the medical profession. He is very friendly and has perfect bedside manners. He always seems to know the perfect treatment for certain ailments.
• Katter (Britt McKillip; singing Frances){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Katter/|title=Voice of Katter|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}} is a pretty caterpillar who later transforms into a butterfly. She is soft-spoken and shy, but is very friendly with everyone. She is best friends with Morgs and Millie.
• Morgs (David Paul Grove; singing James Corden){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Morgs/|title=Voice of Morgs|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}} is a very nervous and self-conscious stick bug. He has trouble standing up for himself and wishes that he wasn't "just a stick". He is best friends with Katter and Millie.
• Millie Pede (Maryke Hendrikse; singing Tori Kelly){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Milli-Pede/|title=Voice of Milli Pede|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=6 December 2017}} is a multifooted millipede who is kind and reserved. She is unsure of her dancing ability, but with help from her friends learns to do so effectively. She is best friends with Morgs and Katter.
• Mr. Sun (Michael Caton; singing Robbie Williams and Yusuf Islam / Cat Stevens){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Mr-Sun/|title=Voice of Mr. Sun|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}} is the large all seeing star during the daytime. Despite his largeness, he can speak directly to the bugs and has even sent and received letters from them. In All Together Now, Mr. Sun now has a beard and arms.
• Mr. Moonlight (Robert Alexander and Charles Demers){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Mr-Moonlight/|title=Voice of Mr. Moonlight|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}} is Mr. Sun's nighttime counterpart. He can be playful with the bugs, but sometimes feels that they like Mr. Sun more than him.
• Dr. Robot (Peter Kelamis; singing Ev Jones){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Dr-Robot/|title=Voice of Dr. Robot|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=6 December 2017}} is a special robot that Crick built to help his friends while Dr. Robert was on vacation. Despite a few kinks here and there he has proven to be efficient. When Dr. Robert returned, Dr. Robot became Crick's assistant for his experiments.
• Blackbird (Bethany Brown; singing Sia, Regina Spektor, and Jennifer Hudson){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Blackbird/|title=Voice of Blackbird|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}} is a bird that always has her head in the clouds, both figuratively and literally. The bugs helped her damaged wing and in return, she stuck around to help them in any way she could.
• Mr. Mudwasp (Andrew Hansen; singing Daniel Johns),{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Mr-Mudwasp/|title=Voice of Mr. Mudwasp|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}} a wasp, and working man who lives in a hive that he is constantly renovating. He is always trying to speak in foreign terms. He has numerous wasp children with his constantly pregnant wife, Mrs. Mudwasp (Ashleigh Ball).{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Mrs-Mudwasp/|title=Voice of Mrs. Mudwasp|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}} They were once identified as the Hendersons. Mr. Mudwasp has also been identified as Baz.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Beat-Bugs-Figures-Action-Figure/dp/B073SKLM9H/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1512340481&sr=8-23&keywords=beat+bugs+toys|website=Amazon|title=Beat Bugs Fab Figures Baz Action Figure|access-date=3 December 2017}}
• The Ants (Kyle Rideout){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/The-Ants/|title=Voice of The Ants|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2 December 2017}} are the colony workers of the backyard. They all think uniformly as one and thus have a hard time acting as separate people. They all live in one ant hill and become lost if anything happened to it.
• Freda (Shannon Chan-Kent; singing Kate Miller-Heidke) is Walter's long lost sister introduced in All Together Now. She is a very ditsy slug that shares many similarities and differences with her twin brother. She moves into a house next door to Walter. She is named after the Beatles' secretary Freda Kelly.
• Glowies are glow bugs that act as a full light source for all the bugs. They always seem to be angry or annoyed at everyone, possibly because they are constantly used all the time and are treated more like objects. Nevertheless, they do their job effectively.
• Octopus (Jay Brazeau){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Octopus/|title=Voice of Octopus|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=6 December 2017}} is a talking sprinkler toy that resembles a purple octopus. He only communicates with the bugs and provides comfort to everyone by spraying water. However, he is only capable of doing so when the hose he is connected to is on.
• Bulldog (Colin Murdock; singing James Bay){{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Beat-Bugs/Bulldog/|title=Voice of Bulldog|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=6 December 2017}} is a big friendly slobbering dog. He initially had no home or way to communicate with the bugs, but Crick builds a translator and is adopted by the humans.
• Mee-Yow (Ashleigh Ball) is a cat that is owned by the humans. He roams about the yard and, while not necessarily mean, is shown to be rather dangerous to the bugs as he tends to attack and play with them.
• The Man (JR Bourne and Ian Hanlin) and Julia's Mom (Erin Mathews) are Gigants, they are what the bugs refer to humans whom the bugs are fascinated by. They live in the "Big House" at the edge of the backyard. They have a daughter named Julia, and have a second daughter named Jude in All Together Now.
• Julia (Rebecca Husain) is the first born daughter of the humans who live in the "Big House". Jay seems to relate to her.{{cite web|url=https://au.tv.yahoo.com/shows/beat-bugs/a/31982320/jay-beat-bugs/ |title=Jay Beat Bugs |publisher=Yahoo!7 TV |date= 4 July 2016 |access-date=11 November 2016}} As of All Together Now, Julia becomes a big sister after her mom has a baby girl named Jude.

Beat Bugs was created by Josh Wakely who in 2014, under his US-Australian production company Grace, acquired worldwide rights from Sony/ATV Music Publishing to a catalogue of music by the Beatles.{{cite web|url=http://www.flickeringmyth.com/2014/03/grace-productions-secures-beatles-song/ |title=GRACE Productions secures Beatles song rights for animated series Beat Bugs |website=Flickering Myth |date= 12 March 2014 |access-date=15 November 2016}} The music was to be used for a children's animated series in development to be entitled Beat Bugs, which would tell the story of young bugs learning life lessons set to songs by the popular rock group. The publishers liked Wakely's vision of bringing the classic songs to a new audience of children with original stories written around them. Managing director of Sony/ATV Damian Trotter stated, "the idea of opening up the single greatest music catalogue of the 20th Century to the next generation is something we are particularly excited about".{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/03/beatles-music-beat-bugs-animated-series-grace-697209/ |title=Animated Children's Series 'Beat Bugs' To Feature Beatles … Music That Is |website=Deadline |date= 11 March 2014 |access-date=10 November 2016}} The music acquired was the Lennon-McCartney "Northern Songs" catalogue.{{cite web|url= http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2016/08/01/1608741/josh-wakely-bitten-beatle-bug |title=Josh Wakely: Bitten by the Beatle bug |publisher=PhilStar Daily, Inc. |website=The Philippine Star |last=Lo|first=Ricky|date=1 August 2016|access-date=14 November 2016}} The deal reportedly cost an estimated $10 million.{{cite web|url= https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/the-beatles-tastic-beat-bugs-might-be-the-coolest-kids-tv-show-ever-769397|title= The Beatles-tastic Beat Bugs Might Be The Coolest Kids TV Show Ever|website=NME |publisher=Time Inc. UK|last=Cooper |first=Leonie |date= 28 July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2016}}

Wakely, an Australian writer and producer who grew up as a fan of the Beatles, stated that he never considered using any other artist's music for the series. He said, "people in years to come will talk about the Beatles like we talk about Shakespeare."{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-08-01/beat-bugs-creator-josh-wakely-on-how-he-got-access-to-the-beatles-song-catalogue |title=Beat Bugs creator Josh Wakely on how he got access to the Beatles' song catalogue |website=Radio Times | date=3 August 2016 | last=Carson|first=Sarah|access-date=13 November 2016}} Wakely spent three years originally working on the show before acquiring the rights to the Beatles' music, and by this time, he had already conceived all of the episodes and characters. Of the characters, he said, "They have lived in my head for so long that I don't have their date of conception". Wakely sold the project to Netflix as a global distribution partner.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/features/how-beat-bugs-sells-the-beatles-to-a-new-generation-w430934 |title=How Beat Bugs Sells the Beatles to a New Generation |last=Porch |first=Scott |magazine=Rolling Stone|date= 3 August 2016 |access-date=13 November 2016}} The Seven Network in Australia was also an investor of the production.{{cite web|url= http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/02/beat-bugs-coming-to-presto.html |title=Beat Bugs coming to Presto|last=Knox |first=David|website=TV Tonight |date = 11 February 2016 | access-date=16 November 2016}}

Daniel Johns, former singer of Silverchair, arranged and produced the music for the series as musical director. He stated, "It's a dream job to go into the studio and dissect all of the Beatles' music". Johns and Wakely had previously worked together on a musical short film which Wakely wrote and directed. Wakely was closely involved in the production, arranging and mixing of the music.

More than 1000 people were involved in the production of the show, including a worldwide team of writers and animators in Australia, Los Angeles and Vancouver. Wakely described the process as a full-time job lasting three years. Vancouver's Atomic Cartoons created the 3D animation for the series. By the show's premiere, Wakely had spent six years working on the program from its conception. It wasn't originally planned to produce Beat Bugs in Australia until Beyond Entertainment allowed Wakely to do so.{{cite web|url= http://www.mediaweek.com.au/young-aussie-writer-landed-rights-beatles-kids-show-beat-bugs/ |title=Beat Bugs: How a young Aussie writer landed rights to 300+ Beatles songs |last=Manning |first=James|website=MediaWeek |date = 19 July 2016 | access-date=2 December 2016}}

The initial order of 52 segments (26 half-hour episodes) was split into two 13-episode seasons for distribution. The episodes were a given a provisional classification of C (children's) in Australia over 2014–15.{{cite web |url=http://www.acma.gov.au/~/media/Community%20Broadcasting%20and%20Safeguards/Information/Word%20Document/To%20replace%20Table%20of%20programs%20granted%20C%20and%20P%20classification%20-%202014-2015%20docx.DOCX |title=Programs granted C and P classification - 2014-2015 |format=Word |publisher=Australian Communications and Media Authority |access-date=12 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113175701/http://www.acma.gov.au/~/media/Community%20Broadcasting%20and%20Safeguards/Information/Word%20Document/To%20replace%20Table%20of%20programs%20granted%20C%20and%20P%20classification%20-%202014-2015%20docx.DOCX |archive-date=13 November 2016 |url-status=dead }} All episodes from Season 1 became available on Netflix in the US on 3 August 2016. Prior to its premiere, on 27 July 2016, the series was renewed for a second season to debut later in the year.{{cite web|url=https://media.netflix.com/en/press-releases/get-ready-for-beat-bugs-netflix-announces-new-guest-artists-renews-series-for-second-season |title=Get Ready for Beat Bugs! Netflix Announces New Guest Artists, Renews Series for Second Season|date=27 July 2016|last=Ferreira |first=Victoria |website=Netflix Media Center |publisher=Netflix|access-date=12 November 2016}} The first season premiered exclusively in Australia on 7TWO on 25 July 2016.{{cite web|url= http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/07/airdate-beat-bugs.html |title=Airdate: Beat Bugs |last=Knox |first=David|website=TV Tonight |date = 12 July 2016 | access-date=13 November 2016}} Season 2 was released through Netflix on 18 November 2016. The second season also debuted on 7TWO on 16 November 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/11/returning-beat-bugs.html |title=Returning: Beat Bugs |last=Knox |first=David|website=TV Tonight |date = 2 November 2016 | access-date=13 November 2016}} A 48-minute special entitled Beat Bugs: All Together Now, premiered on Netflix on 21 November 2017.{{Cite news|url=https://www.awn.com/news/beat-bugs-returns-special-new-beatles-cover|title='Beat Bugs' Returns with Special, New Beatles Cover|first=Tom|last=McLean|date=25 October 2017|access-date=27 October 2017|publisher=Animation World Network}} The third season premiered in November 2018.

Beat Bugs generally received favourable reviews. Critics praised the concept of reimagining Beatles songs for a young audience.{{cite web|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/music/raising-a-toddler-the-beat-bugs-way-8950561 |title= Raising a Toddler the Beat Bugs Way |last= Gray |first=Chris|website=Houston Press|publisher= Voice Media Group|date=16 November 2016|access-date= 17 November 2016}} Reporting for Common Sense Media, Emily Ashby said "this unique series borrows some of rock-and-roll's most recognizable lyrics to help tell its gentle stories and teach excellent life lessons", commending it as a series for parents and children to watch together.{{cite web|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/beat-bugs# |title= Beat Bugs TV Review |last= Ashby |first=Emily|website=Common Sense Media|date=2016|access-date= 14 November 2016}} David Knox of TV Tonight praised the music for "bursting with optimism and exuberance", while describing the animation as "an alluring, inviting feast".{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/07/beat-bugs.html |title= Beat Bugs |last= Knox |first=David|website=TV Tonight|date=16 July 2016|access-date= 14 November 2016}} A reviewer for the Daily Telegraph applauded how the series presents children with "an influence that lasts beyond the screen time".{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/on-demand/netflix/beat-bugs-netflix-review/amp/ |title= Beat Bugs review: adventure set to an all-star soundtrack |website=The Daily Telegraph|date=5 September 2016|access-date= 27 November 2016}}

Ivan Radford of VODzilla.co noted that the program as a whole "is something closer to a visual album than a series", and stated that the show's theme song of "All You Need is Love" provides "an upbeat sentiment that gives an overall theme and identity to this strange universe". However, Radford expressed that the main characters are not always fully developed.{{cite web|url=http://vodzilla.co/reviews/netflix-uk-tv-review-beat-bugs/ |title=Netflix UK TV review: Beat Bugs|website=VODzilla.co|last=Radford|first=Ivan|date=2 August 2016|access-date= 2 December 2016}}

Beat Bugs received a 2016 AWGIE Award in animation for the episode script of "Yellow Submarine", written by Wakely. The episodes "Hey Bulldog", written by Kate Mulvany, and "Ticket to Ride", by Erica Harrison, were also nominated. The program also won an AACTA Award for Best Children's Television Series. Beat Bugs was also nominated for five 2017 Daytime Emmy Awards in 2017,{{Cite news|url=http://www.cartoonbrew.com/awards/trollhunters-leads-animated-series-7-daytime-emmy-nods-149568.html|title='Trollhunters' Leads All Animated Series With 7 Daytime Emmy Nods|date=2017-03-23|work=Cartoon Brew|access-date=2017-05-08|language=en-US}} and won the Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated Program.

The series also received some negative comments. Jordan Runtagh of Decider disliked the character of Jay, stating "I find the lack of comeuppance for his behavior distressing". He stated the music of the series is "forgettable, but inoffensive", however added that the songs are incorporated into the episode narratives "with grace and skill".{{cite web|url=http://decider.com/2016/08/11/10-questions-beatles-fans-will-have-for-netflixs-animated-series-beat-bugs/ |title=10 questions Beatles fans will have about Netflix's animated series Beat Bugs |last= Runtagh |first=Jordan|website=Decider|publisher=NYP Holdings, Inc. |date=11 August 2016|access-date= 14 November 2016}} Decider's Jessica Jernigan of described the series as "disheartening and dull because there's so little art in the transformation of Beatles lyrics into stories", suggesting that the songs were already appropriate for children "without visual or narrative contextualization."{{cite web|url=http://decider.com/2016/08/08/beat-bugs-netflix-the-beatles/ |title=Beat Bugs makes the regrettable decision to interpret the lyrics of the Beatles literally |last= Jernigan |first=Jessica|website=Decider|publisher=NYP Holdings, Inc. |date=8 August 2016|access-date= 14 November 2016}}

The first season was added to the Australian Netflix library on 28 February 2017.{{Citation needed|reason=No reference provided|date=November 2017}} In Australia, Beat Bugs premiered on pay-TV channel Nick Jr. in May 2017.{{cite web |url=https://www.beyond.com.au/distribution/latest-news/2017/05/30/beyond-distribution-s-beat-bugs-heads-to-nickelodeon-australia |title=Beyond Distribution's Beat Bugs heads to Nickelodeon Australia |publisher=Beyond |date=31 May 2017 |access-date=27 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041638/https://www.beyond.com.au/distribution/latest-news/2017/05/30/beyond-distribution-s-beat-bugs-heads-to-nickelodeon-australia |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://kidscreen.com/2017/05/26/nickelodeon-australia-snaps-up-beat-bugs/|title=Nickelodeon Australia snaps up Beat Bugs|last=Dickson|first=Jeremy|website=Kidscreen|publisher=Brunico Communications |date=26 May 2017|access-date= 27 November 2017}} The free-to-air broadcasting of the series moved to 7flix in 2017 to continue airing repeats.{{cite web|url=http://www.beyondhe.com.au/news/emmy-win-for-beat-bugs |title=Emmy® Win For Beat Bugs!|website=Beyond Home Entertainment|publisher=Beyond |date=1 May 2017|access-date= 27 November 2017}}

In Canada, the show started airing on the CBC Kids programming block on CBC on 26 February 2018.{{cite web | url=https://www.cbc.ca/mediacentre/press-release/cbc-announces-2017-18-programming-slate | title=CBC announces 2017-18 programming slate | date=24 May 2017 | publisher=CBC Media Centre | access-date=10 November 2019 }} In Ukraine, the show started airing on the Niki Junior{{cite web | url=http://niki.ua/project/bit-bagz/ | title=Біт Багз - Niki | publisher= 16 November 2019| access-date=4 December 2019 }} in April 2019, titles are localized, all songs are subtitled.[https://imgur.com/a/LjScqxa Imgur: The magic of the Internet]

On 10 May 2019, MGM picked up the film rights to the series with Wakely writing and producing the film.{{cite web|first=Borys|last=Kit|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/beatles-inspired-animated-series-beat-bugs-heading-big-screen-1209578|title=Beatles-Inspired Animated Series 'Beat Bugs' Heading to Big Screen Via MGM (Exclusive)|date=10 May 2019|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=25 May 2019}}{{IMDb title|tt10323172|title=Beat Bugs: The Movie}}

The first soundtrack to the show, "Beat Bugs: The Complete Season One" was released on online music-streaming service Apple Music on 3 August 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/176428-the-beat-bugs-soundtrack-is-full-of-epic-beatles-covers-you-wont-want-to-miss |title=The Beat Bugs soundtrack is full of epic Beatles covers you won't want to miss |last=Thomas |first=Leah |website=Bustle.com | date=3 August 2016 |access-date=12 November 2016}} The release featured all of the songs performed by the guest artists in the first season, compiled on one soundtrack. It was only available exclusively on Apple Music until 4 November 2016. The record was released by Republic Records and Universal Music.{{cite web|url=http://m.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/07/18/beat-bugs-kids-telly-rocks-out-with-eddie-vedder-james-corde/ |title=Beat Bugs: Kids Telly Rocks Out With Eddie Vedder, James Corden |website=The Huffington Post Australia | last=Naughton | first=Julia | date=19 July 2016 |access-date=12 November 2016}} Melodia Music was formed by the show's production to release music from Beat Bugs and other related productions.

A new compilation album, "Beat Bugs: The Best of Seasons 1 & 2" was released physically and digitally on 4 November 2016. This was the first time a selection of the music from the first season was available for purchase, and included songs from the second season ahead of its premiere.{{cite web|url=http://www.umusic.ca/press-releases/beat-bugs-best-seasons-1-2-available-today/ |title="Beat Bugs: Best of Seasons 1 & 2" is available today |website=U Music | date=4 November 2016 |access-date=12 November 2016}} "Beat Bugs: The Complete Season One" was also made available on iTunes for the first time.

"Beat Bugs: The Complete Season Two" was made available on iTunes on 18 November 2016 at the same time as its Netflix premiere.

Two apps were also made.

A live musical stage show, Beat Bugs: A Musical Adventure, began playing in theaters in the United States in October 2018. The show, running 60 minutes, was written by Sean Cercone and David Abbinanti. The show's plot involves the characters seeking to save Strawberry Fields from a stinkbug with other plans for them. The show includes the songs "All You Need Is Love", "Come Together", "Yellow Submarine", "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds", "Strawberry Fields Forever", "Eleanor Rigby", and "With A Little Help From My Friends". It is a production of Pantochino Productions.{{Cite web|url=http://www.pantochino.com/beat-bugs-a-musical-adventure/|title=Pantochino - Beat Bugs: A Musical Adventure|access-date=11 September 2018}}{{Cite web|url=http://thecoterie.org/performance/beat-bugs-musical-adventure#.W5doN7hry01|title=The Coterie - Beat Bugs: A Musical Adventure|access-date=11 September 2018}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|www.beatbugs.com}}
• {{IMDb title|tt4716268}}

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