Netflix’s Sealook unexpectedly captivates pets and fuels viral viewing videos
Netflix's children's cartoon Sealook, about a colony of seals, has become an unexpected viral phenomenon with pets worldwide, with cats and dogs showing intense engagement by pawing at the screen and watching intently. Videos of pets reacting to the show have proliferated across social media, creating a surprising cultural moment that has even turned some pet owners into social media influencers through clips of their animals' viewing habits.
Multiple documented cases illustrate the phenomenon's scale and specificity. Jessica Blumen's two goldendoodles, Benny and Myrtle, accumulated nearly 10 million views on an Instagram video showing their reactions; a rescue cat named Švepsė in Lithuania displayed unprecedented focus and attempted to catch the characters; and a golden retriever named Rio saw his Instagram following grow from 115 to nearly 4,000 followers from a single viewing clip. Experts suggest the show's colour palette—featuring white snow, pale-blue ice, and brightly coloured seals—may explain the appeal, as cats and dogs perceive blues and yellows particularly well, and some pet owners report using the show as a calming tool during periods of hyperactivity.
- Sealook cartoon has gone viral with pets, not its intended audience
- Videos of dogs and cats watching intently flood social media
- Colours visible to animals and drumming sounds likely drive engagement
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Originally published by The Guardian as “‘We didn’t set out to make a show for animals!’ The Netflix seal cartoon that’s a huge hit … with pets”.