Netflix has been making waves with its expanding lineup of adult-animated content, and its latest project promises to continue this trend. During the Manchester Animation Festival, Julio Bonet, the Director of Animation Series at Netflix, unveiled a new series titled Living the Dream. Created by George Gendi, known for his work on Apple & Onion and The Amazing World of Gumball, Living the Dream introduces audiences to two lovable but unlucky protagonists who navigate the chaos of low-paying jobs, office politics, and social media culture.
While the project is still in its early stages, here’s everything we know about the show, from its premise and production details to its impressive voice cast.
What is ‘Living the Dream’ About?
At the heart of Living the Dream is a story about two friends, Des and Ray, who consider themselves “cool guys” but haven’t quite made it in life. Stuck in London working for an eco-conscious start-up called Ecofood, they face daily struggles balancing their ambitions with the reality of underwhelming jobs and financial instability. The show is a humorous take on their lives as they juggle awkward office romances, corporate chaos from their LA-based bosses, and Ray’s ongoing issues with his father’s disappointment.
While their life could be worse, it certainly could be better, and Living the Dream aims to provide a comedic, if sometimes cynical, exploration of the tension between dreams and reality in modern-day work culture.
In an official press release, George Gendi, the show’s creator, said, “If living the dream is being asked for a quote for a press release to announce my new show, and then at Netflix’s request, trying to make it more cheeky/funny and doing that countless times because none of them are good enough, then I’ve made it. Anyway, let’s see if they let me use this one.” Gendi’s dry wit is expected to be a central feature of the show, as he brings his sharp comedic sensibilities to this new project.
Production Details
The animated series will be produced by Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Animation. The team behind Living the Dream is also responsible for other well-known animated projects, such as Captain Fall and Cat Burglar, both of which were also commissioned by Netflix. Living the Dream will be a half-hour adult animation, consisting of eight 25-minute episodes, with full production underway.
The series was developed with Boulder Media, a studio based in Ireland, which has worked on previous Netflix projects like Danger Mouse. The production also boasts a talented writing team that includes Phoebe Walsh (After Life), Ellie White (The Other One), Joe Parnham, and Joe Markham. Executive producers for the project include Sam Register (Looney Tunes Cartoons), Sarah Fell (The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball), and Daniel Lennard (The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe).
With production in full swing, Living the Dream is expected to debut sometime in 2026, although Netflix has yet to confirm an exact release date.
Who’s Behind the Voices in ‘Living the Dream’?
The voice cast of Living the Dream features a star-studded lineup, with talent from across the UK, US, and Canada. Many of the actors are from the UK, including England and Wales. The key players include:
- Javone Prince – Known for his roles in PhoneShop and 3 Little Birds
- Julia Davis – Famous for her work in Sally4ever and Gavin and Stacey
- Ali Shahalom – Featured in Muzlamic and DMs Are Open
- Tom Stourton – Known for Stath Lets Flats and Daddy Issues
- Ellie White – From The Completely Made Up Adventures of Dick Turpin and Ellie and Natasia
- Ambika Mod – Starred in This Is Going to Hurt and Netflix’s One Day
- Lisa Gilroy – Known for The Studio and Netflix’s Running Point
- Chris Diamantopoulos – Appeared in The Sticky and Netflix’s Blood of Zeus
- Stavros Halkias – Known for Bugonia and Tires
- Kevin Eldon – Featured in Netflix’s Shadow and Bone and Rings of Power
- Doon Mackichan – Appeared in Good Omens and Ludvig
- Charles Dale – Known for Bergerac and The Crow Girl
- David Dawson – Appeared in This Town and The Last Kingdom
- George Gendi – Creator of Apple & Onion and The Amazing World of Gumball
Key Cast and Characters
With such a diverse and talented voice cast, Living the Dream is set to bring humor and relatability to its animated world, resonating with a wide range of viewers.
| Actor | Character | Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Javone Prince | Des | PhoneShop, 3 Little Birds |
| Julia Davis | Ray | Sally4ever, Gavin and Stacey |
| Ali Shahalom | Unknown | Muzlamic, DMs Are Open |
| Tom Stourton | Unknown | Stath Lets Flats, Daddy Issues |
| Ellie White | Unknown | Dick Turpin, Ellie and Natasia |
| Chris Diamantopoulos | Unknown | The Sticky, Blood of Zeus |
The Humor of Modern Work Culture
At its core, Living the Dream taps into the humor and frustration many young adults feel today in their careers, particularly within the gig economy and in the face of precarious job security. Des and Ray’s story will resonate with viewers navigating the challenges of modern office life: dealing with bosses who are more interested in profit than employee well-being, awkward workplace dynamics, and the all-too-real struggle of wanting more out of life but facing the harsh realities of the job market.
As these characters juggle work and personal life in a rapidly changing environment, Living the Dream will offer a mix of absurd, laugh-out-loud humor and poignant commentary on how modern work culture shapes individual identities. The show’s focus on low-paying social media jobs and eco-conscious start-ups also addresses the broader trends of millennial and Gen Z workspaces where corporate culture, sustainability, and self-image are often at odds.
The Bigger Picture: Animated Content for Adults
With Living the Dream, Netflix continues to expand its animated offerings for adult audiences, following the success of shows like Big Mouth, Bojack Horseman, and The Midnight Gospel. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift in animation, where the medium is no longer just for children but has evolved into a versatile storytelling format that appeals to older viewers. By addressing themes of work, identity, and personal relationships, Living the Dream taps into the adult-animated genre’s ability to combine humor with emotional depth.
In addition to offering laughs, the show highlights the importance of mental health, the struggle to find purpose, and the challenges faced by those who feel like they haven’t yet achieved their dreams. These are relatable themes for today’s working population, particularly for the millennials and Gen Z who often juggle side jobs, personal ambitions, and societal expectations.
Conclusion
With the unveiling of Living the Dream, Netflix is once again proving that animated content for adults is a growing market with limitless potential. Through a relatable story about two “cool guys” trying to navigate their work and personal lives, the show combines humor, drama, and commentary on the modern job market. As animation continues to evolve, Living the Dream could very well mark the beginning of a new wave of adult animated series that speak to a generation facing its own set of challenges.
FAQ
Netflix has yet to confirm an official release date, but the series is expected to premiere sometime in 2026.
The humor in Living the Dream will be a blend of dry wit, absurd situations, and quirky characters. The show will delve into the frustrations of modern life with a comedic spin, making it relatable to young adults.
The show was created by George Gendi, who is known for his work on Apple & Onion and The Amazing World of Gumball. Gendi also provides voice talent for the show.
Yes, Living the Dream is primarily aimed at adult viewers, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, dealing with the realities of modern work life.
