If the TV channel receives another such notice during this year, it will not be possible for the channel to prolong its broadcast license.
The above-mentioned TV channel does not recommend the viewing of Happy Tree Friends for children, mentally unbalanced and sensitive individuals, and those who defend “snotty childish cartoons.” “Each of these sweet little animals dies odd violent deaths in each episode,” the TV channel warns on its official website. It is worthy of note that the channel positions itself as an animation channel for young adults. It targets audiences between 11 and 34 years of age.
Happy Tree Friends, is a Flash cartoon series by Mondo Mini Shows, created by Kenn Navarro, Aubrey Ankrum, Rhode Montijo and Warren Graff. Since its debut the show has become a popular internet phenomenon and has won a cult following.
As indicated on the official site, the show is "not recommended for small children". Nonwithstanding the cute appearance of its characters, the show is extremely violent, with every episode featuring blood, gore, and violent deaths.
While the violence of these deaths is comparable to that of The Itchy & Scratchy Show (the short cartoon featured on The Simpsons), the portrayal of death in Happy Tree Friends is more graphic and articulate.
The show is nearly free of dialogue; however, when the characters do speak, their words are severely garbled. Though it is obvious what each character's reaction is, their words can barely be understood. The exceptions to this are Pop and Lumpy. They have garbled speech as well, but can actually be understood on most occasions. According to the website, the idea for Happy Tree Friends was conceived by Rhode Montijo when he drew a yellow rabbit, slightly resembling the character Cuddles, on a piece of paper and wrote "Resistance Is Futile" underneath it.
