Kulipari is an animated television series created by Trevor Pryce for Netflix. The series is co‑produced by Splash Entertainment, The Outlook Company, and Telegael Teoranta, with additional involvement from Red 5 Comics for related print media. It is based on Pryce’s novel series of the same name.
Production and Release
- Creator: Trevor Pryce
- Developed by: Splash Entertainment, The Outlook Company, Telegael Teoranta
- Composer: Michael Tavera
- Original language: English
- Countries of origin: United States; Ireland
The first season, subtitled An Army of Frogs, premiered on Netflix on 2 September 2016 and consists of ten episodes. A four‑issue comic miniseries titled Kulipari: Heritage—set between the first two seasons—was released by Red 5 Comics from August to November 2016.
A second season, Kulipari: Dream Walker, was announced on 8 March 2017 and released on 20 November 2018. The series was subsequently added to Hulu in February 2023, where the first two seasons were made available for streaming.
The third season, Kulipari: A King Rises (also referred to as A King Rises), premiered on Hulu on 28 July 2024 after a delayed release. In parallel, three compilation movies covering season 1—Kulipari: An Army of Frogs, Kulipari: Mercenaries, and Kulipari: Amphibian’s Rise—were released digitally on Amazon, Google Play, and iTunes between 2017 and 2018.
Format
- Genre: Comedy‑drama, fantasy, action‑adventure
- Runtime per episode: Approximately 23 minutes
- Seasons/episodes: Three seasons; total of 26 episodes
Plot Overview
The narrative is set in the hidden amphibian village of Amphibilands, protected by a magical veil and an elite cadre of poison‑frog warriors known as the Kulipari. The story follows Darel, a young Australian wood frog who lacks natural poison but aspires to join the Kulipari. When the village is threatened by an alliance of scorpions and the Spider Queen, Darel leads the defense, confronting personal anxieties and growing into his role as a warrior.
Main Characters
- Darel: Protagonist; an Australian wood frog and son of Apari and Acala.
- Gurnugan “Gee”: Darel’s best friend, also an Australian wood frog.
- Coorah: Friend of Darel with medical skills.
- Stinger: Young scorpion who later becomes the Scorpion Lord.
- Tharta, Thuma & Tipi: Triplets and younger siblings of Darel; become Kulipari warriors in later seasons.
- Old Jir: Elderly Kulipari frog hermit.
The series also features a professional Kulipari team led by Burnu, with members Ponto, Dingo, Quoba, and later Wilka.
Related Media
- Kulipari: Heritage (comic miniseries, 2016)
- Kulipari: Warflower (planned graphic novel announced for 2019; subsequently cancelled)
- Compilation movies covering season 1 content (released 2017‑2018)
Reception and Accolades
The series has been noted for its blend of comedic and dramatic elements, vibrant animation, and world‑building centered on anthropomorphic amphibians. Specific award information is not detailed in the available sources.
Availability
- Seasons 1–2: Netflix (original release), later Hulu (2023)
- Season 3: Hulu (2024)
The series continues to be accessible through major streaming platforms and has spawned ancillary comic publications and video game adaptations.
