Image: Nickelodeon
One of the first major Nickelodeon titles to appear exclusively on Netflix is about to be officially released. Three parts of animated comedy pinky malinki The streaming service is set to launch globally on July 17, 2026.
If you turn on the show now, you’ll see a “Last Day to Watch” notice prominently displayed 16th July. When the clock strikes midnight on July 17, the Contagious Positive hot dog will be pulled from the Netflix library. As with all removals, there is a possibility that Netflix may renew or extend the license before it expires.
Pinky Malinky removal date on Netflix
Here’s everything you need to know about the departure, the show’s fascinating history, and why the “Netflix Originals” is leaving the service.
The Bizarre, Twisted History of Pinky Malinki
Using a fake, reality-show format, pinky malinki It follows the daily life of an anthropomorphic 12-year-old Hot Dog (voiced by Lucas Grabeel) who lives in the town of Sackhenhack with his two human best friends, Babs and JJ.
But behind the scenes, the show had an incredible survival story and several revival attempts. The original concept was actually based on Cartoon Network Europe exactly in 2009. After Cartoon Network eventually handed down the pilot, the creators took it to Nickelodeon, who officially greenlit the series for their own linear network in 2015.
However, the series faced delays and was constantly pushed back from Nick’s schedule. It looked like it would be postponed until 2018, when Viacom (now Paramount) made an unprecedented change. In an early attempt to monetize its coffers, Nickelodeon sold exclusive rights pinky malinki To Netflix. This essentially became the first Nicktoon to be produced exclusively for the streaming service, paving the way for a massive multi-year partnership that would eventually bring us glitch tech, Rocko’s Modern Life: Static ClingAnd INVADER ZIM: Enter Florpus, among others.
All 60 episodes were divided into three “parts” (Netflix’s term for seasons). Part 1 was released on January 1, 2019, Part 2 followed in April 2019, and the third and final installment debuted on July 17, 2019.
Who is behind the show and what else have they done?
The series was co-created and executive-produced by the creative duo chris garbutt And Rikke Asbjorn. Both animators and storytellers had previously collaborated on heavy-hitters such as The Amazing World of Gumball.
If you’re a die-hard fan of Netflix animation, you definitely know their follow-up project. after wrapping pinky malinkiGarbutt and Asbjorn stayed on at Netflix Animation to create the hugely ambitious interactive special we lost our man. Released in 2023, the interactive choose-your-own-adventure film followed a hyperactive dog and a self-involved cat as they tried to fix the universe after all humans disappeared. Fun Fact: Lucas Grabeel also reprized his role as “Panky Melanie” in the special, recasting himself as an anthropomorphic meatball! Sadly, that interactive special was removed along with the rest as Netflix began phasing out interactive features from its player.
Why is Pinky Malinki leaving Netflix?
If the show has Netflix branding then why is it being removed?
Longtime readers of What’s on Netflix will remember this tune: Netflix does not own the underlying rights.
Whereas pinky malinki Branded as a Netflix Original, it is wholly owned and produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studios. In 2018, Netflix purchased exclusive global distribution rights for a certain period only.
Because Part 3 was released on July 17, 2019, we can easily guess that the final contract was for the exact seven-year licensing window. Now that those seven years are up, the rights are reverting to Paramount. Many other originals that Netflix picked up from Nickelodeon will have long-lasting lives, such as Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling, We’re told it’s licensed until 2031.
Where will the show stream next?
As of now, there is no new streaming home confirmed for Pinky Malinky. Because the IP is owned by Nickelodeon, the default home of the series will naturally be paramount+, But there is no guarantee that this will happen.
For now, if you want to watch all three parts of the mockumentary before it disappears, you have until the end of the day on July 16 to do so!
will you be missing pinky malinki When will it leave Netflix this July? Let us know in the comments below.
