including Japanese works. The program was initially announced by Grieder at the 2006 Tokyo International Anime Fair as a way to "create Domo for U.S. audiences." Television director Tsuneo Gōda created the show. The characters in Domo TV are animated in stop motion with some computer-generated imagery. The Tokyo-based animation studio Dwarf Incorporated built and animated the props used for each character. Merchandise Play Along Toys distributed a line of plush toys, action figures, and playsets to coincide with the U.S. debut of Domo TV. Domo was also used in Target Halloween promotions during the show's run. On July 1, 2009, it was confirmed by TYO Animations that all 26 episodes would be released on DVD. They were made available as part of a three-disc box set that also included every Domo television spot that had been produced to that date. Release In August 2007, it was announced that Domo TV would premiere on Nickelodeon in the United States in autumn of that year. The American release was pushed back multiple times, with Viacom Media Networks postponing the premiere to 2008. The first channels to launch Domo TV were Nickelodeon's international networks in Europe, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. Beginning in October 2008, the program was aired on Nicktoons in the United States. A new short was aired every week for six months. The New York-based company Big Tent Entertainment, which had previously collaborated with Nickelodeon on Miffy and Friends, handled marketing Domo TV outside of Asia. After the series finished airing, Domo programs (including the television spots that the title character originated in) had been shown in over 170 regions. The series itself had been translated into 17 different languages for various Nick outlets. Nickelodeon also broadcast a three-part commercial advertising Domo TV products at 7-Eleven in October 2009. International broadcast Reception Rob Walker of The New York Times deemed the show "cute" and "kid-friendly," but also felt that it was created solely for Domo's "crossover into licensed merchandise." Adweek reported in 2009 that the Domo character "is best known [in the U.S.] for his video shorts on Nickelodeon." The Star Tribunes Tom Horgen stated that the Nickelodeon deal contributed to Domo's mainstream success as a mascot. The July 2015 issue of Time Out listed "the internet and Nickelodeon" as the outlets that led to Domo's international recognition. Notes References External links Netherlands site 2000s American animated television