The 5 differences between the new phase and the original series of The Amazing World of Gumball

After seven years away from TV, Gumball and his gang returned in a special season called The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball. Llaunched in 2025 in the USA via Hulu/Disney+ and in Brazil by Cartoon Network and HBO Maxthe new phase was produced by the recently created Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe and promises to maintain the original spirit while exploring new creative, technical and narrative directions.

Although many familiar elements remain, such as the voices of the voice actors in Brazil, the changes implemented indicate a significant renewal. The producers changed the name of the series, adopted a new format for the episodes, implemented new visual techniques, created bolder scripts and adapted the production/exhibition model to new streaming platforms. With that in mind, check out five essential differences between the new phase and the original series.

1. Title and format

In the new phase, the official title was changed to The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball to differentiate the revival phase from the classic one. Episodes are around 15 minutes long, compared to the previous 11-minute average. The first new season will have 20 episodes and will be shown simultaneously on TV and streaming channels (Cartoon Network, HBO Max, Hulu/Disney+) in their respective territories.

2. More expansive tone and narrative

The surreal humor continues, but the stories have gained more ambitious scope and even more extreme fantasy traits. The official synopsis cites episodes involving evil fast-food corporations, passionate AIs, existential themes and unexpected twists. The scripts explore beyond the everyday absurdity: the scriptwriters of the new phase indicated that there is greater freedom to subvert expectations within the created premises.

3. Animation style and visual effects

The new season reinforces the multimedia aspect that was already a hallmark of Gumballbut with bolder visual interventions: live action sequences, use of puppets, insertion of real images and hybrid visual effects combined more deeply with 2D/3D animation. Furthermore, scenarios and characters appear with different graphic styles within the same episode. The color palette and visual treatment have also been improved, with greater definition, lighting effects and detailing that enhance the contrast between the classic style and visual innovations.

4. Production and studio

Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe is the production of the new phase, replacing the previous studio linked to the Cartoon Network Europe. The original showrunner, Ben Bocqueletreturns accompanied by a new creative team, including names associated with contemporary animation. Animation studios involved now include German Studio Soi and the French Bobbypillsexpanding the range of international production to meet the hybrid scale of TV and streaming.

5. Distribution and display model

Unlike the original series, which was released mainly via cable TV and animation channels, the new phase was designed from the beginning for streaming platforms. In the USA, the first launch was on Hulu/Disney+while in Brazil the episode premieres simultaneously on Cartoon Network and HBO Max. There is no exclusive window for open TV or first linear launch: the strategy prioritizes digital reach and consumption flexibility.

All this shows how The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball seeks to honor its origins while reinventing itself for a new generation, exploring contemporary technologies, more ambitious narratives and adaptation to the modern audiovisual ecosystem.

• Cartoon Network

• Disney Plus

• Gumball

• hbo max