Hit YouTube Indie Series ‘Monkey Wrench’ Jumps to Netflix with Upgraded Release

In another major victory for independent web animation, the cult-favorite YouTube sci-fi comedy Monkey Wrench is making the leap to mainstream television. Created by animator Joshua Sugifuji (known online as Zeurel), the series is officially set to premiere its first five episodes globally on Netflix on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The distribution deal—which had been in development for eight months behind closed doors—marks a significant milestone for the indie production, providing financial backing and broader reach after years of self-funded development on YouTube.

What Is ‘Monkey Wrench’?

Originally launching in 2022, Monkey Wrench follows a ragtag crew of space-faring bounty hunters and mercenaries for hire as they chase down galactic criminals across a colorful, chaotic universe. Mixing high-octane action sequences with slapstick adult comedy, the series gained a dedicated following on YouTube, amassing nearly 10 million views across its initial episodes.

The acquisition places Monkey Wrench alongside an expanding list of web-native projects securing major streaming distribution deals. For creator Zeurel and the core team, the partnership helps overcome the financial friction of independent animated production, laying the groundwork and funding to accelerate completion of the upcoming sixth episode.