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| {{Short description|YouTube web series by Alexey Gerasimov}} | |||
| {{Good article}} | |||
| {{pp-vandalism|small=yes}} | |||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}} | |||
| {{Use American English|date=November 2024}} | |||
| {{Infobox television | |||
| | image = Skibidi toilet screenshot.webp | |||
| | image_alt = A computer render of a male human head with wide open eyes coming out of a toilet bowl, smiling | |||
| | caption = ] of the first episode depicting one of the titular Skibidi Toilets | |||
| | country = ] | |||
| | num_seasons = 25 | |||
| | num_episodes = 77 | |||
| | network = ] | |||
| | first_aired = {{Start date|2023|02|07|df=y}} | |||
| | last_aired = present | |||
| | creator = Alexey Gerasimov {{nowrap|(DaFuq!?Boom!)}} | |||
| | genre = ] | |||
| }} | |||
| '''''Skibidi Toilet''''' is a ] ] created by <!--Gerasimov is not Georgian; he only lives in Georgia (the country). He is purportedly Russian, but no reliable sources have confirmed it yet.--> Alexey Gerasimov and released through ] videos and ] on his channel ''{{nowrap|DaFuq!?Boom!}}'' ({{IPAc-en|d|ə|ˌ|f|ʌ|k|ˈ|b|uː|m}}). Produced using ], the series follows a war between human-headed ]s and ] characters with electronic devices for heads. | |||
| Since the first short was posted in February 2023, ''Skibidi Toilet'' has become ] as an ] on various ] platforms, particularly among ]. Many commentators saw their embrace of the series as Generation Alpha's first development of a unique ]. The show has a wide range of licensed products, and Gerasimov is "in talks" with ] and ] for a film and television series adaptation. | |||
| == Plot == | |||
| The series depicts a conflict between singing human-headed toilets—the titular "Skibidi Toilets"—and humanoids with ] cameras, speakers, and televisions in place of their heads. The Skibidi Toilets, led by "G-Toilet", overtake humanity. Warfare soon develops between the toilets and the alliance of Cameramen and Speakermen. Each kind of the alliance has a colossal version of themselves, termed "Titans". The Titan Speakerman is infected with a mind-control parasite developed by the toilets' second-in-command and chief strategist, "Scientist Toilet", causing the Titan Speakerman to turn on the alliance. The alliance is expanded to include a species of TV-headed humanoids, and, with their help, Titan Speakerman is eventually cured. | |||
| As the military of both sides continue to advance technologically, the Titans attempt to hunt down G-Toilet. Though their combined powers are occasionally a match for his abilities, his legions intervene each time, allowing him to escape. After a strike mission on the toilets' secret underground laboratory, the Scientist Toilet is finally defeated, but only one member of the team survives, a Cameraman called Plungerman. Having met a mysterious human seemingly involved in the creation of the toilets, the Plungerman is assassinated as a loose end. Meanwhile, fractures between the Skibidi Toilets and the "Astro Toilets", a mysterious splinter faction of powerful extraterrestrial toilets, erupt into violence, and the alliance and Skibidi Toilets enter into a makeshift alliance against their common enemy. | |||
| == Production == | |||
| {{anchor|Background and production}}''Skibidi Toilet'' is produced by Alexey Gerasimov ({{Langx|ru|Алексей Герасимов}}, born 1997 or 1998),<ref name="Lorenz-2023">{{Cite news |last=Lorenz |first=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Lorenz |date=10 December 2023 |title=How a toilet-themed YouTube series became the biggest thing online |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/12/10/skibidi-toilets-you-tube-children-internet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216155122/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/12/10/skibidi-toilets-you-tube-children-internet/ |archive-date=16 December 2023 |access-date=17 December 2023 |newspaper=] |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> also known by his alias "Blugray" or the name of his YouTube channel, "DaFuq!?Boom!"<ref name="Lang-2023">{{Cite web |last=Lang |first=Jamie |date=3 July 2023 |title=How The Animation Channel DaFuq!?Boom! Became Youtube's Biggest Hit This Summer |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/streaming/dafuqboom-youtube-alexey-gerasimov-skibidi-toilet-230239.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806021855/https://www.cartoonbrew.com/streaming/dafuqboom-youtube-alexey-gerasimov-skibidi-toilet-230239.html |archive-date=6 August 2023 |access-date=25 November 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Lorenz |first=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Lorenz |date=July 24, 2024 |title=How 'Skibidi Toilet' became one of the most valuable franchises in Hollywood |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/07/24/skibidi-toilet-movie-tv-franchise-youtube-michael-bay/ |access-date=July 28, 2024 |newspaper=] |archive-date=26 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726222133/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/07/24/skibidi-toilet-movie-tv-franchise-youtube-michael-bay/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He lives in ] and has been learning animation since 2014.{{NoteTag|Sources differ on whether Gerasimov merely resides in Georgia<ref name="Lang-2023" /><ref name="Smith-2023" /><ref name="Greig-2023" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":9" /> or is actually of Georgian nationality.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=France |first=Lisa Respers |date=2024-07-25 |title='Skibidi Toilet:' If you don't know what it is, you will |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/25/entertainment/skibidi-toilet-explainer/index.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=27 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727083422/https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/25/entertainment/skibidi-toilet-explainer/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Some sources used the wording "from Georgia".<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":11" /><ref name=":12" /> According to ], he is originally from Russia and only moved to Georgia in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Peter |date=2024-10-23 |title=Skibidi Toilet explained from origins to Michael Bay movie |url=https://www.irishstar.com/culture/entertainment/skibidi-toilet-explained-origins-michael-33954132 |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Irish Star |language=en}}</ref>}} His channel has seen prior hits; his video ''I'M AT DIP'' accumulated over 45 million views by July 2023, for example.<ref name="Lang-2023" /> | |||
| The first episode of ''Skibidi Toilet'' was released on 7 February 2023 (UTC), with an 11-second runtime.<ref name=":7" /> The video, titled "skibidi toilet", depicts a toilet with a man's head coming out of it singing a song that prominently features the word "skibidi".<ref name="primary">{{cite web |title=skibidi toilet |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzD9OxAHtzU |website=YouTube |publisher=DaFuq!?Boom! |access-date=23 October 2024 |date=7 February 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008105643/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzD9OxAHtzU |url-status=live }}</ref> Every episode is produced using ], a free ]-published ], often used to create and edit clips and movies online.<ref name="Greig-2023">{{Cite web |last=Greig |first=James |date=12 July 2023 |title=Skibidi Toilet: the terrifying new creatures haunting the internet |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/60336/1/skibidi-toilet-slenderman-youtube-tiktok-demon-internet-evil |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730011601/https://www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/60336/1/skibidi-toilet-slenderman-youtube-tiktok-demon-internet-evil |url-status=live }}</ref> Some assets used in the series are taken from video games such as '']'' and '']''.<ref name="Smith-2023">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ryan |date=18 July 2023 |title=What is Skibidi Toilet? Inside the eerie videos taking over the internet |url=https://www.newsweek.com/what-skibidi-toilet-inside-eerie-videos-taking-over-internet-1813590 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812173324/https://www.newsweek.com/what-skibidi-toilet-inside-eerie-videos-taking-over-internet-1813590 |archive-date=12 August 2023 |access-date=13 August 2023 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The Skibidi Toilet in the first episode, for example, features the head ] of a Civilian ({{code|Male_07}}) from ''Half-Life 2'' (pictured above).<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Foster |first=George |date=2024-07-24 |title=Skibidi Toilet Movie And TV Franchise In The Works |url=https://www.thegamer.com/skibidi-toilet-movie-tv-franchise-in-the-works-talks-michael-bay-transformers-half-life/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818125442/https://www.thegamer.com/skibidi-toilet-movie-tv-franchise-in-the-works-talks-michael-bay-transformers-half-life/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| An unlicensed<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Ingham |first=Tim |date=14 March 2024 |title=Down The Skibidi Toilet: Why Universal Music Group's 'Project Timeout' is hitting TikTok with endless copyright takedown requests |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/down-the-skibidi-toilet-why-universal-music-groups-project-timeout-is-spamming-tiktok-with-endless-copyright-takedown-requests/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320130434/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/down-the-skibidi-toilet-why-universal-music-groups-project-timeout-is-spamming-tiktok-with-endless-copyright-takedown-requests/ |archive-date=20 March 2024 |access-date=20 March 2024 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> ] of the songs "]" by ]<ref name="Lorenz-2023" /> and "Dom Dom Yes Yes" by Bulgarian artist Biser King,<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Curtis |first=Charles |date=24 July 2023 |title=What are Skibidi toilets? Explaining the bizarre YouTube video series that's taking over the internet |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/skibidi-toilets-youtube-memes-videos-what-are-they |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727111713/https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/skibidi-toilets-youtube-memes-videos-what-are-they |archive-date=27 July 2023 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=For The Win |publisher=] |language=en-US}}</ref> created by ] user @doombreaker03,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Bumas |first=Adam |date=25 July 2023 |title=Understanding Skibidi Toilets: Lore, History, and Beyond |url=https://passionfru.it/skibidi-toilet-7045/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927135115/https://passionfru.it/skibidi-toilet-7045/ |archive-date=27 September 2023 |access-date=19 December 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> appears in early episodes as the Skibidi Toilets' theme, and is later invoked as their battle cry.<ref name="Lorenz-2023" /> In 2024, the two songs' label ] issued copyright complaints against the full version of the mashup, causing some videos featuring the mashup to be taken down.<ref name=":4" /> "]" by ] is featured in some videos as the resistance forces' theme.<ref name="Dodgson-2023">{{Cite web |last=Dodgson |first=Lindsay |date=14 October 2023 |title='Skibidi Toilet' isn't mindless — it's a 'cultural touchstone' that captures the anarchic spirit of the internet |url=https://www.insider.com/skibidi-toilet-is-good-actually-2023-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530042032/https://www.businessinsider.com/skibidi-toilet-is-good-actually-2023-10 |archive-date=30 May 2024 |access-date=2 November 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| "Dom Dom Yes Yes" gained popularity in 2022 through the viral videos of Turkish TikToker @yasincengiz38 dancing to the song with platters of food.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Brandon R. |date=19 June 2024 |title=Every Generation Throws a Toilet Up the Pop Charts |url=https://whowhatwhy.org/culture/every-generation-throws-a-toilet-up-the-pop-charts/ |access-date=25 June 2024 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625161333/https://whowhatwhy.org/culture/every-generation-throws-a-toilet-up-the-pop-charts/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Greig-2023" /> TikTok user Paryss Bryanne parodied this meme, complementing it with her style of jerky acting with rapid cuts. Gerasimov cites her adaptation as one of the inspirations for ''Skibidi Toilet''.<ref name="Smith-2023" /> In an interview, he said he was also inspired by recurring nightmares involving toilets.<ref name=":5">{{Cite magazine |last=Bumas |first=Adam |date=10 June 2024 |title=Who's Afraid of 'Skibidi Toilet'? |url=https://www.wired.com/story/whos-afraid-of-skibidi-toilet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613115923/https://www.wired.com/story/whos-afraid-of-skibidi-toilet/ |archive-date=13 June 2024 |access-date=18 June 2024 |magazine=] |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Placido |first=Dani Di |date=21 February 2024 |title='Skibidi Toilet' Creator Talks Inspiration, Dreams And 'Insane Ending' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/danidiplacido/2024/02/21/skibidi-toilet-creator-talks-inspiration-dreams-and-insane-ending/ |access-date=18 June 2024 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=10 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610114731/https://www.forbes.com/sites/danidiplacido/2024/02/21/skibidi-toilet-creator-talks-inspiration-dreams-and-insane-ending/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ultimately, Gerasimov said that ''Skibidi Toilet''{{'}}s backbone is the other machinima videos created using sandbox game '']'', which were popular in the late 2000s and number in the thousands.<ref name=":5" /> | |||
| In the show's early days, Gerasimov uploaded at least two videos weekly, and at times, even daily,<ref name=":5" /> though the time between episodes has since been extended to improve quality,<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last1=McKinnon |first1=Alex |last2=Harmon |first2=Steph |date=22 January 2024 |title=Skibidi Toilet: what is this bizarre viral YouTube series – and does it deserve the moral panic? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/jan/22/skibidi-toilet-youtube-series-viral |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818125526/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/jan/22/skibidi-toilet-youtube-series-viral |archive-date=18 August 2024 |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> and video lengths have increased. Since YouTube's recommendation algorithm tends to prefer frequent uploaders, the initial upload schedule may have helped the show go viral.<ref name=":7" /> As of January 2024, the series is reportedly being investigated by the Russian police for its alleged harm to children, following a report made by a Moscow resident.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Quinn |first=Allison |date=17 January 2024 |title=Russian Cops Forced to Investigate Famous Singing Toilets |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/russian-cops-forced-to-investigate-youtubes-skibidi-toilet-series |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=] |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122030730/https://www.thedailybeast.com/russian-cops-forced-to-investigate-youtubes-skibidi-toilet-series |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2024, the videos were presented to the legislative assembly of ] as a demonstration in an annual children's safety report.<ref name=":5" /> | |||
| The show contains numerous references to video games, such as G-Toilet having the face of ], a character from the '']'' video game series. The Speakermen's oft-performed dances are from the ] game '']''.<ref name="Lorenz-2023" /> | |||
| '']'' called the series "an endless arms race as both the toilets and their foes stronger fighters".<ref name="Dodgson-2023" /> Technology website ] credited the show's minimal use of dialogue for removing ] and aiding in the show's global popularity.<ref name=":5" /> | |||
| == Reception and influence == | |||
| === Popularity === | |||
| ''Skibidi Toilet''{{'s}} audience is predominantly ], those born since the early 2010s. While the series does not appear on ], an app designed for children under 13, it is popular among elementary school students.<ref name="Lorenz-2023" /> ]'s 11-year-old daughter gave her a necklace reading "Skibidi Toilet".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Diop |first=Arimeta |date=2024-10-23 |title=Kim Kardashian Got a "Skibidi Toilet" Diamond Necklace From North West (A What!?) |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/kim-kardashian-got-a-skibidi-toilet-diamond-necklace-from-north-west |access-date=2024-10-31 |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US |archive-date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204094652/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/kim-kardashian-got-a-skibidi-toilet-diamond-necklace-from-north-west |url-status=live }}</ref> Some members of older generations have called the show "]",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Press-Reynolds |first=Kieran |date=25 June 2024 |title=How brainrot humour infected the internet with surreal gibberish |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/62947/1/how-brainrot-humour-infected-the-internet-with-surreal-gibberish-tiktok-skibidi |access-date=26 June 2024 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626103639/https://www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/62947/1/how-brainrot-humour-infected-the-internet-with-surreal-gibberish-tiktok-skibidi |url-status=live }}</ref> while other internet users argue ] had its share of bizarre memes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Press-Reynolds |first=Kieran |title=While some are making fun of Gen Alpha's 'brainrot' memes, Gen Zers are reminding each other of the ridiculous memes they grew up with |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/skibidi-toilet-gen-alpha-gen-z-brainrot-humor-memes-nostalgia-2023-12 |access-date=26 June 2024 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626105556/https://www.businessinsider.com/skibidi-toilet-gen-alpha-gen-z-brainrot-humor-memes-nostalgia-2023-12 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| ''Skibidi Toilet'' has sparked its audience to create ], such as games, ], and art,<ref name="Lorenz-2023" /> as well as the Generation Alpha slang "]", which has no established definition.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Kircher |first=Madison Malone |date=8 November 2023 |title=Gen Alpha Is Here. Can You Understand Their Slang? |language=en-US |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/08/style/gen-alpha-slang.html |access-date=17 December 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=21 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221112338/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/08/style/gen-alpha-slang.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The series has found its way into ] and ] videos.<ref name="Lorenz-2023" /> One ] meme nonsensically swaps some words in ] with Generation Alpha slang, including ''skibidi'', for humorous effect.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Varma |first1=Thejas |last2=Ledezma |first2=Cecilia |date=1 February 2024 |title=From 'Minecraft' parodies to Gen. Alpha's 'rizzful' songs |url=http://www.michigandaily.com/arts/digital-culture/rizzler-aw-man-our-history-with-internet-song-parodies/ |access-date=11 February 2024 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217231915/https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/digital-culture/rizzler-aw-man-our-history-with-internet-song-parodies/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Viral videos have surfaced where children sit inside containers and mimic the toilets.<ref name="Lorenz-2023" /> | |||
| ] during the {{ill|Corso de Corsos|es}} celebration of ]]] | |||
| Fans have expanded on the show's lore by making analysis videos and giving their theories in YouTube's ].<ref name=":5" /> There are ''Skibidi Toilet'' games on ], a game platform, the two largest of which attract millions of players each month.<ref name=":6" /> ], ], ], ], ], and ]}} from the '']'' magazine<ref name=":7" />]]In 2021, ''DaFuq!?Boom!'' had around one million subscribers.<ref name=":7" /> By November 2023, YouTube videos associated with ''Skibidi Toilet'' had accumulated over 65{{Nbsp}}billion views. On TikTok, the #skibiditoilet ] garnered 23 billion views by July 2024.''<ref name=":7" />'' In December 2023, the channel ''DaFuq!?Boom!'' had amassed 37{{Nbsp}}million subscribers, experiencing rapid growth that, on occasion, had surpassed growth of ], the ]. '']'' called it "the biggest online phenomenon of the year".<ref name="Lorenz-2023" /> | |||
| According to '']'' rankings, by the end of April 2023, ''DaFuq!?Boom!'' entered the 50 most viewed YouTube channels in the U.S., at 33rd place. By June, the channel had gained five billion views, making it the most viewed YouTube channel in U.S. that month.<ref name=":15" /> On July 24, 2024, the channel had 17 billion total views, with 16.3 billion views from February 2023 to June 2024. The channel's views have since declined, with only 374.1 million views in May 2024.<ref name=":7" /> | |||
| ''Tubefilter''<nowiki/>'s editor Sam Gutelle noted that the channel was formerly largely under the radar except for a few "animation diehards in the meme community".<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Gutelle |first=Sam |date=26 June 2023 |title=Top 50 Most Viewed U.S. YouTube Channels • Week Off 06/25/2023 |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2023/06/26/top-50-most-viewed-us-youtube-channels-week-of-06-25-2023/ |access-date=23 July 2023 |website=] |archive-date=11 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711111543/https://www.tubefilter.com/2023/06/26/top-50-most-viewed-us-youtube-channels-week-of-06-25-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref> '']''{{-'}}s offshoot publication ''Passionfruit'' suspected the popularity of the series was due to how the "designs combined a simple, cute style with more uncanny elements", citing other popular characters like ] and ].<ref name=":1" /> | |||
| ''Skibidi Toilet'' was referenced on '']'', with a short ] animation depicting President ] as a Skibidi Toilet, dubbed "Skibidi Biden". '']'' called the joke "the worst thing Stephen Colbert's ever done".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |date=23 May 2024 |title=This Might Be The Worst Thing Stephen Colbert's Ever Done |url=https://kotaku.com/skibidi-toilet-joe-biden-colbert-late-show-clip-meme-1851496589 |access-date=23 May 2024 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523192637/https://kotaku.com/skibidi-toilet-joe-biden-colbert-late-show-clip-meme-1851496589 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| === Critical reception === | |||
| The lifestyle magazine '']'' called ''Skibidi Toilet'' "frenetic, unpredictable, funny and at times genuinely unsettling."<ref name="Greig-2023" /> ]'s ''In The Know'' compared its animation style to that of a mobile game, with "choppy movements and exaggerated facial expressions".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Mather |first=Katie |date=21 July 2023 |title=What is 'Skibidi Toilet'? Creepy YouTube series is being called 'Gen Alpha's Slenderman' |url=https://www.intheknow.com/post/skibidi-toilet-youtube/ |access-date=27 September 2023 |website=In The Know |publisher=] |language=en-US |archive-date=25 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825085415/https://www.intheknow.com/post/skibidi-toilet-youtube/ |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'', an animation-focused website, wrote that while ''Skibidi Toilet'' "may look rough around the edges compared to major studio fare there is no question that Gerasimov is a filmmaker who understands pacing, camerawork, sound design, and how to tell a story."<ref name="Lang-2023" /> | |||
| Many publications highlighted a viral ] in which ] user @AnimeSerbia called the series ]'s ].<ref name="Greig-2023" /><ref name="Smith-2023" /> '']'' said the series exemplifies the start of a new generation gaining prominence, using the relationship between ] and ] as an example,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pearcy |first=Aimee |date=1 August 2023 |title=Gen Zers are worried they're getting old and out of touch after realizing they don't understand Gen Alpha's memes |language=en-US |work=] |url=https://www.insider.com/skibidi-toilet-gen-z-alpha-memes-internet-culture-outdated-old-2023-7 |access-date=27 September 2023 |archive-date=1 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101113725/https://www.insider.com/skibidi-toilet-gen-z-alpha-memes-internet-culture-outdated-old-2023-7 |url-status=live }}</ref> a claim that ] repeated: " will be facing the same mocking and ridicule they dished out to Millennials".<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Ellie |first=Abraham |date=31 August 2023 |title=The bizarre 'Skibidi Toilet' meme explained |url=https://www.indy100.com/viral/skibidi-toilet-meme-explainer-youtube |access-date=29 September 2023 |website=Indy100 |publisher=] |language=en |archive-date=24 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024174845/https://www.indy100.com/viral/skibidi-toilet-meme-explainer-youtube |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'' wrote that the series "is a timely reminder that Gen Alpha are on the horizon".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foster |first=Ally |date=4 August 2023 |title=New viral Gen Alpha meme is making Gen Z feel 'old' |url=https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/social/new-viral-gen-alpha-meme-is-making-gen-z-feel-old/news-story/f0dc21e26ca4a7b5f3f882609746fa5b |website=] |access-date=27 September 2023 |archive-date=8 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230808052900/https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/social/new-viral-gen-alpha-meme-is-making-gen-z-feel-old/news-story/f0dc21e26ca4a7b5f3f882609746fa5b |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| '']'' noted the series' uniqueness in creating a narrative entirely out of short-form videos and YouTube's ability to stay relevant while competing with ].<ref name="Lorenz-2023" /> In a guest piece for ]'s newsletter ''Garbage Day'', Adam Bumas said the series leans into "weird internet aesthetics", creating a nostalgic element.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bumas |first=Adam |date=20 July 2023 |title=An onslaught of toilets |url=https://www.garbageday.email/p/an-onslaught-of-toilets |access-date=17 December 2023 |website=Garbage Day |language=en |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217083750/https://www.garbageday.email/p/an-onslaught-of-toilets |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'' echoed this stance, remarking on the series' use of old video game assets.<ref name="Dodgson-2023" /> An article by theatre firm '']'' argued the series reflects Generation Alpha's fear of ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bella |first=James La |date=2024-06-12 |title=The Semiotics of Skibidi Toilet |url=https://extendedplay.thecivilians.org/villains-punishment-childrens-media/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Extended Play |publisher=] |language=en-US |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818125450/https://extendedplay.thecivilians.org/villains-punishment-childrens-media/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Likewise, ] et al. argued the Cameramen represent the constant recording and ']' Generation Alpha feels. They contend the series showcases the dystopia brought by the "monstrous digital", raising discussions about ] and environmental destruction.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Glitsos |first=Laura |author-link=Laura Glitsos |last2=Ellingsen |first2=Steinar |last3=Deuze |first3=Mark |date=2024-11-26 |title=Nightmare Fuel: Skibidi Toilet and the Monstrous Digital |url=https://journal.media-culture.org.au/index.php/mcjournal/article/view/3108 |journal=M/C Journal |language=en |volume=27 |issue=6 |doi=10.5204/mcj.3108 |issn=1441-2616 |doi-access=free |archive-date=4 December 2024 |access-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204013958/https://journal.media-culture.org.au/index.php/mcjournal/article/view/3108 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| Several parental websites<ref name="Lorenz-2023" /> and Indonesian newspapers<ref name="Rohmi Aida-2023">{{Cite news |last1=Rohmi Aida |first1=Nur |last2=Hardiyanto |first2=Sari |date=4 August 2023 |title=Ramai soal Sindrom Skibidi Toilet, Apa Bahayanya untuk Anak? |trans-title=About Skibidi Toilet, What Are The Dangers For Children? |url=https://www.kompas.com/tren/read/2023/08/04/073000765/ramai-soal-sindrom-skibidi-toilet-apa-bahayanya-untuk-anak- |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107001229/https://www.kompas.com/tren/read/2023/08/04/073000765/ramai-soal-sindrom-skibidi-toilet-apa-bahayanya-untuk-anak- |archive-date=7 November 2023 |access-date=17 October 2023 |work=] |language=id}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wahyu Kurniawan |first=Romafi |date=3 August 2023 |title=Hati-Hati, Kecanduan Skibidi Toilet Bisa Berbahaya Bagi Anak-anak |language=id |trans-title=Beware, Skibidi Toilet Addiction Can Be Dangerous For Children |work=] |url=https://www.jawapos.com/review/011823343/hati-hati-kecanduan-skibidi-toilet-bisa-berbahaya-bagi-anak-anak |access-date=17 October 2023 |archive-date=3 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803133944/https://www.jawapos.com/review/011823343/hati-hati-kecanduan-skibidi-toilet-bisa-berbahaya-bagi-anak-anak |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=F. Pujangga |first=Raka |date=7 August 2023 |title=Waspada Bahaya Sindrom Skibidi Toilet Pada Anak, Segera Arahkan Ke Konten Positif |language=id |trans-title=Beware of the Dangers of Skibidi Toilet Syndrome in Children, Immediately Direct to Positive Content |work=] |url=https://jateng.tribunnews.com/2023/08/07/waspada-bahaya-sindrom-skibidi-toilet-pada-anak-segera-arahkan-ke-konten-positif |access-date=17 October 2023 |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019094747/https://jateng.tribunnews.com/2023/08/07/waspada-bahaya-sindrom-skibidi-toilet-pada-anak-segera-arahkan-ke-konten-positif |url-status=live }}</ref> claimed that ''Skibidi Toilet''{{'}}s violence and bizarre visuals may have a harmful effect on young children, dubbing it "Skibidi toilet syndrome" ({{langx|id|sindrom Skibidi toilet}}). '']'' dismissed such claims as a "]".<ref name=":2" /> '']'' called on regulators to mandate age restrictions on online videos similar to the film industry, citing ''Skibidi Toilet''{{'s}} perceived violence.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Collin |first=Robbie |date=21 March 2024 |title=The twisted children's movies bypassing the censors – and giving parents nightmares |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/skibidi-toilet-plush-family-youtube-videos-kids/ |access-date=22 March 2024 |work=] |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=22 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322002654/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/skibidi-toilet-plush-family-youtube-videos-kids/ |url-status=live }}</ref> But ] wrote that while violence is constant, it is limited to "cartoonish explosions and punches".<ref name=":5" /> '']'' rated the series suitable for age 14 and above.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Camacho |first=Melissa |title=Skibidi Toilet TV Review |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/skibidi-toilet |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| === Adaptations and licensing === | |||
| ] is planned to direct the film adaptation of ''Skibidi Toilet''.]] | |||
| On 24 July 2024, it was announced that filmmakers ] and ] were "in talks" with Gerasimov for a movie and television series adaptation of ''Skibidi Toilet''.<ref name=":11">{{cite news |last1=Wallenstein |first1=Andrew |last2=Steiner |first2=Robert |date=24 July 2024 |title='Skibidi Toilet' Film and TV Franchise in the Works From Michael Bay, Adam Goodman — Listen to the Exclusive Interview |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/skibidi-toilet-michael-bay-movie-adam-goodman-1236077245/ |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=] |archive-date=24 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724152230/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/skibidi-toilet-michael-bay-movie-adam-goodman-1236077245/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Goodman revealed that the adaptation may be a ] film, and that it may be stylistically similar to the '']'' and '']'' franchises.<ref name=":8" /> The announcement was skeptically received: ] said it would be difficult to "translate Internet subculture into traditional formats",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carr |first=Mary Kate |date=July 24, 2024 |title=Michael Bay's new ambitious project is to take "Skibidi Toilet" mainstream |url=https://www.avclub.com/michael-bay-developing-skibidi-toilet-film-television |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=27 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727192759/https://www.avclub.com/michael-bay-developing-skibidi-toilet-film-television |url-status=live }}</ref> and '']'' wrote that a movie would have to be "unfathomably expensive to present an experience that's somehow 'deluxe' to its inspiration".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Gordon |date=2024-07-24 |title=Michael Bay Could Make Skibidi Toilet His Next Great Cinematic Franchise |url=https://gizmodo.com/skibidi-toilet-movie-michael-bay-2000478437 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=31 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731005617/https://gizmodo.com/skibidi-toilet-movie-michael-bay-2000478437 |url-status=live }}</ref> The magazine ] has commented that Bay would be a perfect filmmaker for the adaptation, citing his work in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=Jul 27, 2024 |title=A Michael Bay 'Skibidi Toilet' Movie Makes Perfect Sense |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/complexstaff3/michael-bay-skibidi-toilet-movie-makes-perfect-sense |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=] |language=en-us |archive-date=27 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727004626/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/complexstaff3/michael-bay-skibidi-toilet-movie-makes-perfect-sense |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| The media company Invisible Narratives is run by Bay (chief creative advisor) and Goodman (CEO and founder). It has agreed to act as a ] agency for Gerasimov. The company has made a licensing deal with Bonkers Toys, which is known for creating merchandise from YouTube content, to produce ''Skibidi Toilet'' toys.<ref name=":6" /> In 2024, Bonkers Toys released ''Skibidi Toilet'' mystery boxes and action figures in stores, including at ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Notopoulos |first=Katie |title=Dear Santa: Please bring me a Skibidi Toilet for Christmas |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/skidibi-toilet-toy-walmart-youtube-2024-11 |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=10 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110141055/https://www.businessinsider.com/skidibi-toilet-toy-walmart-youtube-2024-11 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] has been contracted to manufacture branded remote-controlled devices such as ].<ref name=":6" /> American retailer ] has obtained a license to sell ''Skibidi Toilet'' costumes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |date=2024-08-30 |title=Skibidi Toilet Halloween Costumes Are Now A Thing |url=https://kotaku.com/skibidi-toilet-outfit-costume-spirit-halloween-kids-1851637121 |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The company said it encourages fan-run YouTube channels to create ''Skibidi Toilet'' content as long as attribution is present.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Steiner |first=Robert |date=2024-07-24 |title='Skibidi Toilet': Flushing Out Audience Data on an Internet Phenomenon |url=https://variety.com/vip/skibidi-toilet-audience-data-1236081995/ |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=27 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727021116/https://variety.com/vip/skibidi-toilet-audience-data-1236081995/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":6" /> | |||
| In late 2023,<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Stedman |first=Alex |date=2024-07-30 |title=Garry's Mod/Skibidi Toilet DMCA Claim Has Been 'Resolved,' Creator Garry Newman Says |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/garrys-modskibidi-toilet-dmca-claim-has-been-resolved-creator-garry-newman-says |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=31 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731193931/https://www.ign.com/articles/garrys-modskibidi-toilet-dmca-claim-has-been-resolved-creator-garry-newman-says |url-status=live }}</ref> a ] (DMCA) claim was filed against sandbox game '']'', allegedly by Invisible Narratives, which claimed to be on Gerasimov's behalf.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Graham |date=2024-07-30 |title=Michael Bay's Skibidi Toilet movie production company has apparently sent DMCA takedowns to Garry's Mod |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/michael-bays-skibidi-toilet-movie-production-company-has-apparently-sent-dmca-takedowns-to-garrys-mod |access-date=2024-07-31 |work=] |language=en |archive-date=31 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731005910/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/michael-bays-skibidi-toilet-movie-production-company-has-apparently-sent-dmca-takedowns-to-garrys-mod |url-status=live }}</ref> ], the creator of ''Garry's Mod'', shared the alleged notice on ] on 29 July 2024. It claimed ''Garry's Mod'' was using copyrighted ''Skibidi Toilet'' characters including "Titan Cameraman, Titan Speakerman, Titan TV man, and Skibidi Toilet" as well as that "There is absolutely no licensed Steam, Valve, Garry's Mod content related to ''Skibidi Toilet''."<ref name=":13">{{Cite news |last=Wolens |first=Joshua |date=2024-07-30 |title=Mystery afoot as Garry's Mod gets hit by Skibi-DMCA apparently on behalf of Michael Bay's Skibidi Toilet film studio: 'Can you believe the cheek?' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/movies-tv/mystery-afoot-as-garrys-mod-gets-hit-by-skibi-dmca-apparently-on-behalf-of-michael-bays-skibidi-toilet-film-studio-can-you-believe-the-cheek/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |work=] |language=en |archive-date=31 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731023616/https://www.pcgamer.com/movies-tv/mystery-afoot-as-garrys-mod-gets-hit-by-skibi-dmca-apparently-on-behalf-of-michael-bays-skibidi-toilet-film-studio-can-you-believe-the-cheek/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Gerasimov later posted that he did not send the claim, and that he was trying to contact Newman. Newman later confirmed to '']'' that he and Gerasimov had been in touch and the matter had been resolved.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gault |first=Matthew |date=2024-07-30 |title=Garry's Mod Creator Says Skibidi Toilet Served Him With a Copyright Takedown Notice |url=https://gizmodo.com/garrys-mod-creator-says-skibidi-toilet-served-him-with-a-copyright-takedown-notice-2000481324 |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=31 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731005130/https://gizmodo.com/garrys-mod-creator-says-skibidi-toilet-served-him-with-a-copyright-takedown-notice-2000481324 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":14" /> The ] shows the character "Titan Cameraman" as claimed by Invisible Narratives on 21 August 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2024 |title=United States Copyright Office |url=https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=Titan+Cameraman&Search_Code=TALL&PID=pIh6XeqzA1RFeSy-A1RFF0uwDc4&SEQ=20240730125259&CNT=25&HIST=1 |access-date=31 July 2024 |archive-date=31 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731052532/https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=Titan+Cameraman&Search_Code=TALL&PID=pIh6XeqzA1RFeSy-A1RFF0uwDc4&SEQ=20240730125259&CNT=25&HIST=1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":14" /> | |||
| In December 2024, the video game '']'' introduced characters and items from ''Skibidi Toilet'' as purchasable cosmetics, following a teaser tweet. The full bundle was priced at 2,200 V-Bucks, Fortnite’s in-game currency, equivalent to approximately $20 USD.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cichacki |first=Shaun |date=2024-12-17 |title='Fortnite' Is About to Fanum Tax Our Wallets With a New Skibidi Toilet Collaboration |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/fortnite-is-about-to-fanum-tax-our-wallets-with-a-new-skibidi-toilet-collaboration/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217185815/https://www.vice.com/en/article/fortnite-is-about-to-fanum-tax-our-wallets-with-a-new-skibidi-toilet-collaboration/ |archive-date=17 December 2024 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=VICE |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Matt |date=2024-12-17 |title=Skibidi Toilet Is Seemingly Coming to Fortnite |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/skibidi-toilet-is-seemingly-coming-to-fortnite |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217200919/https://www.ign.com/articles/skibidi-toilet-is-seemingly-coming-to-fortnite |archive-date=17 December 2024 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=2024-12-17 |title=Skibidi Toilet and Plungerman are coming to Fortnite |url=https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/498226/skibidi-toilet-plungerman-fortnite |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217213510/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/498226/skibidi-toilet-plungerman-fortnite |archive-date=17 December 2024 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| == See also == | |||
| * ], a YouTube controversy | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ], a genre of humorous mashups | |||
| == References == | |||
| {{reflist}} | |||
| === Notes === | |||
| {{notefoot}} | |||
| == External links == | |||
| {{Wiktionary|skibidi}} | |||
| {{Commons category}} | |||
| * on YouTube | |||
| ** – Alexey Gerasimov's YouTube channel | |||
| ** – by ] | |||
| * {{IMDb title|id=tt27814427}} | |||
| * | |||
| * – editorial cartoon by Sage Stossel for the '']'' | |||
| {{Portal bar|2020s|Animation|Georgia (country)}} | |||
| {{Toilets|state=collapsed}} | |||
| {{Authority control|additional=Q121872130}} | |||
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