‘Owen Nowhere’ Redefines Kids’ TV With Crypto and the Metaverse

A bold new animated series, Owen Nowhere, is launching on a blockchain-powered platform this fall—complete with a crypto wallet and metaverse features.

A Children’s Show Like No Other—Welcome to the Web3 Era

Forget Saturday morning cartoons or binge-watching on Netflix. This fall, a new animated series is preparing to leap into uncharted territory, not just by skipping traditional networks but by embracing blockchain and metaverse technologies. Owen Nowhere, the brainchild of We Ghosted Media, will arrive not through your TV set but via Lamina1’s decentralized web platform—complete with an integrated crypto wallet.

The show’s creators, industry veterans Chris Jammal (assistant director for Bob’s Burgers) and Jaclynn Demas (producer of Peg + Cat), are aiming far beyond conventional storytelling. They’re on a mission to pioneer what children’s entertainment could look like in a decentralized, interactive, and immersive digital future.

Web3 Entertainment for the Next Generation

We Ghosted Media is partnering with Lamina1—a blockchain startup co-founded by Snow Crash author Neal Stephenson—to launch Owen Nowhere in a virtual world where fans are more than just spectators. Stephenson, who coined the term “metaverse” in his 1992 novel, envisions a digital frontier where creators control their intellectual property and fans become part of the narrative.

The show’s platform, Lamina1’s upcoming Spaces, allows creators to build interactive virtual environments with digital assets, AR, VR, and community-driven storytelling. In other words, Owen Nowhere isn’t just a show—it’s an experience.

Meet Owen B. Gloom—and His Wildly Whimsical World

At the center of this digital adventure is Owen B. Gloom, a quirky preteen vlogger on a family road trip across America. But his isn’t your average family vacation. Owen is adopted by vampire parents, rides in a transforming vehicle, and travels with a pet cat and a fish in a stroller. The show’s playful yet heartwarming tone mirrors the absurdity and charm of Bob’s Burgers, while offering kids and adults a fresh take on animated storytelling.

Fans won’t just watch Owen’s journey—they’ll shape it. Through community engagement tools like voting, users can suggest where the Gloom family travels next, choose outfits for characters, and even collect digital souvenirs as NFTs. Each interaction represents a blend of entertainment and digital ownership, aiming to build loyalty and community, not just views.

The Crypto Wallet Question: Opportunity or Overreach?

Perhaps the most controversial element of Owen Nowhere is its crypto wallet feature. Critics argue that involving children in blockchain environments could raise ethical and security concerns. But the show’s developers see things differently.

“This isn’t about financial speculation,” says Lamina1 CEO Rebecca Barkin. “We’re talking about digital loyalty tokens, creative contributions, and access to exclusive content—not crypto trading.”

Still, concerns about permissions, parental controls, and financial safety loom large. Barkin acknowledges these complexities but views the project as a learning opportunity: “We know we don’t have all the answers yet, but we’re building in real-time with safety top of mind.”

This cautious optimism echoes a broader trend in children’s media. For example, in 2022, kid-friendly platform Zigazoo introduced NFTs tied to popular shows like CoComelon, sparking both enthusiasm and debate among parents.

A Community That Builds the Story Together

One of Owen Nowhere‘s boldest ideas is turning its viewers into collaborators. Fans will help drive plot points, collect exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and even co-create elements of the show through digital interaction. In doing so, the series positions itself as more than content—it’s a platform for creativity, inclusion, and digital participation.

Lamina1’s approach encourages shared ownership without focusing on monetary gain. Instead of speculative tokens, users gain access to gated content or community privileges, such as influencing narrative arcs or winning creative challenges.

The show is also designed to appeal across age groups. While primarily targeted at kids and preteens, its smart humor and layered storytelling are crafted to engage adults—just like Bob’s Burgers.

Backed by Big Names, Built for the Future

With $9 million in funding and backing from high-profile investors like LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and Bloq co-founder Matthew Roszak, Lamina1’s infrastructure is built to support ambitious projects. And Owen Nowhere is just the beginning. Another series called Artefact, from Wētā—the visual effects studio behind The Lord of the Rings—is also set to debut on Spaces this fall.

This signals a broader shift in how digital entertainment might evolve—especially for younger audiences who are already digital natives.

Final Thoughts: A Brave New Chapter in Kids’ Entertainment

Owen Nowhere dares to do something radical: invite children and families into the Web3 ecosystem not as consumers, but as collaborators. While the crypto wallet element may raise eyebrows, the broader vision is one of empowerment, creativity, and connection in a digital world where kids aren’t just passive viewers but active participants.

As media continues to evolve, Owen Nowhere may very well set the tone for what the next generation expects from their entertainment—not just fun stories, but spaces where they have a voice.

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or parenting advice. Parents are encouraged to conduct their own research and consider age-appropriate guidance before engaging children in platforms involving blockchain or digital assets.

source : tech crunch