Duolingo Launches First Original Anime Series
Produced by the studio behind ‘Big Mouth.’
Summary
- The language app Duolingo is launching its first-ever anime miniseries, The Final Test, in partnership with the Emmy-winning studio Titmouse (behind Big Mouth)
- The show expands the lore of Duo the Owl and his friends, through five -second, Japanese-voiced episodes
- The series will integrate into the Duolingo app with themed animations and will premiere on the brand’s YouTube channel on October 13
The language learning app Duolingo is taking its mascot, Duo the Owl, into a bold new creative realm, announcing its first-ever original anime series, 最後の決戦 (The Final Test). The miniseries is being produced in partnership with Titmouse, the Emmy-winning animation studio behind adult hits like Big Mouth and Star Trek: Lower Decks.
This move expands the popular app’s eccentric universe, aiming to deepen user engagement and connect with the massive global fanbase of anime. Titled The Final Test, the show will explore the origin story and lore of Duo and his friends—detailing how they became the notorious “guardians of the streak.” The storyline follows a group of ordinary people recruited by Duo who must overcome challenges to maintain their language-learning streaks.
Set to premiere on Duolingo’s YouTube channel on October 13, the series consists of five 60-second episodes, a format specifically designed to match how fans consume short-form video. In a commitment to authenticity, all voice acting will be in Japanese, with subtitles available in nine languages, including English, Spanish, and French.
Duolingo will also integrate the series directly into the learning experience with themed “lesson-complete” animations and new widget illustrations, turning the app’s rewards into mini anime spectacles. Watch the first trailer above for the new anime above.
