Steadvar — News without the noise

Privacy · Terms · About

© 2026 Steadvar. All rights reserved.

YouTube Gaming Channel Maizen Expands JJ & Mikey Franchise with Streaming, Books, and Toys

EntertainmentBusinessGaming5/12/2026
Share

Similar Articles

Disney Ends Partnership with OpenAI for AI-Generated Character Videos

BusinessTechnology5/15/2026

CJ ENM, TBS, and U-Next Launch StudioMonowa to Co-Produce Content

BusinessEntertainment5/1/2026

Blink49 Studios Launches Creator Studios Initiative to Partner with Digital Creators

BusinessEntertainment4/27/2026

CoComelon Movie Announced for 2027 with Star-Studded Voice Cast

Entertainment5/14/2026

YouTube Unveils New Creator-Focused Ad Tools and Slate at Brandcast Event

BusinessTechnology5/13/2026

The popular YouTube gaming channel Maizen is expanding its JJ & Mikey animated characters into a broader franchise through a partnership with creator media company Pocket.watch. The expansion includes new streaming distribution, a children's book series, and a line of toys scheduled to launch over the next few years.

Facts First

  • Maizen's 'JJ & Mikey' series will stream on Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Ryan and Friends Plus starting in summer 2024.
  • A deal with Scholastic will produce a series of JJ & Mikey children's books for retail release early next year.
  • A licensing agreement with Bonkers Toys will bring new JJ & Mikey toys to major retailers in Spring 2027.
  • The franchise expansion is facilitated by creator media company Pocket.watch, which has 68 creator partners.
  • Maizen's YouTube channel has previously ranked among the top gaming creators in the United States and globally.

What Happened

YouTube gaming channel Maizen is expanding its JJ & Mikey characters into a franchise through a partnership with creator media company Pocket.watch. The Japan-based channel's animated series will begin streaming on platforms including Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Ryan and Friends Plus during the summer of 2024. Pocket.watch has also secured a deal with Scholastic for a series of JJ & Mikey children's books, scheduled for retail release early next year. A separate licensing deal with Bonkers Toys will bring new JJ & Mikey toys to major retailers in the Spring of 2027.

Why this Matters to You

If your family enjoys digital entertainment, you may soon encounter the JJ & Mikey characters in more places. The expansion to free streaming platforms like Tubi and The Roku Channel could make the series more accessible for children's viewing. The planned book series from Scholastic and toys from major retailers may provide new merchandise options for fans of the channel's Minecraft-based adventures.

What's Next

The first wave of this expansion is likely to begin this summer with the series appearing on new streaming platforms. The book series from Scholastic is scheduled to follow early next year. The toy line from Bonkers Toys represents a longer-term development, with a planned retail launch in Spring 2027.

Perspectives

“
Marketing and Franchise Executives believe the partnership will scale the characters into a global franchise that spans streaming, retail, and new publishing platforms.
“
Publishing Experts view the collaboration as a way to meet children's interests by translating digital, game-driven adventures into high-quality books that inspire a love of reading.
“
Content Creators see the move as an evolution of their gameplay storytelling into a 'full-scale entertainment brand' that deepens fan engagement in everyday life.