Animation-driven politics nonprofit Now What!? has premiered the first episode of Middle Class Matt, a short-form series about the everyday adventures of the last middle class man on Earth as he takes on issues of affordability affecting Americans like him.

Created, written and voice starring Adam Lustick, the first installment pits Matt against the persistent, malevolent forces of the hedge funds who want to add his modest home to their price-inflating hoard. Th informational toon explains how hedge funds buy up large numbers of residential properties, reducing supply and driving up prices — making it harder for actual people to own a home.

Middle Class Matt – “Matt vs. the Hedgelords” is the final short released in Now What!?’s initial batch this year. Ahead of its launch Tuesday, promo materials for the episode racked up 1.5 million views across Instagram, TikTok and Twitter over the weekend.

Middle Class Matt stars Adam Lustick (Battle of the Sexes, Adam Ruins Everything) as Matt, James Adomian (Close Enough, Kite Man: Hell Yeah!) as the Faceless Hedgefunders and Maggie Marion (Disengaged, The Prospects) as Lucy.

The short was directed by Chris Bailey (The Great Wolf Pack: A Call to Adventure, Minion Mayhem). Characters were designed by CalArts student Christina Wu, backgrounds designed by Tony Mora (Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, Animaniacs), and animation by Low Brow Studios (lowbrowstudios.com).

After watching the short, fans/concerned citizens can help spread the word using Now What!?’s social media toolkit. You can also donate to Now What!? here to help fuel its mission to increase political awareness in 2025 and beyond.