I watched a couple of new TV series this past month that are worth calling out for their overall representation . . . and very good storytelling. I binged the shit out of these.
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
On Netflix, this show was fantastic. It’s 30 episodes, 3 seasons total, and was created and packaged as a complete story. So there’s no more in the works but that leaves a tight, engaging narrative. We meet the main character, Kipo, as she makes her way to the earth’s surface for the first time after growing up in a “burrow” — a community where humans retreated after mutant animals took over the world. She’s sheltered yet scrappy and learns to survive (and gets some cool powers) with a ragtag crew at her side. Queer angle – they actually say the word gay in this show. Like one of the main characters says “I’m gay.” It’s beautiful and still pretty revolutionary for a kids’ show. And the only real relationship in the series is a queer one.
The Owl House
On Disney+. More episodic so far but building towards a larger arc, this show has one season out and more on the way. It’s fun, creative, and oh so relatable. Again, great representation with a Latina, bisexual lead: Luz. Luz is a normal kid in the real world who’s obsessed with magic . . . then she finds a portal to magic world. She’s thrilled, obviously, and worms her way into being a witch’s apprentice (when her mom thinks she’s at summer camp). I am very into the budding romance on the show . . . apparently it’s now a mandate for queer kids’ shows to have a prom episode. She-Ra, Kipo, and The Owl House all had one too.
Happy Watching!
With Love,
Natalie