Win or Lose holds a landmark place in Pixar's history as the studio's first-ever original long-form series, an animated comedy that brings Pixar's feature-quality craft and emotional depth to episodic television. Created by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, the eight-episode series follows a co-ed middle-school softball team, the Pickles, over the course of the week leading up to their big championship game, examining the anxieties, hopes, and inner lives of the kids, coaches, and parents in their orbit.
The show's clever structural conceit is that each episode retells the same week from a different character's point of view, revealing how the same events look wildly different depending on whose eyes you see them through. A nervous young pitcher, an overwhelmed coach, a kid navigating family stress, each perspective is rendered with its own visual flourishes that externalize that character's emotional state, a technique that lets the series explore empathy and subjectivity in a way tailor-made for Pixar's storytelling strengths.
Debuting on Disney+ in early 2025, Win or Lose drew attention both for its inventive format and for a pre-release controversy when Disney removed a storyline involving a transgender character, a decision that generated significant discussion. Reviews praised the animation and the show's tender understanding of adolescent anxiety. It streams on Disney+.
By the Grace of the Gods is a Japanese light novel series written by Roy and illustrated by Ririnra. The series follows a 39-year-old man named Ryoma Takebayashi who dies and is reincarnated into a fantasy world filled with magic and mythical creatures. After being taken in by a duke and given a home, Ryoma decides to live a simple life in the forest, where he uses his skills from his past life to create potions and tame slimes.
Throughout the series, Ryoma encounters various characters who become his friends, such as a young girl named Eliaria who helps him with his potion-making and a group of adventurers who seek his help with their quests. As Ryoma becomes more involved with the people of the kingdom, he learns about a plot to overthrow the current rulers and decides to use his skills to protect them.
The series has been well-received for its wholesome and relaxing tone, as well as its focus on the everyday lives of its characters. It has been adapted into a manga series and an anime television series, which premiered in 2020. By the Grace of the Gods is a charming and heartwarming tale about finding a new purpose in life and building meaningful relationships.
"The Great North" is an animated television series that premiered in 2021. It follows the adventures of the Tobin family as they live in the fictional Alaskan town of "Loulou." The show primarily focuses on the family's daughter, Judy, and her desire to become a musher and participate in the town's annual dogsled race.
Throughout the series, the Tobin family faces a variety of challenges, including Judy's struggles to convince her father to let her race and their encounters with the town's eccentric residents. The show also features themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery.
"The Great North" has been praised for its humor, heartwarming moments, and representation of Alaskan culture. The show features a diverse cast of characters, including a Native Alaskan character voiced by an Indigenous actor. Overall, "The Great North" is an entertaining and wholesome show for viewers of all ages.
Regular Show is an American animated television series that follows the adventures of two best friends, a blue jay named Mordecai and a raccoon named Rigby, who work as groundskeepers at a local park. The show features a variety of colorful characters, including their boss Benson, a gumball machine, and their friend Skips, a yeti.
The series is known for its offbeat humor and pop culture references, often parodying various movies, TV shows, and video games. Each episode typically follows a simple premise, with Mordecai and Rigby getting into some kind of trouble or mischief, and having to find a way to fix the situation before things get out of hand.
Regular Show originally aired on Cartoon Network from 2010 to 2017 and received widespread critical acclaim for its humor, characters, and animation. The show has also spawned merchandise, including comic books, video games, and clothing. Its popularity has led to spin-off series, such as Close Enough and Regular Show: The Movie.
Teen Titans Go! is a popular American animated television series that airs on Cartoon Network. The show follows the adventures of five teenage superheroes, Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy, who live together in a giant T-shaped tower. The series is a spin-off of the original Teen Titans show, which aired from 2003 to 2006.
Unlike the original series, Teen Titans Go! has a more comedic tone and features shorter episodes. The show often parodies popular culture and frequently breaks the fourth wall, with characters addressing the audience directly. The series also includes musical numbers and guest appearances from other DC Comics characters, such as Batman and Superman.
Since its premiere in 2013, Teen Titans Go! has become a cultural phenomenon, with a dedicated fan base and numerous merchandise tie-ins. The show has also spawned a feature film, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, which was released in 2018. Despite some criticism for its departure from the more serious tone of the original Teen Titans series, Teen Titans Go! has been praised for its humor and accessibility to younger audiences.
Adventure Time is a cartoon series that follows the adventures of a boy named Finn and his best friend, a shape-shifting dog named Jake, in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo. The show is known for its offbeat humor, surreal imagery, and creative storytelling. Each episode features Finn and Jake exploring different parts of their fantastical world and facing various challenges and obstacles.
The series was created by Pendleton Ward and premiered on Cartoon Network in 2010. It quickly gained a following for its unique and imaginative style, and has since become a cult classic. Adventure Time has been praised for its complex characters, emotional depth, and mature themes, despite being aimed at a younger audience.
The show has also been noted for its inclusivity and representation, with characters of various races, genders, and sexualities portrayed throughout the series. Adventure Time has won numerous awards, including six Primetime Emmy Awards, and has been credited with inspiring a new generation of animators and creators.
"King of the Hill" is a popular American animated sitcom that aired on Fox from 1997 to 2010. It centers around the Hill family, who reside in the fictional city of Arlen, Texas. The show follows the daily lives of Hank, Peggy, Bobby, and their friends and neighbors.
Hank is a propane salesman who values hard work, traditional values, and his family. Peggy is his loving and supportive wife, who works as a substitute teacher. Bobby is their only child, who is often misunderstood and struggles to find his place in the world. The show tackles issues such as family dynamics, relationships, and societal norms.
Throughout the series, the Hill family and their friends navigate various challenges and obstacles, all while trying to maintain their sense of humor and love for each other. "King of the Hill" has received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of working-class families in America, as well as its nuanced and thoughtful approach to social and political issues.
Rick and Morty is an American animated television series created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon. It premiered on Adult Swim, a late-night programming block on Cartoon Network, in 2013. The show follows the adventures of an eccentric and alcoholic scientist, Rick Sanchez, and his good-hearted but easily influenced grandson, Morty Smith, as they travel to other dimensions and encounter various strange creatures.
The series has gained a cult following for its dark humor, sci-fi themes, and clever writing. It has been praised for its unique blend of satire, absurdity, and emotional depth. The show often deals with complex philosophical and scientific concepts, such as multiverse theory and the nature of reality, while also incorporating pop culture references and lampooning familiar tropes.
Rick and Morty has been both a critical and commercial success, with multiple seasons and a spin-off series, as well as merchandise and video games. Its popularity has also led to controversy, with some critics accusing the show of promoting nihilistic and cynical attitudes. Despite this, the series has remained a fan favorite and continues to attract new viewers with its offbeat humor and imaginative storytelling.
