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+.
"Superman: The Animated Series" is an American animated television series that premiered in 1996. The show is based on the iconic DC Comics character Superman and follows his adventures as he fights for truth, justice, and the American way. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and was a spin-off of the popular "Batman: The Animated Series."
The show features the voice talents of Tim Daly as Superman, as well as a talented cast of actors who bring to life many of Superman's famous friends and foes, such as Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, and Brainiac. The show is known for its action-packed episodes, engaging storylines, and stunning animation. The series also introduced many new elements to the Superman mythos, such as the character of Mercy Graves, Luthor's bodyguard.
"Superman: The Animated Series" was a critical and commercial success, running for four seasons and 54 episodes. The show won numerous awards, including multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, and has been praised for its sophisticated storytelling and strong characterization. The show's legacy can be seen in the many other animated shows and movies that have followed in its footsteps, as well as in the ongoing popularity of the Superman character.
"Young Justice" is an American animated television series that premiered in 2010. The show is based on the DC Comics superhero team, the "Young Justice" and follows their adventures as they work together to save the world from various threats. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on Cartoon Network.
The show features a diverse cast of young superheroes, including Robin, Superboy, Miss Martian, and Kid Flash, as they take on a wide range of villains and battle to protect the world from harm. The show is known for its intricate storytelling, engaging characters, and impressive animation. It explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and what it means to be a hero.
"Young Justice" has been praised for its sophisticated storytelling, well-developed characters, and compelling action sequences. The show has developed a strong following and has been credited with helping to usher in a new era of animated superhero shows. It has won numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short-Format Animated Program, and has been praised for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Ben 10: Alien Force is an animated TV series created by the Man of Action team and produced by Cartoon Network Studios. It is a darker follow-up to the original Ben 10 series and takes place five years later. The show premiered in the US on April 18, 2008, and ended on March 26, 2010, after three seasons and forty-six episodes. It was nominated for four Emmy Awards, winning one for Outstanding Sound Mixing.
The show follows Ben Tennyson, now a teenager, as he once again dons the Omnitrix to protect the Earth and other parts of the universe from evil alien activity. The Omnitrix is a device in the shape of a wristwatch that allows Ben to transform into various alien forms and inherit their unique abilities. With the help of his cousin Gwen and his friend Kevin, Ben faces off against a variety of alien villains.
Throughout the series, the trio faces off against the Forever Knights, Xenocytes, DNAliens, and the Highbreed, among others. The show takes a more serious tone than its predecessor, with more complex storylines and character development. The final episode of the series aired on March 26, 2010, but a sequel titled Ben 10: Ultimate Alien was released afterward.
Aquaman is an animated television series produced by Filmation Associates, based on the DC Comics superhero of the same name. The show follows the adventures of Aquaman, the King of Atlantis, as he defends his underwater kingdom and the surface world from various threats.
The series first aired in 1968 and has since become a classic of the superhero genre, known for its colorful animation style and exciting action sequences. The show is aimed at children, but has also been enjoyed by older audiences who appreciate its nostalgic charm and campy humor.
Aquaman explores themes such as environmentalism, friendship, and the responsibilities of leadership. The show encourages children to value the natural world and to consider the impact of human actions on the environment. The series has been recognized for its positive messages and its contributions to popular culture, as Aquaman remains a beloved and enduring character in the DC Comics universe.
Batman Beyond is an American animated television series created by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Alan Burnett. The show takes place in the future, where an elderly Bruce Wayne is forced to retire as Batman due to his age. He takes on a new protégé, Terry McGinnis, who becomes the new Batman and fights crime in a high-tech suit.
The series first aired in 1999 and has since become a cult classic, known for its dark and edgy storytelling, as well as its unique and futuristic animation style. The show is aimed at older audiences, who appreciate its mature themes and complex characters, but has also been enjoyed by younger audiences, who are drawn to the action and adventure.
Batman Beyond explores themes such as redemption, identity, and the consequences of one's actions. The show challenges its viewers to consider the moral implications of vigilantism and to question what it truly means to be a hero. The series has been recognized for its impact on the Batman franchise and its contributions to the evolution of the character. Batman Beyond remains a beloved and influential part of the animated television landscape.
Apple & Onion is an American animated television series created by George Gendi. The show follows the adventures of two best friends, Apple and Onion, who move to the big city and try to make a name for themselves. Apple is an optimistic apple, and Onion is a free-spirited onion, and together, they navigate the ups and downs of city life.
The series premiered in 2018 and has been praised for its charming and quirky characters, as well as its imaginative and colorful animation style. The show is aimed at children but has also been enjoyed by older audiences, who appreciate its humor and heartwarming themes.
Apple & Onion explores themes such as friendship, perseverance, and the importance of being true to oneself. The show encourages children to be themselves and to embrace their unique qualities and talents, while also valuing their friendships and connections with others. The series has been recognized for its contributions to diversity and representation in popular culture, as it features a cast of characters from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The show remains a beloved and influential part of the animated television landscape.
The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack is an American animated television series created by Thurop Van Orman. The show follows the adventures of Flapjack, a young boy with a love for adventure, and his best friend, Captain K'nuckles, a washed-up pirate with a taste for candy. Together, they explore the high seas and encounter strange and wacky creatures.
The series first aired on Cartoon Network in 2008 and has since become a cult favorite, known for its unique and surreal humor, as well as its colorful and imaginative animation style. The show is aimed at children but has also been enjoyed by older audiences, who appreciate its offbeat humor and clever storytelling.
The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack explores themes such as friendship, loyalty, and perseverance. The show encourages children to be curious and adventurous, and to embrace their unique qualities and strengths. The series has been praised for its originality and creativity, as well as its positive messages about imagination and creativity. The show's influence can still be seen in modern animation, as it continues to inspire new generations of viewers.
