#animated tv

Don’t get me wrong, there are indeed plenty who could stand to broaden their diet of art in terms of age demographic and maybe learn to judge storytelling with more nuance on that front.

However… I feel like they’re becoming too much of a thought terminating cliche in the realm of “It’s not that deep, bro, it’s just for kids.” As if media aimed at kids, especially in the animation department, isn’t worthy of any deeper analysis be it positive or negative.

Yes, sometimes you need to pull yourself out of a negativity spiral over something that’s targeted clear out of your age demographic.

By that same token, however…

Steven Universe, Avatar, Korra, what-have-you inspiring grown up audience members either to dissect it or show great appreciation for it on any level is a net positive.

It points to how art can make strides to be itself even in corporate studio spaces that are notorious for being all “Ah, it’s for kids, don’t get too artsy with it.”

Things have been busy recently, but I would like to use this post as a chance to post some briefer thoughts on a few things I've seen recently, some newly discovered stuff and rewatches of old favorites.

ANIMATION

The Doomies (All 22 episodes; 26 June 2026)

Having watched all 22 episodes of this new Disney+ series, created by French animation studio Xilam, I honestly believe this is perhaps the best new animated series of the year so far. Focusing on tweenage paranormal investigators Bobby and Romy, the series sees them encounter several bizarre creatures which they must defeat with help from eccentric lighthouse keeper Doug (arguably the series' funniest character) and chosen one warrior Kim. From it's interesting setting in a French seaside town to it's superb characterizations, spooky plots and excellent songs by Stefan Bossard, I was truly impressed by this series and hope a further season may one day come.

Doodle Girl - Stylosaur (Episode 1; 4 November 2024)

Following in a long line of 'hero who can magically draw objects that come to life' shows that also includes the likes of Simon in the Land of Chalk Drawings, Penny Crayon and ChalkZone, Doodle Girl is another show I've discovered recently and been impressed with, it's unique style and calm wholesome style makes it a winner. This first episode, as Doodle Girl helps so-called Stylosaur Stompers win a fashion contest is but an example of what made this show instantly likeable to me, as Doodle Girl's sweet personality and problem solving skills won me over. Further episodes continue this winning formula to great success, it has become a new favourite of mine.

LIVE ACTION

The Goodies - Bunfight at the OK Tea Rooms (Season 5 Episode 12; 28 April 1975)

The death of Bill Oddie on 25 July has been sad news to me and so in tribute, I rewatched this episode of The Goodies, where he formed one third of the titular trio alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden (now the only surviving Goodie as Tim had earlier died in 2020). One of my favorite episodes of the show and fitting in another way as I saw it just prior to a holiday in Cornwall where this episode takes place, the Goodies go to Cornwall and discover a profitable cream mine. From it's hilarious Western style showdown with tomato sauce squirters in place of guns and card game played with toast, topped off by the excellent songs also composed by Oddie, this episode for me perfectly encapsulates the manic, hilarious qualities that make The Goodies such a fun show.

Look and Read: Badger Girl - Sounds in the Night (Episode 1; 18 September 1984)

Watching old Look and Read serials and listening to it's numerous catchy educational songs has been a source of comfort to me in this hot summer with not much else to do, and also on account of staying fairly near Dartmoor, where this story takes place, reviewing Badger Girl seems fitting. This first episode introduces city kids Debbie (Julia Millbank), Kiran (Ashiek Madhvani) and Norman (Kieron O'Shea), who stay at a remote Dartmoor farm, before future episodes build the plot further. The educational sections that take up the middle part of each episode feature Wordy (Charles Collingwood), a creature with letters covering his face and nature photographer Jane Miles (Margo Gunn), (who also appears in the story proper) discussing the events of the story and teaching songs about words, which are catchy in their own right (including memorable characters such as the Magic E wizard and Bill the Brickie). Entertainment really is the best learning tool if you watch Look and Read.

Ann Droid - Episode 1 (17 July 2026)

Showed my fiancé Over The Garden Wall for the first time, and he really enjoyed it!