Win or Lose

Fresh and relevant take on kids entertainment from Disney. Characters are awesome and each perspective brings them more depth. We loved how each family dynamic is different and not just the standard molecular family. Also very diverse group which was really cool too. Disney is highlighting mental health as an underlying theme within this series which doesn't get brought up often in cartoons and it's great the kids are seeing and understanding the stressors of what could be really effecting kids of that age group. We binged the first 6; kids got to stay up late that night. It was equally entertaining for adults as well. Anxiously awaiting the next drop.

I am not one to watch many series, nor have I seen much of Disney+'s offerings after having been a subscriber from the company's inception. Imagine my surprise when I casted this onto my TV to keep as background noise while I got some work done. Whether fortunate or unfortunate (depending on who you're asking), I got very little work done, as I was immediately drawn by this show's warm sensibilities, and dialed-in art style. After two episodes, I can frankly say that this truly came out of left field (pun unintentional, but welcome). The show's patiently reliable Pixar style seems to be riskier than films from eras past-with safe, predictable choices forfeited for visual gags and endearingly awkward punchlines that seem to come a mile-a-minute. This seems to be a show with a lot of hearts. Plural is apt here, as it seems to take the approach of unfolding the lead-up to a single calamitous event by unfolding the trajectories of each character's week leading up to the night in question. This, I believe, is where the show seems to take shape and really shine. As a watcher, I get the sense that one of the most challenging things to do for movies/series in the vein of "Win or Lose" lies in striking a correct tonal balance between being complex, sincere, and dynamic enough to win over mature audiences, whilst being simple and funny enough to not alienate the children who may be watching. Thus "family" humor seems to be something that is very hit-or-miss (there are the surprise baseball puns again). The subject matter of the episodes seem to draw from previous offerings like Inside Out-with an anthropomorphic depiction of insecurity and anxiety in one character's vignette-and Onward-with an unapologetically nerd-core game approach to "love" and "building up walls" as with another character. It seems to swing for the fences in every regard, oscillating between painfully human encounters with magical realism punchlines that blur the lines between what one person is experiencing in their inner world and what is actually happening. In this sense, it reminds me very much of Apple TV's "The Afterparty", to any of those who managed to find the stylings of that show appealing, if not varied in quality.

The cast of characters even seem to have adopted the successes of "Turning Red", opting for characters who ooze a winsome kind of awkwardness that feel neither forced, nor derivative. Episode 2 ends with an overture, rather than a crescendo-Billy Holiday's "No Regrets". After just two episodes, I decided to create an IMDB account, if merely to add my voice to the choir about how much I enjoy this show, after just two episodes. They hit it out of the park, bases loaded, with this one.

I am 31/F and thoroughly enjoyed all the episodes!! Though, I wish some characters had a little bit more of development. I was so interested in how the storylines all played together and how they animated the different people's emotions!! I have two small kiddos who are not into it, but honestly was watching it just for myself. It was so refreshing to finally have some quality content come out on Disney+ instead of storyline that they just slapped together.

I'm hoping that there's going to be another season that deals with something similar or uses the same intertwining story technique. Well done Pixar!!

I had such low hopes coming from this series, but boy did it prove me wrong! The first & second episode were okay but by the third & fourth episode I was hooked! The final was a perfect ending for the series, don't get me wrong this series has flaws but that's what makes it special. My favorite episode was by far Kai's episode and I related a lot to it. That's what is also so great about this show, it is relatable for people of ALL ages.

Just think about it. There is an episode about anxiety, there is an episode about the struggle of letting your guard down, there is an episode about a child having to take care of their parent, there is an episode about the struggles of being a single mom just trying to provide for your kids, there is an episode about a kid getting taking advantage of by manipulative older kids, there is an episode about using humor as a coping mechanism, there is an episode about the pressure that comes from being the star player of ANY sport team, and there is an episode a single dad just trying to hold it in all together. There is such a wide variety of struggles that is is almost impossible not to relate to a character, their struggles, or their personalities.

Dear, Disney/Pixar. Please make more of your creativity show through with more projects like these.

Pixar's Win or Lose has officially hit Disney+, and it's safe to say this series has hit a home run in terms of storytelling, heart, and innovation. Known for its stunning animations and emotional depth, Pixar brings a fresh perspective to TV with Win or Lose, an eight-episode series that follows a middle school co-ed softball team in the days leading up to their big championship game.

What's most intriguing about Win or Lose is how it tells the same story from the eyes of different characters. Each episode focuses on a different member of the team, the storytelling structure isn't just clever-it's an invitation to truly understand the varied emotions, conflicts, and motivations each character brings to the game, offering a deeper connection with each of them.

The animation is, of course, top-tier. Pixar's signature warmth and expressiveness shine through, creating a vibrant, relatable world for viewers of all ages. From the colors of the playing field to the subtle emotional cues in the characters' faces, there's a consistency of excellence that's become synonymous with Pixar's name.

But it's not just about the animation. Win or Lose really stands out because of its heart. The show doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of friendships, growing up, and finding one's identity-all through the lens of a seemingly simple sports story. It's funny, emotional, and sometimes raw in a way that feels refreshingly honest. Whether it's dealing with the stress of winning, managing disappointment, or navigating personal struggles, the series feels grounded and real.

In terms of tone, Win or Lose strikes the perfect balance between humor and emotion. It doesn't shy away from serious moments but also knows when to lighten the mood with playful gags or light-hearted interactions. The voice cast, including Will Forte as Coach Dan and a talented ensemble, bring their characters to life with such authenticity that it's impossible not to care about their journeys.

Ultimately, Win or Lose feels like the kind of series that could easily become a Pixar classic. It's a bit different from what we've come to expect from the animation studio, but it proves that Pixar can still hit home runs, even in uncharted territory. With its innovative narrative structure, lovable characters, and heartfelt exploration of personal growth, Win or Lose is a series that's not just for kids, it's for anyone who's ever had to face the pressure of winning, the sting of losing, and the messy middle ground in between.

-I'm Rae Serbeck, I Watch and Review all Films and Shows, Large and Small.