Dawn of the Croods

Dawn of the Croods is a heartwarming and hilarious animated sitcom that made its debut on Netflix in 2015 and continued till 2017. A prequel to the 2013 movie simply named “The Croods,” the series takes viewers back through time to the start of a new era to follow the journey of the world's very first family going through life's firsts.

The show revolves around the Crood family who lives in the prehistoric period known as the Croodacious Era. It's a dynamic mix of traditional family sitcom and prehistoric comedy. There's Grug, the overprotective patriarch, whose primary responsibility is ensuring the safety of his family—very relatable with 21st-century parents. His wife, Ugga, is the more open-minded and nurturing type who isn't afraid to voice her opinions—typical of any modern-day mother. Their kids are Eep, the rebellious teenage daughter, Thunk, an unintelligent yet warm-hearted son, and Sandy, the feral baby who is known for her wild behavior. Finally, there's Gran, Ugga's mother, who often butts heads with Grug. She is characterized by her crotchety yet spry personality.

In each episode, viewers get a sneak peek into the daily lives of the Crood family as they navigate through the world, which is as new to them as it is to us. We see the world through their eyes and witness their reactions to first-time experiences such as sleepovers, elections, and even vacations. The Croods' world is full of eccentric neighbors, unpredictable wildlife, and natural disasters typical of the savage prehistoric times. It's a perfect recipe for hilarious and entertaining events that provide captivating plotlines for both kids and adults alike.

"Dawn of the Croods" doesn't just entertain, it has its fair share of values too. As we join the Croods on their day-to-day adventures, we get to learn about the importance of family, adaptability, change, and stepping out of one's comfort zone. The Crood family may belong to the 'Croodacious Era,' but the humor and life lessons they deal with are timeless, transcending the paleolithic backdrop and becoming relatable to the modern viewer.

The artwork and animation are worth mentioning. With its excellent production values, the series features beautiful visuals that beautifully capture prehistoric Earth's untouched wonder. The character design stays true to the original Dreamworks movie and captures the unique traits of each character. On the other hand, the background scenery is lush and vivid with plants and animals, creating a delightful representation of the colorful and comical prehistoric world.

“Dawn of the Croods” boasts an impressive voice cast that includes Dan Milano (Grug), Cree Summer (Ugga), A.J. Locascio (Thunk), Stephanie Lemelin (Eep), and Grey Griffin (Sandy and Gran). It is their so-real delivery that brings the characters to life and adds depth and humor to their experiences. The characters’ voice inflections perfectly match their eccentric and lovable personalities, which helps young viewers embrace and relate to them more.

The series successfully combines smart writing, magnetic characters, and top-notch animation to create unique entertainment. It moves at a fast cadence, perfect for younger viewers' short attention spans. Still, it's clever enough to keep adults engaged with humor aimed at their level—making it an ideal watch for family TV nights.

"Dawn of the Croods" stands as a testament to how good child-friendly comedy can be when it smartly uses history (albeit exaggerated) as a setting. The show strikes an equilibrium between laugh-out-loud moments and heartwarming family dynamics that touches all viewers. Building on the success of the original movie, "Dawn of the Croods" provides us with a delightful take on the prehistoric stage of human evolution, making it an enjoyable watch for viewers of all ages.