Dwight in Shining Armor

Dwight in Shining Armor is a heartwarming and whimsical family comedy and adventure series. Produced by BYUtv, the series first aired between 2018 and 2021. The story creatively weaves together elements of fantasy, humor, action, and the everyday lessons of life, all through the eyes of an average modern teenager who finds himself thrown into a world of medieval mayhem.

Living in Woodside, Utah, one of the safest and least adventurous towns in America, 15-year-old Dwight is just an ordinary teenager, carrying out his regular duties, attending school, and living a conventional suburban life. He is quite content with his predictable and comfortable lifestyle until his life takes an unexpected turn as he falls into the subterranean chamber of an ancient fort.

There Dwight happens upon the sleeping figure of a 1000-year-old Princess Gretta, a real-life medieval princess from a mystical past. However, it's not just the discovery that alters his path, but an olden spell that ties the fates of Dwight and Gretta together. Upon finding her, Dwight unwittingly awakens the princess from her century-long slumber, thereby triggering the spell to go into effect. As a hapless "champion," the spell burdens Dwight with the relentless duty of protecting Gretta against a host of mythical creatures and medieval villains that have also come to life in the modern world.

Princess Gretta, on the other hand, is no ordinary damsel. A warrior princess with her own agenda, she attempts to adjust to the unfamiliar 21st century norms while grappling with the strange provisions found in the modern world. Gretta's pet pig, Pig, and the talkative yet insightful court magician, Baldric, add more fun elements to the ensemble. They all find themselves grappling with modern conveniences such as smartphones, traffic rules, and high school, making the series a mix of both comedy and adventure.

Beyond the magic spells and medieval miscreants, the series also focuses on the evolving relationship between Dwight and Gretta. What starts as a consequence of the spell develops into a journey of understanding, friendship, and mutual respect. Despite their differences and the chaos they often find themselves in, the duo learns to rely on and support each other, navigating their high school lives while also battling an array of mystical adversaries.

Dwight in Shining Armor doesn’t shy away from tackling pertinent teenage life issues amidst the fantasy and adventure. Themes like courage, leadership, social responsibility, self-confidence, and adaptability are woven into the narrative. Moreover, being a family comedy, the series inculcates positive and uplifting messages throughout its storyline, making it an entertaining watch for both children and adults.

The charm of Dwight in Shining Armor is also greatly enhanced by its cast. Sloane Morgan Siegel plays the lead, Dwight, and carries the inherent bravery and wit of the character brilliantly. Gretta is portrayed by AnnaSophia Chuck, who splendidly brings out the courage, grace, and curiosity of a bygone era princess. Joel McCrary as Baldric and Danielle Bisutti as the witch Hexela give strong performances as well.

The real-life locations add an interesting dynamic to the series. Filmed in Utah, the combination of suburbia and the beautiful natural landscapes assist in constructing the ideal backdrop for the magical and ordinary to meet.

The series also boasts many guest appearances such as from Evan Hofer playing Sir Aldred, an original knight returning after years of being missing, or Bonnie, Dwight’s sister, played by Caitlin Carmichael who often stumbles upon his secret life.

With a quirky premise backed by impactful performances and meaningful stories, Dwight in Shining Armor is a unique brew of comedy, fantasy, and heartfelt lessons boiled down into an enjoyable family series that continues to captivate its viewers throughout its tenure. The viewers get to experience a blend of the idyllic, modern-day world with the exciting, action-packed, and mythical realm, a delight to anyone who appreciates family-oriented, adventurous storytelling.