Super Monsters

Super Monsters is a Canadian-American animated series co-produced by Netflix and Guru Studio. The show debuted on Netflix in 2017, and quickly captured the hearts of young viewers with its bright, bold, colorful animations, warm storylines, and relatable cast of characters.

Set in the magical world of Pitchfork Pines Preschool, Super Monsters presents a unique twist on the classic idea of childhood "monsters". Here, the monsters are not the ones hiding under the bed, but the adorable, friendly, and sometimes clumsy young children of famous monsters from various folklore and mythology. The "super" in the title denotes not only their heritage as monsters, but it also points to the latent supernatural abilities they each possess.

This preschool is like no other, as it transforms ordinary kids into their magical alter egos as the sun goes down. This is where they learn how to harness their unique abilities and navigate the world while managing their “super” side. Our main protagonists include charming characters like Drac, the son of Dracula, Cleo, the daughter of the Mummy, Lobo, the son of the Werewolf, Katya, the young witch, Frankie, son of Frankenstein's Monster, and Zoe, the adorable little zombie, among others.

What sets Super Monsters apart from other children's shows is its focus on teaching lessons about friendship, empathy, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, all through the lens of these cute little monsters. Each episode often revolves around a common preschool issue – a fear of something new, difficulty with self-control, problems sharing, and many others. Themes such as kindness, respect, tolerance, and inclusivity are smoothly woven into the storyline, making it less of a lecture and more of a relatable scenario for the children.

In this animated series, conflicts are always resolved by the children themselves, promoting self-reliance and critical thinking. We see the Super Monsters making mistakes, learning from them, and finding ways to make things right. Therefore, the series helps children understand that it's entirely normal to make mistakes, and more importantly, that mistakes can be rectified with patience and perseverance.

Adding to the charm of these characters are their distinct personalities that bring a dynamic range to the show's plot, keeping the audience engaged. For instance, Drac may display his flamboyant side owing to being a Dracula, but he is also portrayed as a very caring and enthusiastic friend, setting a beautiful portrayal of character complexity.

One of the other striking features of Super Monsters is its stunning visuals. The animation quality is excellent, with great attention paid to detail in creating the childlike yet magical environment of Pitchfork Pines. The bright, vibrant, and soothing color palette perfectly complements the overall theme of the show.

Despite the show primarily aiming to captivate and educate preschool-age children, it has something for everyone. The references to famous monsters and the like provide a nice touch for adult viewers, hatching a bit of nostalgia and fun trivia for the younger ones to learn about.

Furthermore, the diversity of characters in the show, representing different cultures and ethnicities in a subtle, kid-friendly way, makes Super Monsters a more inclusive experience, offering viewers the chance to identify with a familiar character or learn about something new.

Super Monsters represents a delightful blend of fun, learning, and character building, beautifully wrapped up in a monster-themed package. It is an enthusiastic and vibrant animation series that fosters responsibility, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills among young children while sparking their imagination with its magical setting and enchanting plot. Super Monsters, with its delightful mix of entertaining characters, engaging storylines, and teachable moments, offers an enjoyable and meaningful viewing experience for its target audience and beyond.