8.3 / 10 (based on 53 reviews)
A comedy about the adventures of Archibald Strutter, a chicken who improvises his way through life but always finds his way home to his three siblings and trusty sidekick.
Genre: Animation, Short, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Tony Hale, Rosamund Pike, Kari Wahlgren, Roger Craig Smith
Creators: Drew Champion, Jacob Moffat, Tony Hale
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 24 episodes
Shows Most Like Archibald’s Next Big Thing Is Here (2021)
Archibald’s Next Big Thing (2019)
7.7 / 10 (based on 295 reviews)
The adventures of a care-free Chicken named Archibald.
Genre: Animation, Short, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Tony Hale, Rosamund Pike, Kari Wahlgren, Chelsea Kane
Creators: Drew Champion, Jacob Moffat
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 26 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Glitch Techs (2020)
7.7 / 10 (based on 1591 reviews)
Game-world monsters are wreaking real-world havoc. Here comes tech support.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Ricardo Hurtado, Monica Ray, Dan Milano, Rachael Russakoff
Creators: Dan Milano, Eric Robles
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 19 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Moominvalley (2019)
7.3 / 10 (based on 847 reviews)
A 2019 adaptation of Tove Jansson’s loved body of work around the Moomin family.
Genre: Animation, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Main Cast: Rosamund Pike, Taron Egerton, Matt Berry, Warwick Davis
Creators: Tove Jansson
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 26 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
Thunderbirds Are Go (2015)
6.8 / 10 (based on 1715 reviews)
In the future, the Tracy family run a private mechanized emergency response service.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Rasmus Hardiker, David Menkin, Kayvan Novak
Creators: Gerry Anderson, Sylvia Anderson
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 78 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
Cupcake & Dino: General Services (2018)
7.6 / 10 (based on 814 reviews)
A cupcake and his dinosaur brother fight crime in order to make it to the General Services name.
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy, Family
Main Cast: Mark Forward, Joris Jarsky, Mark Little, Julie Lemieux
Creators: Pedro Eboli, Mark Satterthwaite
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 28 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
In the world of children’s television, where shows come and go with the changing seasons, there’s one series that stands out for its unique charm and positive message: Archibald’s Next Big Thing Is Here. This show, which premiered in 2021, continues the adventures of Archibald Strutter, a chicken who lives life with unbridled enthusiasm and a knack for stumbling into adventures. Unlike other shows that might lean heavily into moral lessons with a heavy hand, Archibald’s Next Big Thing Is Here does so with a light touch, making it a delightful watch for both kids and adults. Let’s explore what makes this show a standout in the crowded landscape of children’s programming.
The Premise
At its core, the show follows Archibald, a cheerful and optimistic chicken, as he navigates life’s unexpected twists and turns. Unlike typical protagonists who might have a clear goal or destination, Archibald’s journey is all about embracing the journey itself. This premise sets the stage for a series that is not just entertaining but also imbued with a subtle depth. Each episode is a new adventure, a fresh chance to explore, make mistakes, and learn, all without losing that infectious positivity.
Characters and Relationships
One of the show’s strengths lies in its cast of characters. Archibald is surrounded by a diverse group of friends and family members who each bring their unique perspectives and personalities to the table. From Sage, his adventurous sibling, to Loy, his detail-oriented brother, and Finly, his creative sister, the show does an excellent job of showcasing a wide range of traits and interests. This diversity in characters allows the show to explore different themes and scenarios, making it relatable to a broad audience.
The relationships between these characters are another highlight. The show emphasizes the importance of family, friendship, and community without it feeling forced. The interactions feel genuine, and the conflicts, when they arise, are resolved in a way that teaches valuable lessons about empathy, understanding, and the importance of communication.
Humor and Heart
What sets Archibald’s Next Big Thing Is Here apart from many other children’s shows is its ability to balance humor with heart. The show is genuinely funny, with clever writing that can elicit laughs from viewers of all ages. It’s not just slapstick or silly jokes; the humor often comes from the characters’ interactions and the absurd situations Archibald finds himself in.
But it’s not all laughs. The show has a big heart, and it’s not afraid to tackle more emotional moments. These moments are handled with care, never feeling out of place or overly sentimental. It’s this balance that makes the show so endearing. It can make you laugh, then tug at your heartstrings without missing a beat.
Lessons Learned
Each episode of Archibald’s Next Big Thing Is Here is a journey in itself, often ending with a lesson learned. However, these lessons are woven into the fabric of the story so seamlessly that they never feel preachy. The show teaches kids (and reminds adults) about the value of staying positive, being open to new experiences, and the importance of being present. It encourages viewers to see the beauty in the journey, not just the destination, and to find joy in the unexpected.
Moreover, the show subtly promotes resilience. Archibald’s unwavering optimism in the face of challenges is a lesson in staying positive, no matter what life throws your way. It’s a reminder that attitude can make a big difference in how we perceive and handle situations.
Why It Stands Out
In a landscape filled with children’s programming that often relies on formulaic stories and predictable lessons, Archibald’s Next Big Thing Is Here stands out for its fresh approach. It’s a show that doesn’t talk down to its audience. Instead, it respects the intelligence of its viewers, offering them a series that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Its animation style is another point of distinction. Bright, colorful, and full of life, the visuals of the show are a perfect match for its upbeat tone. The animation is expressive, helping to bring the characters and their adventures to life in a way that is engaging and visually appealing.
Conclusion
Archibald’s Next Big Thing Is Here is more than just a children’s show. It’s a celebration of life’s journey, with all its ups and downs. It teaches viewers to embrace the moment, to be curious, and to always look for the “next big thing” with a sense of optimism and wonder. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, this show serves as a gentle reminder of the joy to be found in the simple things and the adventures that await us if we’re open to them.
For parents looking for a show that is both enjoyable and enriching for their kids, or for anyone who appreciates well-crafted children’s programming, Archibald’s Next Big Thing Is Here is a must-watch. It’s a series that proves that children’s TV can be smart, funny, and deeply meaningful, all at the same time.