3 Netflix Animated Series to Watch

Educational + Entertaining: A win-win for parents and child!

“Mum, can I please watch this show?” I asked.

“No, you have to do your revision and get started for the next academic year,” she said.

“But Mu-um, my teacher says that you can learn a lot about writing from watching television shows!”

“Is that so?”

That’s right! Now that it’s the holidays, it’s time for students to unwind a little. What better way to do so than to watch a show of your choosing? For those of you who have Netflix at home, you will know that there is a myriad of shows available. As a child, which are the shows that you can convince your parents to let you have some screen time with? (And as a parent, how do you know which is one that is educational and can keep your children occupied while you have a cup of tea during the holidays?) With Netflix, it’s all too easy to watch indiscriminately like there’s no tomorrow. However, the best way to consume content is to do it slowly in moderation, especially since you can pick up many skills along with it.

Here are some of the shows you can watch during the holidays!

1. Carmen Sandiego

• What it’s about:

  Based on the video games of the 90s, this is a reboot that transformed the titular character from a villain to a hero. Little Carmen Sandiego grows up on an island and attends a school for thieves in order to steal some of the world’s most priceless artefacts. However, she makes a decision to run away from the school and return these priceless artefacts, finding out who she is along the way.

• Why you should watch it:

  Apart from getting to know your geography, the series tells children fun facts about different countries. Look out for the fight scenes and slow them down so that your child will be able to get a glimpse of how to write one.

2. Trollhunters

• What it’s about:

  15-year-old James Lake Junior comes across a mysterious amulet on the way to school with his best friend Toby. Later, he finds out that the amulet will change his life as he is the trollhunter—the guardian who is supposed to prevent humans and trolls from being in conflict.

• Why you should watch it:

  This is a highly relatable show as Jim has to balance schoolwork with trollhunting—much like how one balances one’s schoolwork with one’s CCA. There is also careful thought put behind the physical appearance of each troll. Observe how their physical appearance lends well to the character attributes in the show. For example, the hefty Draal is muscular, and this makes him an expert fighter. On the other hand, students will meet Blinky, whose multiple eyes help him read and acquire knowledge. Get inspired and think about how your characters’ physical appearance should enhance their attributes!

3. Avatar: the Last Airbender

• What it’s about:

  In an alternative universe, two siblings, Katara and Sokka, find a boy in the iceberg. It turns out that Aang, the boy they found, is the avatar. He is supposed to restore balance to the world and end the 100-years war by mastering the four elements—air, water, earth, and fire.

• Why you should watch it:

  This series tackles difficult issues like war and makes it easier for children to understand. It does help that the dialogue and jokes are well-written, too. In addition, each character has an arc and grows to become a better person. This character change is always satisfying in a storyline and is something which you can strive to apply in your writing.

Bonus! – Gravity Falls

• What it’s about:

  Even though this isn’t on Netflix, it’s still worth watching. Really. Twins Dipper and Mabel Pines are sent to Gravity Falls to spend some time with their Great Uncle Stan. However, bizarre incidents keep happening around the town and the twins have to investigate what is going on before the town gets destroyed.

• Why you should watch it:

  This lighthearted series is all about how wonderful and explorative childhood is. Watch out for all the hints that suggest what is about to happen—this series is a masterclass in foreshadowing, which is a skill that is helpful for strong writers to pick up.