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‘Wonder Pets: In the City’ returns for more fun adventures

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Finally the adorable critters are back for a second season. Izzy the guinea pig, Zuri the bunny, and Tate the snake are the Wonder Pets: In the City. This little trio are fun, funny, and filled with excitement as they are always eager to help other animals who are in trouble.

The three are classroom pets in a New York City kindergarten, and when the kids leave for the day, the trio get into their roles as heroes to help other animals in need. Each of the 13 episodes contains two different adventures for the three.

The adventures begin when the “walkie-phone” beeps and buzzes. That tells the trio that an animal somewhere is in trouble and in need of their assistance. 

From there, they set off to a different location to help or lend a hand. Sometimes they put together their “Jetcar” to take them to far off locations. 

There are plenty of lessons kids can take from this show. First, and most importantly, is that working together is the best way to solve a problem. Even working as a team is how they assemble the Jetcar properly. As they say (or rather sing), “working together there’s nothing we can’t do.” After all, they’re “the biggest little team.” They sing they are “full of heart, super smart, and stronger than we seem.”  (note: try to get that little ditty out of your head after watching the show!)

What makes this animated series stand out from other children’s shows, besides the fun trio, is that each episode is like a mini children’s opera. The stories are filled with songs. They are catchy little toons that add to the background and enjoyment of the show.

While other heroes have super powers, the super powers of Izzy, Zuri, and Tate is their intelligence and common sense. Whether they are called on the assist another animal or simply give support and confidence to them, these little fellows are always able to complete the task at hand.

In this season they are after my heart as they help the pizza cat next door to the kindergarten. Together they create a delicious pizza with, my favorite pizza topping – pineapple. That might be my favorite episode this season. Delicious!

Whether they are assisting other critters or, in this season some origami animals, Tate, Izzy, and Zuri are always upbeat, eager, and helpful. Their compassion is unmatched as they set out to solve whatever problem is at hand.

Wonder Pets: In the City is one of the best preschool shows that has come out in years. The threesome, songs, cute stories, and delightful animation combine to make this a pure delight – even for parents. And, they eat their vegetables!

This is an updated version of the original Wonder Pets that came had different characters and lasted three season from 2006-2016. Now a new generation of young viewers are enjoying this talented little trio. Wonder Pets: In the City is, in my opinion, more fun and enjoyable than the original series. These three characters are cute, engaging, and have personality, and together they make this a great preschool series that everyone can enjoy.

Fans of the show have eagerly awaited another season.   The second season of Wonder Pets: In the City premieres March 20, 2026 on Apple TV+.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘The Sisters Grimm’ comes to Apple TV+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Combining family secrets, adventure, and fantasy, The Sisters Grimm is a fun animated series coming to Apple TV+.  Everyone knows the Brothers Grimm. Well, these are descendants of that famous family.

Sabrina and Daphne Grimm (voiced by Ariel Winter and Leah Newman) have been bouncing around from one foster care house to another since their parents have gone missing. When their grandmother learns about them she sends for them to live with her.

The girls are a bit apprehensive at first. Sabrina doesn’t believe this woman, Relda, is her grandmother. But little Daphne is excited to have a grandma.

 

The town of Ferryport Landing, New York is a bit odd and the girls don’t quite know what to make of it. What they learn is that it was founded by the Brothers Grimm as a sanctuary for magical beings who have been treated unkindly in the outside world. They are known as Everafters. These are the fairy-tale characters we have all known through our lives.

When Sabrina and Daphne learn about their heritage, they are confused. But when a giant kidnaps their grandmother they set out to save her and if they can do that they might be able to find and save their parents. After all, the magic mirror has shown them that their parents are still alive.


The two girls get the help of Puck (from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Not a Grimm character but he has been part of Ferryport for ages. He’s voiced by Billy Harris). This guy thinks highly of himself and inserts himself in the girls’ adventure.

When they need the assistance of another character, they set out to get Jack (of Jack and the Beanstalk). But is Jack a good guy or a bad guy? And what about Charming (voiced by Abubaker Salim)? He could be a good guy. Then again he could be a not-so-good guy.

Fairies and magical items, not to mention fictional characters we have read about, all combine to create this fantasy show. 

The girls have been tasked to use their inner strength that all Grimm’s have. They have inherited cunning, knowledge, and all the skills necessary to help get grandma, make peace with the giants, and basically bring harmony to the town.

But even with these talents and ingenuity, not to mention the help of Puck, there are still things to accomplish that might be too difficult, even for a Grimm.

The first season drops on Apple TV+ October 3, 2025. And there is definitely a cliffhanger that should lead to a second season.

Those who have loved fairy tales and the Brothers Grimm stories will undoubtedly find enjoyment in this series. Who wouldn’t want a house that opens the front door when you say, “House, I’m home”?  Fee Fi Fo Fum. Or, Fee Fi Fo Fun.

Although it is rated TV-G, parents should know that there are scenes of danger and some scary scenes, so keep this in mind.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

All images are provided courtesy Apple TV+

Sneak peek at ‘Camp Snoopy’ on Apple TV+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

After discovering their troop is in danger of disbanding, Snoopy and the Beagle Scouts set off to immerse themselves in nature and the Great Outdoors to earn their badges, with the Beagle Scout Manual as their guide. Meanwhile, Charlie Brown and friends enjoy their summer at Camp Spring Lake, crossing paths with Snoopy as they experience hiking, swimming, sitting around campfires and everything summer camp and the outdoors have to offer.

Camp Snoopy with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang premieres June 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.

‘Lessons in Chemistry’ takes you on an unflinching journey of an accidental feminist

Posted on by Francine Brokaw
Based on Bonnie Garmus’ best-selling novel, Apple TV+ limited series Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) whose education and career are derailed in an era that imposed women to dim their light to make others comfortable and follow the wife-and-mother path. The pervasively unfair system — gross gender inequities including sexual predation — places Elizabeth “making excellent coffee for mediocre chemists” as a lab technician (slightly above secretaries) at Hastings Research Institute teemed with sexists, misogynists, bullies, and dopes.

Despite a rough start and their polar opposite temperament and quirks, Dr. Calvin Evans (Lewis Pullman), a world-renown scientist on whose coattails Hastings Institute rides, finds Elizabeth quite captivating. Once Calvin figures out what ticks Elizabeth and vice versa, the two ‘peculiar’ peas in a pod become not only lab/research partners but also life partners; they find a home they’ve never had in each other.

By a series of unfortunate circumstances, however, Elizabeth is left having to come to terms with unfinished research project as well as being unceremoniously fired from the lab due to an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. She is forced to make a sharp course correction — unimaginable to her tunnel-visioned quest for the goal, mind you — in order to survive her single motherhood.

After much trial and error, she stumbles upon such uncharted territory for any scientists who don’t watch TV. She morphs into a host of Supper at Six, a live TV cooking show with a twist. After all, the art of cooking itself is chemistry. Elizabeth uses her newfound celebrity status to challenge America’s homemakers bored silly by never-ending and mind-numbing duties and obligations imposed by the 1950s societal norms; You don’t have to choose between professional realization and personal fulfillment. Who knows what women can be when you are finally free to become yourselves? In other words, the chemist wannabe, so far ahead of the curve, models the idea of a modern, fiercely independent woman thriving against all odds.

I’m no brilliant scientist, but definitely a brain drain from Japan, the eternal Mad Men land, in search of greater independence, agency, and opportunities. My mother’s unhappy marriage informed me of the significance of being independent and self-reliant if I want to live my passion untethered. Although several decades and worlds apart, Elizabeth’s and my experiences of being treated as second-class citizens motivated us to fight back; it’s a matter of personal ambition and also a question of necessity, of persistence of a dream.

That’s why I’m a little miffed by the fanciful ending utterly out of left field. The natural genius à la Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory) — superior even to the world-renown scientist Dr. Calvin Evans — would not let go of her dream so easily, would she? Or did Elizabeth realize that her lack of political savvy and social skills doubtless ruffle a few feathers no matter where she works? Maybe her unwed motherhood and chosen family softened her stereotypical autistic traits; inflexibility, hyper-focused and detail-oriented personality. Whatever the reason might be, what Elizabeth fought for should not be in vain. Let it be a powerful but infuriating reminder of what our foremothers had to endure while America is sliding backward as far as preserving and protecting the fundamental rights of marginalized groups.

The first two episodes of Lessons in Chemistry premiere on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, October 13, 2023 followed by a new episode every Wednesdays until November 24, 2023.

About the Author

Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of thought-provoking and paradigm shifting human drama worth our precious time. She is a member of Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter.

image curtesy Apple TV+

More fun with ‘Eva the Owlet’ on Apple TV+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Based on the New York Times bestselling Scholastic book series Owl Diaries by award-winning author Rebecca Elliott, Eva the Owlet has returned with four adorable shorts.

“Diary, Cheer Me Up, Up, Up!” follows little Eva who is upset about breaking a pinecone. To cheer herself up she goes on a fly with Baxter.

“All About Baby Mo,” has Eva telling her diary all about Baby Mo, who has scribbled all over the pages. This is infuriating to her but then, she does know there are some wonderful things about the little guy she dearly loves. 

“Diary Doodles” follows Eva has little Eva doodling during a rainy day. It’s a nice activity to do inside when the weather is wet and dreary outside.

“Diary, Cheer Lucy Up, Up, Up!”  has Eva helping her best friend Lucy write her own Cheer-Up List. Lucy is sad and upset because her stuffed animal got a hole in it. (note: I remember being very young and feeling the same way as Lucy when one of my animals got a hole. A needle and thread from my mom was the trick for me.)

Eva and her friends live in Treetopington. She is a fun, adventurous, and compassionate little owl. And to remember everything, she keeps track of her feelings and adventures in her diary.   

Since first being published, Owl Diaries now has eight foreign language translations and 11 million copies in print. 

Eva the Owlet is streaming now on Apple TV+.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

The new Peanuts show is precious

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

To Mom (and Dad) With Love is the newest Peanuts show and it is filled with all the fun of the Peanuts gang along with some very emotional scenes. As the kids try to figure out what to do for their moms for Mother’s Day, Peppermint Patty and Woodstock are left out.

Schroeder has his gift all figured out. He is writing a Sonata for his mom. Linus decides to write his mom a sweet letter while his sister Lucy wants to create a craft project. Pig Pen decides on a box of chocolate and Patty has a crisp five- dollar bill to give her mom. It’s the thought that counts.

Charlie and Sally decide to do something jointly for their mom while Marci has baked cupcakes. Okay, so now all the gang has a pretty good idea what they will do for Mother’s Day. Well, all except a couple.

Little Woodstock misses his mother. All he has to remember her by is a photo. So Snoopy decides to take his pal on a trek to find Woodstock’s mom. Will they be able to locate the tree with the nest where Woodstock and his siblings were born?

Peppermint Patty is outraged by the holiday. She hates Mother’s Day. While the viewers learn why this little girl is the way she is and how she was brought up, don’t be surprised if a tear wells up in your eyes. Peppermint Patty has never had a mother, so her buddy Marci decides to help her maneuver through the emotions of the celebration Peppermint Patty has always dreaded.

In the end they all share the joy of this special day that celebrates not only moms but also dads. After all, love is love.

To Mom (and Dad) With Love is a sweet, sentimental, and sensitive story with the kids (and dog and bird) we all know and love. It premieres on Apple TV+ May 6, 2022.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

Courtesy photo

‘It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown’ is a delightful new Peanuts special

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

In a new special with the delightful peanuts gang, sibling relationships are front and center. It’s spring and that means baseball season for us, but it’s the end of the season for Charlie Brown and his team. They are set to play the championship game against Peppermint Patty’s team and are practicing with great intensity. Will this be the year they win?

Charlie Brown’s little sister Sally reminds him that she just turned five and he promised she could join the team when she is five. Of course he wants to honor his promise, but as hard as she tries, Sally is still too little to accomplish anything in the game. Feeling dejected the little girl befriends a single dandelion and takes it under her wing. She promises it she will take care of it. But the problem is the “flower” is smack dab in the middle of the pitcher’s mound.

Sally refuses to renege on her promise to the flower. This puts her big brother in a difficult situation. Is his allegiance with his little sister or the baseball team?

 

This is truly a sweet story bringing together all of the Peanuts gang. It highlights the bond between siblings. And, as a bonus to this storyline, the team is left with something to be proud of. Yes, little Sally has taught them all to love nature, no matter how insignificant one little weed (or as Sally calls her, her little flower) might be.

With a new song by Ben Folds, this movie is definitely an instant classic in the Peanuts franchise. Join Charlie and Sally Brown, Lucy and Linus van Pelt, Schroeder, Pig Pen, Patty, Violet, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Franklin, Frieda, Snoopy, Woodstock, Shermy and the whole gang as they celebrate love, family, and nature.

 

It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown premieres April 15, 2022 on Apple TV+.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Courtesy photo from Apple TV+

‘Trying’ on Apple TV+ is endearing

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The dramedy Trying is a fun mix of human emotions and situations that touch the hearts of viewers with uniqueness and in appealing ways.

Jason and Nikki (Rafe Spall and Esther Smith) have been trying to have a baby. They desperately want a family but are not able to. After trying IVF, they finally agree to adopt a child. When they learn they would not get a baby but an older child, they decide that is fine. They simply want a family to love and enjoy. But the adoption process is fraught with ups and downs.

Their social worker Penny (Imelda Staunton) is on their side. She goes above and beyond to help them with the adoption board and knows they will make wonderful parents. Penny is encouraging and when things fall apart, as they often do, she is there to lift their spirits and help them make it to the next step in the process.

In the meantime Nikki’s sister Karen (Sian Brooke) is plodding along with her lover on the road to matrimony, their friends are experiencing situations in their own lives, and their parents weigh in on the adoption situation, adding more stress to Nikki and Jason’s lives. But everyone means well and what they do and say, they do and say out of love.

As the two seasons progress, everyone is on their road to happiness, except Nikki and Jason who keep getting let down by the system. But take heart. Things are about to change for them. Perseverance is key. Even when their friends are set to adopt the same child, they never let that interfere with their feelings about them. After all, they just want the best for the children who need good homes and families. But deep down they know they will be great parents and provide a child with a good foundation and a lot of love. To see the lengths these two go to is endearing.

Currently there are two seasons available on Apple TV+ and a third season has been green lit for the continuation of their stories. The humor in the show is touching. It lessens the stress of their situations and viewers are treated to some fun along the way.

Join Nikki, Jason, and their friends and families as they embark on this journey of relationships, life’s ups and downs, and most importantly, love.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

 

‘For Auld Lang Syne’ unites the Peanuts gang in a new New Year’s story

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Snoopy, Pig Pen, Schroeder, Franklin, Patty, Peppermint Patty, Violet, Shermy, Frieda, and the rest of the gang – even Snoopy’s siblings – when they get together to celebrate the New Year. This is a new holiday show for the entire family.

Lucy is excited for her grandmother to come visit for Christmas. When the visit is cancelled, Lucy thinks it is because of her. Maybe she is not loveable. To prove to herself that she is loved, Lucy throws an elegant New Year’s Eve party, with Snoopy and his family supplying the music, Peppermint Patty and Marcie carving the ice sculpture, Charlie Brown in charge of the decorations, and Linus leading everyone in “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight.

This seems like the best way to prove to herself that she is loved. But will her party be a success or a failure?

 

And in the meantime, Charlie Brown is worried because he has not been able to accomplish any of his resolutions for the year that is quickly coming to an end. Maybe he just needs to adjust his expectations.

This is a fun story of friendship, family, and love. Perhaps the most emotional part is the family reunion with Snoopy’s sister Belle and their brothers Spike, Marbles, Olaf, and Andy. (Molly and Rover did not come and are not mentioned in the show.)

This is the first new original holiday special on Apple TV+. Enjoy it with your entire family. After all, Good Old Charlie Brown and the whole Peanuts gang have always been part of our lives and continue to entertain us with their charm, wit, enthusiasm, music, and definitely their love. Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

 

‘Blush’ on Apple TV+ will touch your heart

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The short film Blush is a special one for writer/director Joe Mateo. It is a tribute to his late wife Mary Ann and if this sweet little film doesn’t touch your heart, you have a heart of stone.

The story is about a young horticulturist astronaut who crashes on a strange, uninhabited, little planet. Soon he has another visitor. This ethereal young woman also crashes her ship on the planet. She ends up helping the guy with his plants. She has a special way with living things. As their relationship grows they make the planet into their own Garden of Eden.

Soon the couple has two young girls and the entire family enjoys all that they have created. They are a loving and happy family of four. But something happens to shake up their idyllic life.

There is no dialogue in the short 14-minute film. There does not have to be. It is absolutely perfect just the way it is. It is interesting how animated characters can touch our emotions so deeply, but they certainly do.

SPOILER ALERT: This is a personal story for Mateo who lost his wife and made this film to commemorate their life, love, and show how he and his daughters healed after the loss of their mother and wife. It is a touching story that will undoubtedly bring a tear to viewers’ eyes or put a lump in their throats.

Blush can be seen on Apple TV+.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.