Milky Way Underground
By Robert Yaniz Jr.,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Dream-like journey mirrors real life issues; heavier topics.
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What’s It About?
MILKY WAY UNDERGROUND follows siblings Lydia and Elijah as a search for their father leads them on a fantasy-filled journey into a magical dreamworld. While the show certainly leans on fantasy and science fiction elements, the heart of it lies in the family dynamics of the two sibling central characters. The details of Lydia and Elijah's life involves an overwhelmed mother, an often-absent father with alcohol addiction, and a grandmotherly figure recovering from a stroke. As such, the show features themes and general content that might be a bit heavy for small children. Tweens and teens, however, will likely benefit from hearing Lydia and Elijah's stories play out and relating to their struggles with school, friendships and relationship. It's a journey of self-discovery for Lydia and Elijah than may also allow listeners to discover themselves along the way as well.
Is It Any Good?
The show has a bit of a slow burn, but one that's worthwhile for the right audience. The content in Milky Way Underground is may be a little mature for younger children, but tweens, teenage and even adult listeners will likely see themselves in the lead characters. The goal of the show is to tackle the real-life struggles and triumphs of growing up and discovering who you are. The two young leads venture out in search of their missing father and that journey paves the way for a ton of character development and deeper exploration into how one's adolescent experience informs the adult they will become.
For all its fantastical elements, the conscious approach to real life growing pains in Milky Way Underground make it an easy show to recommend.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Milky Way Underground highlights different types of families and family dynamics. What is your family dynamic and how does it differ from others? What differences do you celebrate? Did you learn anything new about what families can look like from Lydia and Elijah's family dynamic?
Lydia deals with her strained friendship with her best friend Gabby in the show. Have you ever had an argument with a friend or felt like they were being distant? How did you resolve it? What does it mean to be a good friend and what are some ways you are a good friend?
In the show, Lydia and Elijah's father has alcohol use disorder. How does this affect the siblings and their mother? What are the real-life consequences of alcohol addiction and substance abuse? What are some ways the show addresses alcohol addiction?
Podcast Details
- Release date: September 1, 2021
- Genre: Storytelling
- Average Run Time: 20 minutes
- Website: https://milkywayunderground.com/
- Host: N/A
- Production Company and Network: TRAX from PRX
- Pricing structure: Free
- Topics: Adventures , Brothers and Sisters
- Character Strengths: Courage , Perseverance
- Last updated: April 23, 2022
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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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