Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy

Bot trainees learn teamwork, perseverance at rescue school.
Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy casts original Rescue Bots Heatwave, Chase, Boulder, and Blades as instructors at a new school for young trainees. The series follows the misadventures of five young recruits eager to become the next generation of rescuers. As they train together, they learn valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and being receptive to constructive criticism. They also discover their individual strengths and learn to incorporate them into the team's effort. Kids will pick up some basic safety tips from the Bots' missions as well as a general sense of respect for taking pride in a job well done. As with any series that's rooted in a marketing giant such as Transformers, the show's advertising quality is something to consider before giving your kids the go-ahead, but as far as quality entertainment goes, Rescue Bots Academy is far more than meets the eye.
What's the Story?
In TRANSFORMERS: RESCUE BOTS ACADEMY, five young recruits train under seasoned rescue veterans to become the next generation of first responders. For Hot Shot (voiced by Pierce Cravens), Hoist (Alan Trinca), Medix (Adam Andrianopoulous), Whirl (Courtney Shaw), and Wedge (Mason Hensely), it's the chance of a lifetime to learn from instructors Blades, Boulder (Kenyon Williams), Heatwave (Paul Guyet), and Chase (Frank Cwiklik), and they eagerly relocate to the new academy on Earth to do so. As the Bots train and perform practice missions, they hone their individual skills, understand the value of teamwork, and discover the rewards of learning from their mistakes.
Is It Any Good?
Kids will love this entertaining band of upstart Bots almost as much as parents will love the show's prominent messages about positive character strengths like perseverance and working with others. The Bots' various personalities reflect traits that will be familiar to kids -- impulsiveness, bossiness, excitability, etc. -- and Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy does an exceptional job incorporating these mannerisms into the stories in ways that teach really valuable lessons. The Rescue Bots learn by doing, and their fans will learn by watching them do so.
Even better than the pool of recruits is the team of instructors that guides them. If this isn't your kids' first exposure to the Transformers brand, they may recognize the students' mentors who make up the original Rescue Bots team, as well as others like Optimus Prime (Hiro Diaz) and Bumblebee (Jeremy Levy), who make appearances now and then. As teachers, they lead by example while encouraging the trainees to develop their own skills through experience. When the students go astray, though, they're on hand to gently redirect them by helping them manage their emotions in constructive ways.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the relationships between teachers and students. How do the Rescue Bots instructors use their own experiences to relate to and inspire their trainees? Do the kids respond well to them? How can you tell that the students respect their teachers?
Which characters demonstrate teamwork most effectively? Does anyone stand out as a less than ideal teammate? Does every team need a leader? Who is the Rescue Bots' leader? Why do you think teamwork is an important character strength?
A recurring theme in Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy is the importance of never giving up. Do you agree that perseverance can help you overcome any struggle? When have you seen perseverance win the day?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 5, 2019
- Cast: Courtney Shaw, Alan Trinca, Pierce Cravens
- Network: Discovery Family Channel
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Cars and Trucks, Superheroes, Robots
- Character Strengths: Perseverance, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-G
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: March 1, 2022
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