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Archibald's Next Big Thing
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Sunny book character's adventures make for fun family show.
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Archibald's Next Big Thing
Community Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
5 &4 yo thought it was ok
What's the Story?
ARCHIBALD'S NEXT BIG THING is narrated by Rosamund Pike and follows the exciting adventures of a young chick named Archibald (voiced by Tony Hale) who leaves his house every morning with much enthusiasm for what awaits him throughout the day, even if he never knows what that might be or where it will take him. As the journey unfolds, he and his loyal sidekick, Bea (Kari Wahlgren), make new friends, visit new places, and find clever and unusual ways to solve problems that arise for themselves or those around them. At the end of the day, he returns home to the house he shares with his older siblings, reflects on his experiences, and tacks up a memento of his adventures.
Is It Any Good?
This cute series expands on the affable book character and poses a range of what-ifs to him that send him exploring, learning, and befriending. What if he found a key that opened any lock? What if a mystery needed solving? What if he lost the ability to see what's around him? The scenarios set up adventures in which Archibald must try new things and stretch his comfort levels a bit to discover his unique purpose, and the reward is always learning something new and solving a problem that benefits him or someone else he knows.
It's not always the case that an animated series has the ability to entertain entire families, but Archibald's Next Big Thing promises to do just that. Kids will love the gregarious chick's enthusiasm for life and willingness to roll with the punches as calamities of various kinds befall him. Parents will appreciate how his doing so demonstrates the value of overcoming adversity and being open to the learning opportunities in embracing new experiences. All in all, this sweet series is an endearing pick for watching together as a family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what accounts for Archibald's insatiable curiosity. He never seems nervous in a new situation; instead he's usually excited. Can your kids relate to that emotion in trying something unfamiliar? What good can come of doing so? What, if anything, are some of the fears associated with it?
How do Archibald's older siblings inspire his adventures in Archibald's Next Big Thing, at least indirectly? Is he a follower, or does he prefer to chart his own course? Kids: In what ways are you inspired by others around you at home, at school, or in your community? How can you inspire others?
What examples of compassion and empathy stand out in these stories? How does Archibald extend compassion to others? In what ways is it returned to him? How do these character strengths help us relate to people we meet? How does it feel to have them shown to you?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 6, 2019
- Cast: Tony Hale , Rosamund Pike , Kari Wahlgren
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Adventures , Book Characters , Great Boy Role Models
- Character Strengths: Curiosity
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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