Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Epic celebrates Nigerian mythology, powerful women.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Iyanu
What's the Story?
In IYANU, the title character (voiced by Serah Johnson) is an orphaned teenage girl who is exiled from her community. She's taken in by a village of fellow exiles, where she learns she has supernatural powers. Elder Mama Sewa (Stella Damasus) helps her learn how to harness her powers and teaches her about their people's past. Together with friends Toye (Samuel Kugbiyi) and Biyi (Okey Jude), Iyanu escapes from dangers like "corrupt" animals (cursed animals on a mission to hunt people) and Chancellor Nuro's army of soldiers. Iyanu learns that she must embrace her role as the Chosen One in order to save all people of Yorubaland, including those who exiled her.
Is It Any Good?
This series twists a lot of typical cartoon norms, and the resulting show is fresh and fun. Iyanu centers a strong female teen as its lead, and draws on Nigerian mythology instead of European folklore. At the same time, its animation style will feel familiar to fans of '80s action cartoons like ThunderCats or He-Man, but with Afro-centric art. Parts of episodes can get bogged down by clunky dialogue and heavy backstory, but the show is overall very entertaining. The world and characters of Iyanu will appeal to tweens (and grown-ups) who like action, adventure, and mythology.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Nigerian culture represented in the show. Have you watched other TV shows or movies that take place in Africa or have African characters? Why do you think African culture is underrepresented in North American media?
Families can talk about the character Toye. How does he counter his dad's stereotype of what a teenage boy should be like? Do you think he's right that problems can be solved with knowledge instead of fighting?
Families can talk about Iyanu—she has several female role models who help her in her journey. Why do you think guidance from older women is especially helpful to her?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 5, 2025
- Cast : Adesua Etomi-Wellington , Serah Johnson , Samuel Kugbiyi , Okey Jude
- Networks : Cartoon Network , Max
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Courage
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : December 3, 2025
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