Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen warrior princess fantasy tale is funny, has violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Maya and the Three
What's the Story?
Maya and the Three is an animated epic about a royal warrior family in ancient Mesoamerica and their teenage daughter Maya (voiced by Zoe Saldana). The warrior princess's story begins in the kingdom of Teca on the eve of her coronation. Maya is resentful that her three brothers (the Jaguars, Gael García Bernal) get to live the exciting life of warriors while she's stuck in her family's palace training to become a diplomat. She reluctantly agrees to be coronated despite her misgivings. As soon as the crown is placed on her head, the kingdom is visited by Zatz Prince of Batz (Diego Luna), an emissary from the king of the underworld, Lord Mitclan (Alfred Molina). Zatz reveals shocking news, claiming that Maya is actually a princess of the underworld. If she doesn't agree to go with him to the underworld to be sacrified, the entire world will be under attack. Maya and her family resist, triggering a global war between the gods and the humans. A prophesy reveals that three warriors will help Maya, so Maya leaves on an epic adventure to find "the three" who will help her save the world. Soon Chimi the Skull Warrior (Stephanie Beatriz), Rico the Rooster Wizard (Allen Maldonaldo), and Picchu the Puma Barbarian (Gabriel Iglesias) join Maya on her quest. Can they defeat the gods, saving Teca and all of humankind in the process?
Is It Any Good?
Maya and the Three is a visually stunning animated TV series with a storyworld that's so immersive it feels more like a movie. Creator Jorge R. Gutierrez has called the series a "Mexican Lord of the Rings," and it's easy to see why. The story follows the hero Maya's epic quest through a richly imagined fantasy world full of imagery inspired by Aztec, Incan, and Mayan art. There are many imaginative characters voiced by a star-studded Latino cast (voice actors include Rita Moreno, Rosie Perez, and Cheech Marin). Maya herself is great: both an incredibly strong and brave female character and a flawed, moody teenager at the same time. Kids will love the gorgeously designed characters, as well as the constant humor laced throughout the series. There's no shortage of excitement and action, and kids will be rooting for Maya to prevail. The story is compelling enough that grown-ups will enjoy watching along, making this series a great pick for families with older kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Maya and the Three. What do you think about a show for kids having violence like this one? Does it matter that it's fantasy, historical, or kind of silly?
Maya is a complicated character. Do you think she's a positive role model? What parts of her do you admire, and which parts do you think are character flaws?
Maya and the Three takes place in ancient Mesoamerica and draws a lot from the art of that time and place. Do you know anything about Mesoamerican cultures? Is there anything the series made you curious about?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 22, 2021
- Cast : Zoe Saldana , Gael Garcia Bernal , Cheech Marin , Gabriel Iglesias , Rosie Perez , Diego Luna , Queen Latifah
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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