The Orbital Children
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The Orbital Children
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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 The Orbital Children is a space- and technology-themed Japanese anime series (available dubbed and subtitled in English) that features fantasy violence, brief nudity (bare bottom), and some occasional strong words. It also features lots of tech-driven crises. Prejudices against people from different locations are discussed.
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What's the Story?
THE ORBITAL CHILDREN (known in Japan as Extraterrestrial Boys and Girls) is an anime series about a group of children left behind after a massive accident at a newly opened Japanese commercial space station. It's 2045, and in a world where AI and social media is widespread, the Deegle-owned Anshin Space Station is the first in history to allow minors to stay in space. Temporarily residing at the "space hotel" under the watchful eye of nurse Nasa Houston (Abby Trott) are 14-year-old Touya (voiced in English by Griffin Burns) and Konoha (Azumi Waki), childhood friends who were born and raised on the moon, and who are undergoing therapy to be able to live on Earth. Meanwhile, earthlings Taiyo (Adam McArthur), Mina (Tara Sands), and Hiroshi (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), three kids who won an underage space experience trip to Anshin, are excited about experiencing all that the place has to offer. But when a comet collides with the station, they have no adults to help them. Meanwhile, the oxygen supply has been knocked out, and there's no internet or social media available except for a low-intelligence AI and a drone controlled by a "smart" device. Together they must find a way off the station and figure out how to survive in space. While they're fighting for survival, Touya begins to learn the true meaning of a terrible prophecy told by Seven, the most intelligent AI in human history, and the creator of the implants inside his and Konoha's brains.
Is It Any Good?
The six-part series, which is released in Japan as a two-part film, offers a futuristic space adventure that feels relevant in today's digitally-driven world. The young protagonists must rely on their wits, courage, and savvy to survive, especially when facing the dangers of space, failing technology, and machinery that's turning against them. But throughout it all there's a very compelling human narrative. The Orbital Children offers anime fans a solid story, and one that is sure to entertain.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way Touya thinks about earthlings. Why doesn't he like them? Do his feelings change after spending time with the kids from Earth?
What message is The Orbital Children sending about the role of technology in our lives? Based on the way we use the internet and social media today, what will our lives will be like in 2045?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 28, 2022
- Cast: Griffin Burns, Azumi Waki, Adam McArthur, Tara Sands, Colleen O'Shaughnessey
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Robots, Space and Aliens
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: January 3, 2023
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