Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Eager rescue cadets teach preschoolers about teamwork.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Top Wing
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Parents say this show provides a blend of exciting animation and entertaining plots while promoting teamwork and learning, which appeals to younger audiences. However, it has drawn mixed reviews for perceived gender stereotypes and inconsistencies in character development, with some critics labeling it a shallow imitation of more successful shows.
- teamwork emphasis
- gender concerns
- animation quality
- mixed reviews
- positive messages
- young audience appeal
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 4 kid reviews
What's the Story?
TOP WING is set in Big Swirl Island's prestigious Top Wing Academy and follows its four new recruits -- Swift (voiced by Jonah Wineberg), Brody (Lucas Kalechstein), Rod (Ethan Pugiotto), and Penny (Abigail Oliver) -- in their training to become rescuers. Under the instruction of Speedy (Colin Doyle) and Bea (Bryn McAuley), these four eager students learn the ins and outs of rescue operations on land, underwater, and in the air. Their missions teach them the skills they need to help their community, remind them of the importance of teamwork, and earn them their wings.
Is It Any Good?
These four young whippersnappers will win over preschoolers in record time, and their experiences promote social skills like communication and working together. Their exuberant but unique personalities remind kids that differences don't have to divide; they can expose us to other points of view and challenge us to see things through another person's eyes. In the case of Swift and his new friends, this translates to a better team of rescuers for their surrounding community.
While Top Wing doesn't overwhelm with its creativity (Paw Patrol fans especially will notice similarities), it caters to preschoolers' emotional awareness by portraying young characters who experience impulsiveness, impatience, and selfishness at times. Happily, the stories spend ample time showing the consequences of these negative traits and what the cadets learn from them, plus how they turn those lessons into better teamwork and service to others.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the Top Wing cadets demonstrate teamwork. Is there a leader in the group? How do they assign responsibilities? How can you tell that each team member is equally important?
What are the challenges in learning new skills? Is it reasonable to expect you'll do well from the start? What value is there in making mistakes and learning from them?
The characters have different strengths and weaknesses. How do they use them for the greatest benefit of the entire team and community? Where do you see examples of particularly positive traits like teamwork and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 6, 2017
- Cast : Colin Doyle , Jonah Wineberg , Bryn McAuley
- Network : Nick Jr.
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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