A Review of ‘Interrupting Chicken’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Mom (voiced by Mary Faber) and Piper (voiced by Juliet Donenfeld) in "Interrupting Chicken”. Photo Courtesy of Apple.

It is definitely safe to say, that children-centric and family themed programming, is something that is extremely important to parents. For those types of shows not only keep a child busy while parents handle daily duties around the house, but they can also help in educating children along the way. For a quality children’s show will not only be engaging and fun, but it will feature lessons about important subjects, and feature moments that will imprint upon them in a positive manner. Which is why it is not uncommon to see so many shows in that vein, expose children to reading and writing, and math related concepts. To help that learning process along and to make their television time productive and now, in 2023… the lessons that kids can learn through these types of programs are being taken to new heights thanks to peak television and streaming.
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Because the demand for more family-themed entertainment is allowing for creatives everywhere to teach children about topics that have not been traditionally touched upon via this type of storytelling. For instance, there are now family-themed shows that are eager to explore hot button issues in society, allowing for powerful conversations to take place in the home, and there are stories out there that are helping kids to understand what it means to interact with others and how that can be a unique and dynamic experience. Plus, there’s deeper learning taking place in the home now. The kind that allows for kids to really dive deep into concepts that excite them and engage them, such as say… creative writing, and speaking of that… it just so happens that Apple TV+ is home to a show that showcases creative writing and storytelling in a powerful and engaging manner in… Interrupting Chicken.

A feat this series accomplishes by plunging viewers into the lives of Piper the Chicken, whose father is a writer and Piper is also eager to follow in dad’s footsteps. Which means Piper is often immersed in a story in this series. To the point where Piper is even eager to do rewrites of stories while lost in that world, to really explore the majesty of a story and storytelling in general. Which is a plot structure that truly draws a viewer in, because it does offer up fun takes regarding stories that everyone loves and there are few kids out there who don’t enjoy story time. So that really is the perfect way to engage and excite someone over stories and writing, and well… while it is lovely to see a show that focuses on storytelling through and through, it’s what happens during Piper’s imaginative journeys that really makes this show stand out.

Because this is a series… that actually takes the time to break down… how a story is constructed. Which means children are privy to what goes into creating a character, how stories are actually structured and how each decision made by a writer can impact what comes next. Which is quite impressive to say the least, mainly because elements such as those are put on display, in a manner that is easily digestible for young minds. Making this type of learning quite fun. But truly, what makes this show stand out from the rest… is the sheer fact that it is the ONLY series… that takes the time to explore such matters and that’s a big deal. Because that makes this… a pioneering show really. One that is offering up lessons that are unlike any other in family-themed programming and it is also, creating a new generation of writers.

After all, ask any writer what they think about story structure, and they’ll light up and break it down in detail. Because a writer’s mind lives for that stuff, and there will be kids watching this, that will feel a switch flip on in their brain when they begin to learn about story structure, and that’s just amazing. But while it is wonderful to know that the next Stephen King or Ernest Hemingway will start their creative journey because of this show, make no mistake about it… it is still engaging entertainment. Because above all, it celebrates storytelling. And that’s important too because stories do so much for us. They inspire us, they bring us joy and they leave us with plenty to ponder upon, and being able to watch a series that explores how stories are made, adds depth and appreciation to our viewing experience and well… that makes this, essential viewing for families. Since it really provides everyone that tunes in with newfound knowledge and newfound appreciation for a medium that makes up the fabric of our lives.

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