A Review of ‘Wonder Pets: In the City’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Zuri (voiced by Vanessa Huszar), Izzy (voiced by Victoria Scola-Giampapa) and Tate (voiced by Christopher Sean Cooper Jr.) in "Wonder Pets: In The City," now streaming on Apple TV+.

There was a time in the world of television and film, where sequels were seen in a negative light, and understandably so. For during that same time period, there were a fair number of sequels that were cash grabs, and didn’t feature the love and care that made the original something special. Not to mention, there were a great many sequels and follow-ups that declined in quality and hurt the franchise. To the point where some franchises outright died, or no one would add to them for decades on end. So, it makes sense why sequels were despised and to a certain extent, harbor a sour vibe in this day and age.
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But that is changing. For this era of peak media and peak television has informed so many that sequels can be more than just an attempt to keep an IP on life support or line someone’s pockets with some crisp one-hundred-dollar bills. For everyone has learned with a little care and a little love, they can become storytelling wonders. The kind that explores what happened to iconic characters in the later years of their lives, and they can right wrongs that took place in other stories in the franchise’s past. Or… they can outright allow for a franchise to grow like never before and achieve its outright potential. The latter of which is top of mind today, courtesy of a new release on Apple TV+.

For Wonder Pets: In the City, is indeed a follow-up to the amazing Wonder Pets series. Wherein the universe we came to know, and love is expanded for certain. For now, we venture into the city to meet three new animal heroes named, Izzy the Guinea Pig, Tate the Snake and Zuri the Bunny. Who live in a kindergarten in the heart of New York City, and they spend their off hours from entertaining children, saving other animals from peril. With a little song of course, and while that sounds like an exact clone of the original series, because that is a lot of what we saw in the original, it is what happens while they are on their missions that matters more, and truly allows for this story/franchise to become more.

Because on those missions, some stunning lessons are present. The kind that you really don’t see in family entertainment, and that is a wonderful thing. Because it serves as a reminder that this series understands that kids are far smarter and far more observant than we often give them credit, so we should take the time to be honest with them and not sugarcoat certain lessons about the world. Which leads to some brave storytelling that will absolutely spark some discussions inside the home and that’s a great thing. Because that’s what this kind of entertainment should do, so that all can learn and grow, and it is impressive to see this here and it truly does take the show to new heights.

For now, the franchise is so much more and filled with amazing depth. Allowing for it to realize its potential and really accomplish wonders with audiences. But make no mistake about it, what makes the franchise amazing in the first place, isn’t lost here. Because as mentioned a moment ago, the songs are still there, and they are amazing and fun. Not to mention, the children that tune in will absolutely lose their minds over the cute trio of heroes assembled here and be engaged in their adventures and their push to help others. All of which makes this series, a must-watch for families. Since it really works to offer next level learning, and the best news of all, is you can enjoy this with your kids right now and we hope you do. Because this one is special and worthwhile, and truly offers a learning experience unlike any other.

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