Dragons: The Nine Realms
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Dragons: The Nine Realms
DreamWorks' "Dragons: The Nine Realms" is an animated adventure-fantasy series that serves as a spin-off from the popular "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise, set 1,300 years after the original films. The show centers on a group of misfit teens who discover a hidden world where dragons reside after a geological anomaly creates a massive fissure in the Earth's surface. Brought together by their scientist parents at a research facility, the children embark on a secret quest to explore this mystical realm and protect its inhabitants. The series primarily targets a younger audience, offering themes of friendship, courage, teamwork, and exploration, while also incorporating elements of comedy and science fantasy. The narrative follows 14-year-old Tom Kullersen, a descendant of Hiccup Haddock, and his friends Jun, D'Angelo, and Alex, as they bond with their own dragons and navigate the challenges of keeping their discovery hidden from the adult world. Each episode, typically around 22-23 minutes long, delves into new dragon species, unexplored territories within the fissure, and various threats to the hidden dragon realms. The show completed eight seasons with 52 episodes between December 2021 and December 2023, and while it aims to capture the spirit of its predecessor, it has received mixed to negative reception from some older fans who note differences in animation quality, writing, and divergence from the original series' themes. Overall, the series provides engaging storylines and positive messages suitable for its target demographic, though certain content aspects may warrant parental discretion. It promotes positive behaviors such as problem-solving and collaboration among diverse characters. The show's visually captivating dragon adventures and emphasis on curiosity make it generally appreciated by parents, with a few concerns regarding intense scenes and some thematic elements.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series explicitly features LGBTQ+ representation through one of the main characters, Alex Gonzalez, who has two mothers in a lesbian relationship. This aspect is presented as a normal family structure within the show, without overt commentary.
Alex Gonzalez, a main member of the Dragon Riders team, has two mothers, Carla and Hazel Gonzalez, who are explicitly depicted in a lesbian relationship. Carla Gonzalez is identified as a lesbian character and wife of Hazel Gonzalez. A Reddit review also notes the presence of 'same sex parent' family structures, indicating inclusivity without necessarily highlighting it as exceptional within the narrative.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 7+ due to fantasy violence, some intense peril, and LGBTQ+ representation. While generally lighthearted, certain elements like dragon battles, threats from antagonists, and themes of disrespect may be too intense for very young children. The inclusion of a main character with same-sex parents also makes it more suitable for slightly older children who may be introduced to diverse family structures.
Good to Know
Parents should be aware that while the series promotes positive themes like teamwork and environmental protection, the portrayal of reckless behavior by protagonists might send mixed messages if not discussed with children. The ongoing conflict between the children and adults, where the children often hide the truth about dragons, also contributes to themes of secrecy. The animation quality and writing have drawn criticism from some long-time fans of the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise, which might affect viewing experience for families familiar with the original films.
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