Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts is a vibrant, post-apocalyptic animated series that follows Kipo Oak, a sheltered girl from an underground burrow, as she navigates a fantastical surface world populated by intelligent, mutated animals called 'mutes.' After an accident forces her to the surface, Kipo embarks on a journey to find her family, befriending a diverse group of survivors along the way, including the resourceful Wolf, the music-loving Benson, and the regenerating insect Dave. The show blends action, adventure, sci-fi, and musical elements with a visually striking aesthetic and an eclectic soundtrack. It explores themes of empathy, acceptance, diversity, and finding common ground between differing groups in a world where humans are largely in hiding from powerful mutes.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe series explicitly features a gay main character, Benson, who states his sexual orientation and later enters a romantic relationship with another male character. Additionally, a non-binary character is introduced, with their preferred pronouns being respectfully used by other characters.
In Season 1, Episode 6, 'Ratland,' Benson explicitly tells Kipo, 'I'm gay,' when she expresses a romantic interest in him. Later in Season 1, Episode 10, Benson develops a crush on the male character Troy, and their romantic relationship progresses, culminating in them becoming boyfriends in subsequent seasons. In Season 2, the character Asher Berdacs is introduced and identified as non-binary, with other characters consistently using 'they/them' pronouns without issue.
Violence
MediumThe show frequently depicts fantasy violence set in a dangerous, post-apocalyptic world. Characters engage in battles and chases with mutated animals and hostile humans, often in life-threatening situations. While generally devoid of blood and gore, the animation conveys impact and pain.
The characters, particularly Wolf, frequently engage in fights for survival against various predatory mutes, such as a giant scorpion in 'Burrow Girl' (Season 1, Episode 1). The main antagonist, Scarlemagne, is depicted as a tyrannical mandrill who uses mind control and threatens violence, such as his plan to pour melted gold on those who defy him in Season 1. Dr. Emilia in later seasons also poses a significant threat, attempting to 'unmutate' mutes against their will, a process portrayed as a severe loss of identity.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe series includes mild romantic subplots, encompassing both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. These relationships are portrayed innocently, focusing on crushes, mutual affection, and one on-screen kiss, without explicit sexual content.
Kipo develops a brief crush on Benson in Season 1, Episode 6 ('Ratland'), which is gently resolved when Benson states he is gay. Benson then forms a romantic relationship with Troy, depicted through mutual affection and a kiss in later seasons, presented in an age-appropriate manner without explicit detail.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe series incorporates elements of mystical and psychic abilities, but these are contextualized within its science-fantasy setting rather than as genuine occult practices. Such instances primarily involve mutant abilities or ancient rituals that serve plot development.
The Chevre Sisters, a trio of blind mutant goats, perform 'soothsaying rituals' using cheese to provide Kipo with visions and guidance regarding her emerging powers (Season 2, Episode 2, 'The Goat Cheese Prophecy'). Scarlemagne's ability to mind-control other primates and humans is attributed to 'mutant pheromone power,' a scientific explanation within the show's lore rather than magic, though it functions similarly to a mystical charm (e.g., throughout Season 1).
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe post-apocalyptic setting inherently involves dangerous and suspenseful situations, with characters frequently in peril from various mutated animals and hostile factions. Some themes, like the forced 'unmutation' of mutes, can be psychologically intense.
Kipo and her friends are routinely chased and attacked by dangerous mutes, such as the Mod Frogs (Season 1, Episode 3, 'Real Cats Wear Plaid') or the Mega Crabs (Season 3, Episode 1, 'Everything is Crabs'), creating intense, suspenseful scenes. The overarching threat posed by Dr. Emilia, who seeks to strip mutes of their intelligence and unique forms, is portrayed as a terrifying prospect for the mute characters, implying a loss of self.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe series features characters, particularly the protagonist Kipo and her friend Wolf, who at times challenge established norms or make independent, sometimes defiant, choices. However, these actions are usually portrayed in the context of survival, personal growth, or confronting antagonists, rather than gratuitous disrespect towards benevolent authority figures.
Wolf often displays a cynical and rebellious attitude rooted in her harsh survival experiences, initially clashing with Kipo's optimism and sometimes disregarding Kipo's more peaceful approaches to mutants (e.g., in 'Burrow Girl', Season 1, Episode 1). Kipo herself, driven by her empathetic nature, occasionally goes against warnings or advice from more experienced individuals, leading her and her group into risky situations, such as her initial attempts to befriend dangerous mutes against Wolf's counsel.
Profanity
LowThe show is generally free of strong language, adhering to its TV-Y7 rating. Any instances of 'profanity' are extremely mild, if present at all, and do not include harsh curse words or explicit expletives.
Reviews and parental guides consistently note an 'absence of blood and harsh language' in the series. No specific instances of profanity beyond very mild exclamations or implied frustration have been widely reported or highlighted in content analyses.
Substance Use
LowThere is no explicit depiction of substance use, such as alcohol, illegal drugs, or smoking, by any main characters or in a prominent, glamorized manner within the series.
While one overview briefly mentions 'stoner snakes' as an example of eccentric mutes encountered in the post-apocalyptic world (Season 1), this is a brief, non-central descriptor and does not involve active substance use being depicted or glorified. No other significant instances of substance use by characters are noted in parental guides or reviews.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowNo explicit anti-Christian themes, mockery of Christian beliefs, or sacrilegious content is present in 'Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts.' In fact, some Christian media reviews highlight the show's positive portrayal of values often associated with Christianity.
Christian media review outlets, such as Movieguide, specifically state that the program 'portrays numerous Christian values like empathy, forgiveness, and helping one's neighbors.' The narrative emphasizes themes of acceptance and understanding between different groups, aligning with positive moral messages rather than opposing Christian tenets.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
TV-Y7, but recommended for ages 8-9+ due to fantasy violence, intense themes, and explicit LGBTQ+ representation. While Netflix rates it TV-Y7, some parents and critics suggest the show's underlying darkness and complex themes, along with intense action sequences and social themes, are better suited for slightly older children or with parental guidance.
Additional Notes
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts is lauded for its strong themes of diversity, acceptance, and the power of friendship. The animation style is vibrant and engaging, and the soundtrack is frequently praised. The series completed its run with three seasons, each consisting of 10 episodes, released throughout 2020. The show's portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters is considered significant for all-ages animation.
Related Reviews
Is Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required