Win or Lose
Win or Lose is Pixar's inaugural original animated series for Disney+, focusing on a co-ed middle school softball team, the Pickles, as they face their championship game. The series unfolds over eight episodes, with each installment presenting the perspective of a different character, including players, parents, and other community members. Through varied animation styles, the show creatively visualizes the characters' internal emotional states, exploring themes of anxiety, self-doubt, family relationships, and the pressures of performance. Targeting a broad audience, Win or Lose blends humor with emotionally resonant narratives, aiming to foster empathy and an understanding of diverse viewpoints. While generally suitable for younger audiences, it tackles mature subjects such as divorce, adult dating, and financial insecurities, which may benefit from parental discussion. The series has also been noted for its engagement with contemporary social issues, including prior discussions surrounding a character's gender identity. Its thematic depth and focus on personal journeys, rather than just winning or losing, offer a rich viewing experience for families.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe series initially planned to feature a transgender storyline for the character Kai, voiced by a trans actress, Chanel Stewart. However, Disney reportedly removed explicit references to Kai's transgender identity from the seventh episode and the character is now presented as cisgender. This represents a confirmed instance of LGBTQ content being altered or removed within the production.
The character Kai, originally intended to be transgender and voiced by transgender actress Chanel Stewart, had a storyline in episode 7 that addressed their gender identity. However, Disney confirmed that references to Kai's gender identity were removed from the dialogue, with a spokesperson stating the company's belief that 'many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.'
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe series includes a character engaging in occult-adjacent practices, specifically Tarot card readings and seeking luck from quartz crystals. While not portrayed as dark or central to the plot, these elements introduce themes that some Christian parents may find concerning.
Laurie's mother is depicted performing a Tarot card reading. The same character also offers to buy her daughter, Laurie, some quartz crystals for good luck.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe series delves into intense emotional challenges such as anxiety and parental pressure, visually representing these feelings. While not 'scary' in a horror sense, the portrayal of overwhelming emotions and the struggles of characters can be intense for young viewers.
Laurie's anxiety is personified as a 'growing blob named Sweaty' that follows her, offering negative advice and reminding her of past failures. Rochelle's intense financial insecurity is visualized by the world around her falling apart and gravity ceasing to work, conveying a sense of emotional turmoil.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe series presents instances of mild disrespect and explores complex parent-child dynamics, including a child mocking a teammate and another feeling burdened by parental responsibilities, leading to questionable choices. Themes of defying rules and sarcastic remarks are present.
A child character mocks a teammate by posting an embarrassing video of her online. Rochelle, feeling the pressure of her single mother's financial and social media habits, starts charging classmates for help with assignments, an act of rebellion that ultimately backfires.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe show features both Christian prayer and occult-adjacent practices. While a character prays to God, another character engages in Tarot card readings and seeks luck from crystals. This juxtaposition of spiritual practices may be a point of concern for Christian parents.
The character Laurie is shown praying to God multiple times, asking for help with her softball performance. Conversely, Laurie's mom is depicted engaging in a Tarot card reading and offers to purchase quartz crystals for her daughter as a source of good luck.
Violence
LowThe series contains mild, cartoonish violence and comedic physical mishaps, without any graphic gore or severe injuries. These instances are generally brief and serve to illustrate character reactions or add humor, rather than depict serious harm.
In one instance, softball players and fans are depicted storming the field in anger, and a hotdog is thrown at a character's face. Another scene involves a girl being 'walloped' by a softball to the face, resulting in a visible but not graphic bruise.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomance and sexual content are minimal and mild, primarily involving adult characters navigating relationships. There are discussions of dating and past break-ups, but no explicit sexual acts, graphic nudity, or overtly suggestive content.
Umpire Frank, an adult character, is shown grappling with the idea of re-entering the dating scene after a previous break-up in Episode 2, 'Blue.' Episode 2 also includes scenes depicting an adult character navigating online dating apps.
Profanity
LowThe show features very mild profanity and a few misuses of God's name, but does not include strong or frequent offensive language.
God's name is misused twice within the reviewed content. Additionally, mild insults like 'doofus' and exclamations such as 'Holy guacamole!' are heard.
Substance Use
LowSubstance use is limited to adult characters consuming alcohol in a casual, non-problematic context. There is no depiction of illegal drug use, smoking, or any glorification of substance abuse.
Adult characters are observed drinking wine during the series.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 8+ due to the exploration of mature themes like divorce, adult dating challenges, financial insecurity, and intense emotional states like anxiety, alongside mild thematic elements such as occult references and subtle disrespect.
Additional Notes
The series' strength lies in its ability to present diverse perspectives and humanize complex emotional experiences for both children and adults. Parents should be aware of the mature themes, such as divorce and dating, and the subtle inclusion of occult practices, which may require discussion with younger viewers. The controversy surrounding the removal of a transgender storyline, while resulting in no overt LGBTQ content in the aired version, is a significant external factor for parents to consider.
Related Reviews
Is Win or Lose 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