Zootopia+ - Season 1

Six self-contained episodes provide a glimpse into the lives of the residents of Zootopia. These backstories show what happened during the movie, outside of the main storyline. This fall, Disney+ has revived another hit title from the past. In Zootopia+, also called Zootropolis+ in various countries, six short stories are told about the inhabitants of Zootopia. These stories take place during the events of the movie and show what happened before or after a movie scene. The total of six episodes are about six minutes each and were all released simultaneously on the streaming service.

Parodies of well-known TV programs and brands appear in various episodes.

Episode one focuses on the parents of Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin, Once Upon a Time), Bonnie (Bonnie Hunt, Escape at Dannemora) and Stu (Don Lake, Space Force). Just like at the beginning of Zootopia, we see Judy say goodbye to her family before she leaves by train. What the viewer did not see during the film, however, is that one of her sisters is traveling as a stowaway and her parents are doing everything they can to find her. A stereotypical situation that, although anything but original, is still entertaining to watch.

Parodies of well-known TV programs and brands appear in various episodes. For example, the second episode is about the 'Rodents from Rodentia' (based on The Real Housewives) and they visit the Zootopia variant of Say Yes To The Dress boutique Kleinfeld called Klawfeld. During the fourth episode, we get to know the father of the bride as The Godfather, a clear nod to those movies. Also in the fifth episode, we see references again, this time to So You Think You Can Dance and Got Talent, or So You Think You Can Prance in Zootopia. All very well found and recognizably executed.



The fact that not the main characters but striking supporting characters are central to this series has been a good choice. For example, sloth Flash (Raymond S. Persi), a big favorite from the film, also has a role in Zootopia+. The last episode revolves around him and his romantic date with sloth Priscilla (Kristen Bell, Veronica Mars). While being served by Sam (Charlotte Nicdao, Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet), they show their slowest side again. A real musical takes place halfway through the season. Duke (Alan Tudyk, Resident Alien), a criminal best known for petty crimes, wants to better his life. What follows is a song about how he plans to handle this as he imagines the consequences of his actions.

The nod to the human world and the eye for details make Zootopia+ a really good series in terms of quality.

It is nice for fans of the film to see so many familiar characters again. Some characters also get more depth through the backstories that are now being told. The series is suitable for viewers from the age of six. Still, I think the stories are also worthwhile for older viewers, provided you like this genre of course. After all, Zootopia+ is and remains a cartoon. The same goes for people who haven't seen the movie. Although you miss some information because of this, the series is fun enough in itself.

Years ago I saw the film and although I certainly didn't think it was bad, it didn't end up on my list of favorites either. Watching this series reminded me of all the original and beautiful qualities of this story. The nod to the human world and the eye for detail make Zootopia+ a really good series in terms of quality. Having seen the Disney Shorts I Am Groot earlier this year, my expectations were not very high. However, I had to change my opinion. Zootopia+ is a very good addition to the film series and an example of how Disney+ should approach these kinds of shorts.