Rapid Insights: ‘Win or Lose’ Expands Pixar’s Legacy with Original Storytelling
Disney+ has just added an original new animated comedy to its Pixar line-up that, unlike most of its predecessors, is not based on an earlier film, and critics are already dubbing it a home run. The show tracks a middle-school co-ed softball team in the weeks before their big championship game, and each episode shows the same events from the perspective of a different character using a unique visual style.
Here’s what you need to know about Win or Lose:
Vault AI uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding
Who’s been tuning in for this new animated series?
We’re seeing a demographic profile that, thanks to its sports focus, leans mostly to boys and men (61%) and suggests a healthy dose of family co-viewing (58% aged <30 / 42% aged 30+). This audience closely mirrors that of fellow Pixar adventure-comedy Cars on the Road, while both Monsters at Work and Dream Productions pull in more parents (50% aged <30 / 50% aged 30+).
Why are viewers watching?
For the Pixar of it all. Though Win or Lose can’t lean on familiar characters and storylines to draw in eager fans, the fact that the show is still an Animated Comedy (160) from the beloved studio is its top ratings draw. Similarly, its most inherently Pixar-like themes–a Journey of Self Discovery (160), deep Friendships (129) and Family Relationships (150), lesson-worthy Emotional Turmoil (141)–drive its viewership and social buzz. The show benefits from the brand’s reputation for high-quality storytelling in the same way its predecessors–Cars on the Road (Cars), Monsters at Work (Monsters, Inc.), Dream Productions (Inside Out), Forky Asks a Question (Toy Story), Dug Days (Up)–could point to the first-class films that birthed them.
What’s making the show so binge-worthy?
A peek into childhood. Win or Lose’s multi-character Coming of Age (123) story and effective portrayal of the ups and downs of middle school (Tweener Life, 127; Bullying, 115) are the top drivers for its bingeability. Its silly, kid-friendly Over-the-Top Humor (118) layers on top to lighten the tone and inject a compelling sense of fun.
What type of viewing experience are audiences leaning into?
An affecting one. Pixar is known for showing a broad sweep of deeply-felt emotions, and Win or Lose is no exception. As its middle-school protagonists struggle to gain Acceptance (117), make friends (Social Contact, 146), follow their Idealism (136), and meet Family (147) demands, viewers are being drawn in by the universal relatability of their emotions: everything from Awe (160), Optimism (148), and Ecstasy (139) to Grief (143), Contempt (136), and Remorse (136).
What will help propel Win or Lose into a second season?
Sports. The series’ heavy Sports Focus (140) and accompanying themes (Competition, 143; Coach-Athlete Relationships, 134; Overcoming Adversity, 132) offer rich story fodder for future potential seasons. Audiences want to see the young protagonists continue to grow, improve their softball skills, and, hopefully, apply lessons learned on the field to their everyday lives.
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