At La Revista Binacional, we love recommending series the whole family can enjoy! We’ve previously raved about Knuckles and Skeleton Crew, and when we say “for the whole family,” we don’t just mean something to keep the kids entertained while the adults scroll on their phones. We mean shows that genuinely bring everyone together—laughing, feeling, and maybe even shedding a tear (or two). And let me tell you, Win or Lose is the next must-watch series that does just that!
What’s Win or Lose All About?
This isn’t just another animated show—it’s Pixar’s FIRST original series, and they knocked it out of the park! Win or Lose hit Disney+ on February 19, 2025, and it’s got everything we love about Pixar: heart, humor, and a unique way of storytelling.
Created by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, this eight-episode series follows a middle school co-ed softball team, The Pickles, as they prepare for their championship game. But here’s the cool part—each episode is told from a different character’s perspective, giving us a deeper look at their personal struggles, emotions, and how they all experience the same events in completely different ways.
A Unique Spin on Storytelling
Forget the usual start-to-finish narrative—Win or Lose takes a fresh, nonlinear approach that lets us step into different characters’ shoes. One episode might show the game through the eyes of a nervous player, while another gives us the perspective of a well-meaning but overbearing parent or even the umpire! It’s a brilliant way to remind us that everyone’s got their own story, their own struggles, and their own little victories.
Who’s in the Voice Cast?
Pixar always brings in top talent, and this lineup is no exception!
- Will Forte as Coach Dan (the ultimate “tough love” coach)
- Milan Ray as Rochelle
- Izaac Wang as Yuwen
- Jo Firestone as Sweaty
- Rosa Salazar as Vanessa
- Lil Rel Howery as James
- Josh Thomson as Frank
Each character has their own emotional journey—whether it’s Laurie battling anxiety or Frank navigating friendships after a breakup. It’s all so real and relatable, even for us adults!
The Power of Humor
One thing Win or Lose does so well is balancing heartfelt moments with laugh-out-loud comedy. Here’s why humor plays such a big role in the series:
- Tackling Tough Topics – Growing up, competition, and self-doubt? Yeah, those can be rough. But the series uses humor to make these big feelings easier to digest.
- Keeping Things Engaging – With so many perspectives in play, lighthearted moments keep the story fun and fresh.
- Making the Characters Feel Real – We all know that one friend who cracks jokes when things get too serious. These characters do the same, making them feel totally relatable.
- Creating a Perfect Flow – The humor helps balance the emotional moments so the show never feels too heavy or too silly—it’s just right.
- Letting Us Breathe – Ever felt emotionally drained after a Pixar movie? (Cough Up, Coco, Inside Out Cough.) Win or Lose gives us a chance to laugh in between those heartfelt moments.
Animation That Feels Like Magic
One of the coolest things about Win or Lose is its animation style. Instead of sticking to one look, each episode has a slightly different artistic feel that matches the emotions of the main character in that story. It’s such a creative way to pull us deeper into their world!
The Verdict? It’s a Winner!
Critics and fans alike are loving Win or Lose, praising its mix of humor, emotional depth, and innovative storytelling. If you’ve ever loved a Pixar movie (which, let’s be real, who hasn’t?), then this series is going to hit you right in the feels.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to cheer for The Pickles! This is one game you don’t want to miss.
