Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts is what happens when you take a post-apocalyptic wasteland, drench it in neon paint, and give it a soundtrack that has no business being this good. It’s one of the most imaginative, visually striking shows on Netflix, trading the usual "dark and gritty" end-of-the-world tropes for a story about radical empathy and giant, sentient mutant animals.
TL;DR
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts is a vibrant, 30-episode journey on Netflix that follows a girl searching for her father in a world of "Mutes" (mutant animals). It’s a top-tier pick for kids aged 7-12, offering sophisticated storytelling about identity and found family. If your kid liked Hilda or She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, this is their next obsession.
Most post-apocalyptic stories are brown, gray, and depressing. Kipo is the opposite. It takes place in "Las Vistas," a world where humans have been driven underground into "burrows" while the surface has been reclaimed by nature and Mutes—mutant animals who talk, wear clothes, and occasionally form organized gangs.
We’re talking about Dubstep Bees, Timbercats (giant cats in flannel who are obsessed with lumberjacking), and Mod Frogs in three-piece suits. It sounds ridiculous, but the show treats its world-building with total sincerity. The animation by Studio Mir (the same studio behind The Legend of Korra) is fluid and high-energy, and the music—a mix of hip-hop, electronic, and lo-fi—is central to the show's identity. It’s a "cool" show that doesn't try too hard to be cool; it just is.
In a landscape where 40% of Screenwise kids are regularly watching Netflix, it takes a lot for a show to stand out. Kipo does it by refusing to let its villains stay one-dimensional.
The primary antagonist, a mandrill named Scarlemagne, is genuinely menacing but has a backstory rooted in rejection and trauma. The show spends a lot of time on the "why" behind the "bad" behavior. It teaches kids that most conflict comes from fear and misunderstanding rather than inherent evil. For an intentional parent, this is gold—it’s a 30-episode masterclass in empathy that never feels like a lecture.
Kipo herself is a great protagonist because her "superpower" isn't just her physical abilities (which she does develop); it’s her unwavering belief that she can find common ground with anyone.
The show also handles diversity with a refreshing, casual directness. One of the main characters, Benson, is openly gay. He says the words "I'm gay" in the first season, and the show moves on without making it a "very special episode" or a tragic plot point. It’s just part of who he is. For families looking for representation that feels earned and normal, Kipo hits the bullseye.
If your kid is already binging the series, the best way to lean in is through the music. The soundtrack is a curated experience that introduces kids to genres they might not find on the radio.
- Ask about the Mute factions: Every group (the Newton Wolves, the Umlaut Snakes) has a specific musical vibe and philosophy. Ask your kid which group they’d join and why.
- Discuss the "Human vs. Mute" divide: The show is a giant metaphor for prejudice. It’s an easy bridge to talking about how we treat people who look or act differently than we do.
- Check out the art style: If they love the look of the show, they might be into The Art of Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, which goes deep into the character designs.
The show is rated TV-Y7, but it doesn't "hold back" on emotional stakes. There are moments of genuine peril, and the themes of loss and abandonment can get heavy. However, it’s never gratuitous. The violence is stylized and fantasy-based—think glowing paws and acrobatic escapes rather than anything graphic.
If your family is among the 40% of Screenwise users who have kids on Netflix, this is a much better use of their 4.2 average daily screen time hours than most of the mindless algorithm-bait on the platform. It’s high-effort storytelling that respects the audience's intelligence.
Q: Is Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts scary? It has some intense moments and menacing villains, but it’s generally more "exciting" than "scary." The bright colors and upbeat music help balance out the tension. It’s fine for most 7-year-olds, though sensitive younger kids might find the mutant transformations a bit much.
Q: What age is Kipo appropriate for? The sweet spot is 7 to 12. Younger kids will love the talking animals and colors; older kids and teens will appreciate the complex plot, the music, and the deeper themes of social justice and identity.
Q: Does the show have a definitive ending? Yes. Unlike many Netflix shows that get cancelled on a cliffhanger, Kipo was planned for three seasons and completes its story arc beautifully. You won't be left hanging.
Q: Is there any "adult" content in Kipo? There is no profanity or sexual content. There is a casual mention of a character being gay, and some romantic subplots, but it’s all handled in a way that is entirely age-appropriate for a middle-grade audience.
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts is a rare find: a show that is visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and culturally relevant. It’s a perfect "bridge" show for parents and kids to watch together—you’ll actually enjoy the music, and they’ll get a story that stays with them long after the credits roll.
- For more high-quality animation, check out our best shows for kids list.
- If your kid loves the "found family" vibe, try The Dragon Prince or Steven Universe.
- Get a personalized recommendation for your next family watch
