Watch Stillwater

Stillwater is a heartwarming children's show on Apple TV+ that follows the adventures of three siblings and their new panda friend, Stillwater. Based on the Zen Shorts book series by Jon J Muth, this show is sure to delight viewers of all ages with its soothing storytelling and beautiful animation.

The show centres around the three siblings, Karl, Addy and Michael, who live with their parents in a quaint neighbourhood. Their lives change when they meet their new neighbour, Stillwater, who is a wise and friendly panda that imparts valuable life lessons to the kids. Each episode explores one of Stillwater's Zen stories and how it applies to the siblings' lives. These stories are often accompanied by stunning visuals that transport viewers to a world of imagination and inspiration.

The show is exceptional in how it tackles complex themes in a way that is understandable and relatable for young viewers. For example, one episode focuses on grief, as the siblings deal with the loss of their grandfather. Stillwater shares a story about a girl who learns to cope with the loss of her parents by accepting that they will always be a part of her, just like memories. Through this story, the siblings learn to cherish their memories of their grandfather and find comfort in knowing that he will always be with them in their hearts.

Another episode addresses bullying, as Karl struggles with a bully at school. Stillwater shares a story about a wise martial arts master who taught his students to use their strength to help others, rather than to harm them. Through this story, Karl learns to stand up to his bully and use his strength to help others. This episode is an excellent example of how Stillwater teaches valuable life lessons without being preachy or didactic.

One of the show's standout features is its animation style, which has a soft and dreamy quality that perfectly complements the Zen stories. Each episode is like a work of art, with stunning visuals that bring the stories to life. The animation uses a mix of 2D and 3D techniques that give the world of Stillwater a unique and ethereal quality. The attention to detail in the animation is impressive, with each frame filled with rich textures, colours and patterns that make the show visually captivating.

The voice acting is also a strong suit of the show, with each character brought to life by talented performers. James Sie voices Stillwater with a calm and soothing tone that perfectly captures the character's wisdom and empathy. Eva Ariel Binder, Tucker Chandler, and Judah Mackey, who voice the siblings, give nuanced performances that capture the complexities of their characters. The show's guest stars include talented performers like Yara Shahidi, James Hong, and Ming-Na Wen, who add to the show's charm and warmth.

Stillwater is also notable for its diverse cast of characters, representing a range of backgrounds and cultures. The siblings are a mixed-race family, and the show celebrates their unique heritage without making it a plot point. Instead, the show focuses on the relationships between the characters and how they learn from one another.

Overall, Stillwater is a charming and uplifting show that is perfect for families to watch together. Its soothing storytelling and stunning animation make it a treat for the eyes and ears, while its thoughtful exploration of complex themes make it a valuable teaching tool. Whether you're a child or an adult, you'll find something to love in Stillwater.

Stillwater is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (52 episodes). The series first aired on December 4, 2020.