For far too long, the terms "Christian media" and "children’s shows" were synonymous with "cheesy" and "fluffy." But that’s not necessarily the case anymore, especially on the Catholic platform called Formed.
There seems to be a deep-seated desire to bring beauty, truth, and goodness back into art, especially in filmmaking. Formed — a streaming service created by practicing Catholics — has aimed to rebrand the landscape of Christian programming by curating a collection of top-notch content.
From Bible studies to movies to kids shows, Formed covers the whole gamut of the Faith, supporting and forming Catholics in their spiritual journey. Boasting nearly 50 animated and 20+ live-action choices for kids, Formed proves that you no longer have to pick ‘spiritual’ or ‘entertaining’ for your children.
Awesome Animals & Mini Me
Awesome Animals & Mini Me is such a fun show for littles. Though the episodes are relatively short (~10 mins), they are jam-packed with interactive games, quizzes, stories, and step-by-step craft tutorials that kids love.
This series combines footage of real animals with solid stories about them through animation. Plus, each episode is full of fun facts about different kinds of animals. (Did you know that chickens see a wider range of color than humans?) Then, it points kids back to how great God must be if he made such an awesome animal.
The Opus Joyous Show
he Opus Joyous Show is a delightful mix of puppets, live action, and animation all rolled into one.
Lead by Sr. Mary Kate — a fun, energetic nun puppet host — each episode tells stories of action, danger and valor, all while integrating the Catholic Faith in a cool way.
Kids have heard many of the common stories about saints, but this series includes interesting stories I never knew existed (ex: St. John Bosco’s dream about two pillars coming out of the sea).
Also, Sr. Mary Kate adds extra tidbits of fun facts at the end of the episodes, which gives kids a thirst to learn more — which is great, because The Opus Joyous Show also has a supplemental website with videos and games.
Philo & Sophie
This cute series aims to explain the philosophy of the Faith to preschool aged children, almost like a Catholic Sesame Street. It fosters good conversations with our little kids about what makes them happy and how we can make good choices.
At one point in the show, my 6-year-old stared smiling at the television, trying to stifle a giggle as she exclaimed, “I like this show so much!” And I had to admit, I agreed. My only complaint is that I’d love to see more episodes!
Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids
Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids definitely lives up to its title. I’ve heard my kids chuckling at this show countless times and then repeatedly quoting things Jesus said long after the episodes were over. (What Christian parent wouldn’t want THAT?)
Brilliantly, the seasons aren’t categorized by number, but rather by where those stories fall in salvation history and the liturgical calendar (i.e. Old Testament, New Testament, Christmas, Lent & Easter, etc.)
So, kids not only get familiarized with the stories, but also start to understand how they all weave together in the narrative of their very own salvation.
Take a look (yes, it's also on the streaming service Minno):
Brother Francis / Brother Francis & Friends
Brother Francis has been the longstanding face of Catholic kids’ content on Formed, due to its engaging songs and personable title character. My kids have enjoyed this series for ages.
Now, all fans of the Brother Francis franchise will also love its new spin-off. In Brother Francis & Friends, Brother Francis and his new friend, Sr. Imelda, simultaneously do two critical things: 1) catechize our kids in understandable, fun ways and 2) familiarize viewers with a variety of religious vocations.
Typically, Catholic kids see and interact with priests at Mass, so getting acquainted with a Father is relatively routine. But bumping into a Brother or Sister? That’s probably way less common.
This series helps kids ‘meet’ relatable people in religious vocations all while deepening their roots in their Faith—a combination that might one day inspire them to consider pursuing those vocations in real life.
Skiff & AJ’s Fantastic Voyage
So far, AJ & Skiff have only gone on one voyage, but I assure you that it was, indeed, fantastic. Not to mention, this clever 35-minute animation sets itself up for a sequel (thank heavens!)
In Skiff & AJ’s Fantastic Voyage, inanimate altar objects come to life and go on a mission in their self-made shrink-machine to learn about babies in the womb.
Similar to the fantastical voyages of Ms. Frizzle in The Magic School Bus, Skiff & AJ shrink down small enough to fly into a woman’s mouth, travel down into her stomach, and visit an unborn baby. Though that’s not entirely scientifically correct, the anatomical blooper is understandable and forgivable considering its intended audience.
Not to mention, along their journey, Skiff and AJ witness the beauty and awe of God’s creation of human beings — from cells to nerve endings to a baby in utero—helping viewers see God’s thumbprint on everything.
The incredibly clever pro-life message celebrates life and upholds the dignity of human persons, simultaneously recognizing the beauty of new life and the absolute terror parents sometimes feel as they’re about to welcome a new baby.
Although I worried that a story about an enchanted incense boat and aspergillum would be hokey, over and over, I found myself both impressed with the cinematic creation of these filmmakers and in awe of God’s creation of human life.
Owlegories
This show pleasantly surprised me. It’s unique and funny in its delivery, keeping it fresh for young viewers.
Since children tend to understand things very literally, sometimes deeper or alternative meanings can be lost on them. But this series does a fantastic job teaching theology through allegories. (Or, as the show puts it: ‘the-owl-ogy’ through ‘owlegories’…I never realized how many puns could derive from owls.)
Each episode examines different aspects of nature and how we can learn about God through creation and each other. This can help open kids’ eyes to see the wonder of God’s handiwork in the world around them.
Ryan Defrates: Secret Agent
Ryan Defrates is series about a young spy who goes on top-secret missions to defeat super villains with his mom. Similar to Neflix’s Carmen Sandiego in storytelling and Wild Kratts in animation, each episode in this series satisfies the craze kids have for spy narratives and serves as a worthy competitor to secular shows.
The exciting and wholesome pursuits of justice speak for themselves, illuminating different aspects of our modern life without being overly preachy.
At the end of each episode, characters talk about what viewers were supposed to learn and then connect it with a character in the Bible.
While they’re trying to show how God’s Word and modern life are integrated, sometimes the connections can feel forced, which undermines their intent
Personally, I think the show would be stronger without the debriefing at the end of each episode, but the series still packs a strong punch and stands out among the crowd of Christian content.
Chime Travelers
Chime Travelers — a series about twins who travel through time at the sound of a bell — beautifully weaves together modern life and spiritual insights.
Like a Catholic twist on the beloved Magic Tree House book series (Chime Travelers itself is based on a book series with the same name), twins Katie and Patrick find themselves plunged through time to encounter and interact with saints in different time periods.
Katie and Patrick are well-rounded and realistic, while incorporating their Catholic Faith in organic, unpreachy ways.
This series also brings the saints to life in a tangible, true way, making them feel more accessible to viewers in real life. Because of this, viewers excitedly travel back in time to make friends with the Saints — and carry that friendship with them long after the episode is over.
Littlest Saints
Though I do love some good animation, it’s extra heartwarming (not to mention incredibly cute) to see real kids act out stories about saints and Bible characters. I’ve noticed that my kids get more invested in shows when they see people like themselves up on the screen.
Each episode of Littlest Saints, I find them leaning in, eyes wide with a wild grin, to see what these little saints will do next. Even my oldest kids are enrapt in this show.
In one episode, my tweenaged daughter laughed so hard, she could barely get her words out as she said, “I don’t know who that kid is, but he’s brilliant and wonderful and awesome.”
The fact that it seems relatively low-budget only adds to its child-like charm and draws viewers into its endearing heart. I’d watch all these episodes again and again—and I have!
Here's a clip:
Image: Formed
Kelsey Gillespy is a blogger, author, speaker, and homeschooling mom of several.
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