Big Hero 6: The Series
A great pick
Ages 6–12First shown 2017
As the new prodigy at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology, Hiro now faces daunting academic challenges and the social trials of being the little man on campus. Off campus, the stakes are raised for the high-tech heroes as they must protect their city from an array of scientifically enhanced villains.
Our verdict
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 4/5
- Well made 4/5
Calm and gentle
This series is highly regarded for its positive messages about education, empathy, and intellectual problem-solving, featuring a diverse cast of realistic role models. While the shift from the film's 3D style to 2D animation and a more comedic tone divided some fans, the quality of the voice acting and world-building remains high. It is a smart, funny, and heartwarming show that most adults find genuinely enjoyable to watch alongside their children.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
5out of 5
The show is widely praised for its diverse cast and for making science and engineering aspirational, framing persistence through failure as a normal part of learning. Characters model high emotional intelligence, with a specific focus on identifying feelings and resolving conflicts without causing physical harm. Some discussions mention a shift toward sillier or less deep characterisations in the final season, but the overall messages about teamwork and honesty remain strong.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
4out of 5
Many adults find the series charming and clever, specifically enjoying parodies of adult-oriented media and the dry wit of the robot lead. However, a significant number of reviews describe it as a step down in maturity from the original film, with later episodes moving toward wackier, more child-centric comedy that some found boring or irritating. Overall, it is considered very easy company for parents, even if it lacks the cinematic weight of its predecessor.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
4out of 5
The series is a high-quality production featuring award-winning sound design, writing, and the return of the original movie cast. There is considerable debate regarding the move from CGI to a hand-drawn aesthetic; while some critics find it visually distinctive and warm, others feel it looks flat and low-budget compared to the film. The third season is frequently noted as a dip in quality due to shorter episode lengths and more formulaic writing.
Watch-outs
Calm and gentle
While one viewer found the pacing too fast and some short segments were described as more frantic, the general consensus describes the show as a calm, functional alternative to more chaotic children's content. Most reviews suggest the pacing is appropriate for the target primary age group.
Toy-led: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Grating audio: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Where to watch
Stream for free
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Rent or buy
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DVD and Blu-ray
Streaming availability from Watchmode.
Last updated 18 October 2026.