Of all the children’s shows I watched as a kid, Wild Kratts has stuck in my memory like chewing gum. It was one of the most unique shows of its era on PBS due to its combination of environmental education and superpowered story telling. Protagonists Chris and Martin, also known as ‘the Kratt brothers’ are supported by supporting cast Aviva, Koki and Jimmy Z. The show focuses on Chris and Marin using ‘creature power discs’ that empower them to imitate the traits of different animals while learning more about them along the way.
“I liked Wild Kratts because I liked learning about animals,” said sophomore Emma Reilly.
While in recent years the show has faded from the minds of the average original viewer, “Wild Kratts” is still on the air and teaching children about animals and the environment. At ACHS, it’s remembered fondly as a show that taught kids the importance of the earth and living beings. But does it hold up in the big 25?
“Wild Kratts” has a current total run of 152 episodes from 2011 to current time with it concluding their seventh season within the year. “Wild Kratts” airs on PBS Kids with a core audience of kids aged six-eight, though it has a broad appeal. Some popular and renowned episodes include “Wild Kratts Alaska: Hero’s Journey,” “Race to Goat Mountain”, “Backpack the Camel” and “Deer Buckaroo”.
Personally, a stand out episode is “Wild Kratts Alaska: Hero’s Journey.” Is a two-part special that originally aired as an hour-long season premiere. The episode follows main characters Chris and Martin as they jump through hoops and hurdles to retrieve a time thruster – a key component to the development of a time machine invented so the main cast can research extinct mammals and reptiles. Aviva finished the time thruster and dropped it into the ocean and a salmon who’s going on their salmon run accidentally picks it up with them leading to the chase. The brothers and co learn about the salmon run and all creatures that rely on it like brown bears, eagles, and even grey wolves.
In this special there was tons of information about the salmon run and its effect on the local habitats. The information helps children understand the world around them which helps children develop crucial critical thinking skills. This episode was important for the overarching plot and the gang’s efforts to begin research on prehistoric animals. However, its music was a bit lacklustre. It only has background music so there is not much for me to comment on.
I love this show, the lineless animation is so unique, almost resembling paper dolls. The educational factor is amazing, it teaches children about the importance of taking care of animals and the environment and inspires them to pursue careers in environmental fields. Not only is it educational it has substance to its plot, the gang learns from their mistake and they pursue knowledge together over the many seasons unlike typical children’s shows which limit themselves to episodic structures. It’s been 13 years since “Wild Kratts’” initial release date but it still holds up as an amazing show at least in my eyes and hopefully in some of yours.
