Trollhunters is binge worthy animated programming for the family

We’re a member of the Stream Team for Netflix and were compensated for this post. All thoughts are our own. Pan’s Labyrinth is one of my favorite films. Hellboy and its sequel, as well as Pacific Rim are also great films that blend creatures, magic, monsters and action to create movies that pay homage to the classic while maintaining their own identity. Suffice it to say, Guillermo Del Toro is a go-to name for entertainment in our house. Trollhunters is his latest creation; it’s based on a book co-written by Daniel Krauss and the first 26 episodes are streaming on Netflix.

It’s also incredibly entertaining and is the first series that I’ve had to pull myself away from the television from since Stranger Things. Those two shows have vastly different audiences and the similarity in them is based entirely on quality and how much I enjoyed each of them. Audiences 10 and up will immediately enjoy Trollhunters to the same degree that they do a top notch movie. Trollhunters is OK for ages 8 and up, but the pace and content of the jokes might prohibit that age from enjoying the show as much as older ones. If this were a film it would be a soft PG rating.

The story follows the path of Jim, a 15 year old kid who becomes the Trollhunter. He is the first human to have the sacred stone call to him and he answers it, although he’s not sure what to do. In addition to being a normal teenager, dealing with a bully, a crush on a girl and his busy home life he’s now tasked with protecting the troll world, as well as the human world.

Trollhunters has the quality and humor that viewers expect from a full length feature film. Fans of Guilliermo Del Toro’s other work will immediately recognize aspects his classic film’s creatures in the trolls and goblins that inhabit Trollhunters. This is especially true when Jim, the title character and his best friend Toby discover the Troll Market where the trolls live and shop.

The Troll Market is the ‘cantina scene’, but with vivid colors and dozens upon dozens of creatures that are great for most all ages. Older audiences will really enjoy the vocal casting. While the entire cast is great, Trollhunters excels when Kelsey Grammer as the voice of Blinky is introduced.

Blinky and Aaarrrgghh are the two trolls who are responsible in helping Jim learn how to use his powers. Blinky is a 6-eyed beast who has some of the best lines in the show. It’s a combination of great writing and droll, punchy delivery by Grammer that transform Trollhunters from a very good show to something that is full family entertainment you can’t wait to see the next episode.

The late Anton Yelchin voices Jim, Jonathan Hyde, Ron Perlman, Steven Yeun, Tom Hiddleston and many others are also in this cast that will make astute adult viewers grin with acknowledgement. Much has been made about some Netflix original programming and they all can’t be home runs. Trollhunters is the real deal. This is a show that will appeal to those without children, kids in third grade and up and families looking for the next show that they all can watch and enjoy equally.

Another unique thing about Trollhunters is that the actual series improves upon the trailer. When I saw the trailer I was interested and optimistic. After seeing the second episode I was giddy and aware that this was a special series that can withstand multiple views and is in the ranks of Phineas & Ferb, as well as The Simpsons.