Pixar’s Win or Lose: A Must-Watch Show That Hits Home for Every Underdog!
Middle school: that magical, awkward time when everything feels like the biggest deal ever. From embarrassing moments to life-changing wins (or soul-crushing losses), it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. Enter Win or Lose, Pixar’s first-ever original long-form series, created by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates.
Set against the backdrop of a co-ed middle school softball team (with the delightfully quirky name “Pickles”), Win or Lose isn’t just about the championship game—it’s about life’s curveballs. Each episode takes us inside the mind of a different character—be it a player or a parent—giving us their unique perspective on what it means to win, lose, and grow.
So, what’s the game plan behind this ambitious new show? Let’s take a look!
Stepping Up to the Plate: The Vision Behind Win or Lose
For Hobson and Yates, the series is deeply personal. Both seasoned animators (with credits on Luca, Lightyear, Cars 3, and Craig of the Creek), they first met while working on Toy Story 4. Their shared passion for character-driven storytelling sparked the idea for a show that isn’t just about sports—it’s about navigating life’s tough moments.
“Each character is struggling with something—whether it’s self-doubt, a tough decision, or an unfair moment in life,” says Hobson. “It’s about how you bounce back from those moments that define who you are.”
Middle school, they realized, is the perfect metaphor for the ups and downs of life. The show taps into that universal feeling of not being good enough, making mistakes, and finding resilience in the face of setbacks.
Balancing Heart and Humor
While Win or Lose delves into deep emotional themes, the creators made sure to balance it with humor and a playful visual style.
“We knew we wanted to tell mature character stories,” says Yates. “But making the world a little more cartoony gave us the freedom to explore deeper emotions without making things feel too heavy.”
The show’s art direction leans into theatrical lighting and stylized animation, making each character’s world feel like their own stage. The goal? To let the audience step into their shoes, see the world through their eyes, and truly empathize with their experiences.
Behind the Scenes: Authenticity is Key
Authenticity was a major focus for the team—especially when writing dialogue for the young characters.
“Before recording sessions, we’d have conversations with our teen voice actors, asking about their real-life experiences,” Yates shares. “If something we wrote didn’t feel natural, we’d change it on the spot.”
This attention to detail ensured that every interaction, every word, felt genuine.
A Stellar Lineup
The show also boasts a fantastic cast, featuring:
🎙️ Will Forte (SNL) as Coach Dan
🎙️ Rosa Salazar (Parenthood, American Horror Story) as Vanessa
🎙️ Milan Ray (The Wonder Years) as Rochelle
With their performances, these characters truly come to life—full of quirks, depth, and heart.
Controversy on the Field
Not everything about Win or Lose has been smooth sailing. Recently, Pixar faced backlash for removing a trans character’s storyline before the show’s release. The decision, which involved cutting lines of dialogue from a character named Kai (voiced by Chanel Stewart), sparked criticism and even a petition to reinstate the original storyline.
In response, Pixar stated that sensitive topics in children’s programming are often left for parents to discuss on their own terms. Whether or not this explanation sits well with audiences remains to be seen.
Creating Through Chaos: The Pandemic Factor
Like many recent productions, Win or Lose was created almost entirely during the pandemic. From its start in 2019 to its completion in 2023, the production team had to adapt to remote workflows. This meant fewer in-person screenings, relying more on virtual collaboration and voice actors’ interpretations.
Despite these challenges, the show came together beautifully, proving that creativity finds a way, no matter the obstacles.
Final Score: Why Win or Lose Is a Must-Watch
With its rich storytelling, unique perspective-driven episodes, and heartfelt themes, Win or Lose is more than just a kids’ show—it’s a love letter to the messy, emotional, and unforgettable experience of growing up.
Whether you’ve ever felt like an outsider, faced a tough loss, or wondered what success really means, this show will hit home—and maybe even inspire you to step up to the plate, win or lose.
So, are you ready to relive the glory (and cringe) of middle school? Because Win or Lose is bringing the game to Disney+ soon!
