If you’ve spent any time in Fuzzytown lately, you know it's a place where things are a little different, in the best way possible. It’s the kind of show that makes you feel seen. Carl the Collector has been making waves as the first PBS KIDS series to feature a lead on the autism spectrum, but honestly, the show wouldn’t be the same without the supporting cast. Specifically, we need to talk about Nico.
Nico is one half of the identical twin bunny duo, and she’s basically a whirlwind in a yellow dress. She is loud. She is blunt. She's also pink, which makes her stand out even before she opens her mouth. But there is a lot more to her than just being "the twin."
Why Nico from Carl the Collector is More Than Just a Twin
Identical twins in cartoons usually have that weird "hive mind" thing going on. You know the trope. They finish each other's sentences and act like a single unit. Carl the Collector tosses that out the window immediately. Nico and her sister Arugula are polar opposites.
While Arugula is generally seen as the "nice" or more agreeable sister, Nico is... well, she’s a lot. She is fearless. She says exactly what is on her mind, even if it’s a bit insensitive. You’ve probably seen the episode where she calls bicycle riding "for babies" just because she’s secretly embarrassed that she hasn't learned how to do it yet. It’s such a human—or rather, bunny—moment. We’ve all been there, acting tough to cover up a vulnerability.
- Personality: Bold, impulsive, and sometimes a little bit of a "truth-teller" without the filter.
- The Look: Pink fur, a yellow dress with a white collar, and black Chucks. You can't miss her.
- The Conflict: She struggles deeply with being confused for her sister.
In the episode "The Fake Mustache Collection," this frustration really peaks. Imagine being your own person but everyone treats you like a carbon copy. It’s Carl’s hyper-attention to detail that eventually saves the day, but Nico’s frustration is the emotional heart of that story. She wants to be seen.
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The Dynamic Between Carl and Nico
The friendship between an autistic raccoon and a blunt, neurotypical bunny is comedy gold, but it's also incredibly sweet. Carl likes things precise. He likes his collections. He likes his routines. Nico? Nico is a chaotic force.
When Nico trips and falls in "The Fall," Carl actually freezes. He doesn't know what to do because it wasn't in the "plan." This is where the show gets real. It doesn't pretend that every social interaction is easy. It shows that even friends who care about each other can have moments of total disconnect.
Nico’s role in these moments is often to be the catalyst. She’s the one who pushes the boundaries. Sometimes she pushes too hard, like when she teases Carl, leading to "The Autograph Collection" incident where Carl ends up with bruised feelings. It’s a lesson in how words have weight, even when you're just "kinda" joking.
The Voice Behind the Rabbit
You might recognize the voice if you have an ear for talent. Abigail Journey Oliver voices Nico as a child, bringing that perfect mix of "sassy but sweet" energy. It’s a performance that doesn't feel like a "cartoon character" voice; it feels like a real kid who might live down the street and accidentally kick a ball into your garden.
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What Parents and Fans Often Miss
Most people think Nico is just the "mean" one because she can be insensitive. That’s a total surface-level take. If you watch closely, especially in the newer episodes like "Nico and the Nutty Buddies," you see her growth. She tries to join a club, realizes she’s being a bit much, and learns that her friendships are actually more important than being the "best" at something or having the most passion for nuts.
She’s a character who is allowed to be flawed. In a world of "perfect" children's programming, Nico is refreshingly messy. She makes mistakes. She apologizes (eventually). She’s the kid who learns by doing, failing, and then trying again.
Why This Matters in 2026
With the show recently hitting Netflix in late 2025, a whole new audience is discovering Fuzzytown. We’re seeing more discussions about how neurotypical characters like Nico interact with neurodivergent characters like Carl and Lotta. It’s not just about "being nice." It’s about understanding.
Nico represents the kids who are still learning how to be empathetic. She isn't born with a perfect understanding of how Carl’s brain works, and the show doesn't expect her to be. She learns alongside the audience. That makes her arguably one of the most relatable characters for the average kid watching at home.
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Actionable Takeaways for Watching with Kids
If you’re a parent or an educator using Carl the Collector as a teaching tool, Nico is your best friend for starting conversations. Here is how you can use her character arc to help kids:
- Identity Conversations: Use the "Fake Mustache" episode to ask, "What makes you different from your friends?" or "How do you feel when people mistake you for someone else?"
- Emotional Regulation: Talk about the bike-riding episode. Ask why Nico was being "mean" (she was scared/embarrassed). This helps kids identify that anger often hides other feelings.
- Observational Skills: Take a page out of Carl's book. Look at the twins and try to find the "details" that make them unique. It’s a great exercise in paying attention.
- Apology Practice: Point out when Nico says sorry. Talk about how she fixed her mistake. It’s much more effective than just saying "say you're sorry" to a toddler.
Nico might be a pink rabbit in a cartoon, but her struggles with identity, friendship, and ego are as real as it gets. Whether she’s causing a ruckus or helping Carl organize his latest find, she’s an essential part of why Fuzzytown feels like a place where we all belong.
Check your local listings or hop on Netflix to catch the latest episodes. Watching Nico figure out her place in the world is just as rewarding as seeing Carl complete one of his famous collections.