If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Netflix’s kids' section lately, you’ve probably seen the bright, bubblegum-colored thumbnail for Big Blue. It looks like just another cartoon. It isn't. Honestly, it’s one of the weirdest, most energetic, and genuinely funny pieces of animation to come out of Canada in the last few years.
Kids love it because it’s loud. Adults might actually like it because it’s smart.
Created by Gyimah Gariba and produced by Guru Studio—the same heavy hitters behind PAW Patrol and True and the Rainbow Kingdom—Big Blue is a departure from the "educational" slog. It doesn't lecture. It just dives straight into a high-stakes, underwater comedy-adventure that feels more like Ren & Stimpy met Star Trek than a preschool lesson on sharing.
What is Big Blue Actually About?
Basically, the show follows two siblings, Lettie and Lemo. They lead a quirky submarine crew through a vast, terrifyingly beautiful ocean. But here’s the thing: the world is mostly covered in water now. It’s a post-apocalyptic setting, though the show is way too colorful and upbeat to ever use that word.
They work for United Ocean Lift. Think of it as a cosmic-scale delivery and rescue service, but underwater.
The crew is a mess. That’s why it works. You have a nervous magical turtle named Bacon Berry. There’s a stoic, no-nonsense dolphin. Then there’s Phil, who is... well, Phil. The dynamic isn't about perfect cooperation; it’s about a group of flawed individuals trying to survive the weirdest depths of the sea without blowing each other up.
Gariba’s vision was specific. He wanted to showcase a world where the heroes were Black siblings leading a team in a sci-fi setting. It’s a big deal. Usually, diversity in kids’ animation feels forced or academic. Here, it’s just the reality of the world. It’s seamless.
The Animation Style is Literally Everything
You’ll notice the art style immediately. It’s distinct. Most 3D animation today has that soft, rounded, "Cocomelon" look that makes everything feel like plastic. Big Blue goes the other way. It uses a 2D aesthetic that feels hand-drawn, energetic, and incredibly expressive.
The character designs are sharp. The colors pop.
When Lemo gets excited, his whole face distorts. When Lettie is stressed, the lines sharpen. It’s "squash and stretch" animation at its finest. Guru Studio opted for a style that feels like a comic book brought to life.
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Why the "Vibe" Matters
The music is a huge part of the identity. It’s got this heavy, driving hip-hop influence that you just don't hear in sub-aquatic cartoons. Usually, underwater shows give you Enya-style ambient tracks or bubbly pop. Not this one. It’s got grit. It feels modern.
The theme song alone is a certified bop.
Let’s Talk About Bacon Berry
You can’t discuss Big Blue without mentioning the breakout star: Bacon Berry. She’s a small, glowing, magical sea turtle. But don't let the "cute" factor fool you. She’s essentially a chaotic god-tier entity trapped in a tiny shell.
She doesn't speak in sentences. She squeaks.
Most shows would use a character like this as a simple mascot to sell toys. In Big Blue, she’s the emotional core and often the solution to their most "physics-defying" problems. The relationship between Lemo and Bacon Berry is surprisingly touching. It’s a boy and his dog, if the dog could teleport and shoot light beams.
Is Big Blue Secretly an Environmental Statement?
Sorta. But not really.
If you look at the subtext, the show deals with a world where the environment has shifted. The characters are constantly cleaning up messes or dealing with the consequences of "The Big Blue" changing. However, the writers are smart enough not to make it a "Global Warming 101" lecture.
Instead, they focus on the idea of stewardship.
The crew isn't trying to "save the world" in every episode. They’re just trying to keep their corner of the ocean functional. It’s a much more relatable way to talk about the planet with kids. It’s about being a good neighbor to the weird fish living next door.
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Why Critics and Parents are Noticing
The show premiered on CBC Kids in Canada and later hit Netflix internationally. It didn't get the massive marketing push of something like CoComelon Lane, but it’s building a cult following.
Why?
- Dialogue: The banter is actually fast. It assumes the audience is smart.
- The Sibling Dynamic: Lettie and Lemo fight. They annoy each other. They have different leadership styles. It feels like a real brother-sister relationship, not a sanitized TV version.
- The Lore: There’s actually a deeper mystery about what happened to the world and why the ocean is the way it is.
It reminds me of shows like Gravity Falls or Adventure Time. On the surface, it’s just a "kids’ show." But there is enough world-building under the hood to keep an older audience engaged.
The Challenges of Being an "Original" IP
It’s tough for a show like Big Blue to compete. We live in an era of reboots. Disney+ is churning out Star Wars and Marvel cartoons. Netflix has Sonic and Pokemon.
An original series from a Canadian studio has to work twice as hard to get eyeballs.
The creators have been vocal about the need for original stories that reflect different cultures. Gyimah Gariba’s influence is everywhere—from the hairstyles of the characters to the way they interact. It’s a "culture-forward" show that doesn't feel like it’s checking boxes. It just feels authentic.
What Most People Get Wrong About Big Blue
A lot of people dismiss it as "younger" than it actually is. Because the characters are bright and there’s a magical turtle, some parents assume it’s for the 3-to-5-year-old crowd.
That’s a mistake.
The humor is often absurdist. There are moments of genuine tension. If your kid is 7, 8, or 9, they’re going to find the "slapstick-meets-sci-fi" vibe much more appealing than a preschool show. It sits in that sweet spot where the whole family can actually sit on the couch and not want to scroll through their phones.
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Future of the Series
As of now, the show has a solid run of episodes available. Fans are constantly asking about Season 2 and beyond. In the current streaming climate, nothing is guaranteed. But the "Big Blue" brand is expanding.
There are digital games, interactive content, and a growing presence on YouTube.
The animation community has largely embraced it. It won praise for its character design and its ability to blend high-energy action with genuine heart. If it continues to grow its audience on Netflix, we could be looking at a long-term franchise.
How to Get the Most Out of Watching
If you’re going to dive in, don't just put it on as background noise.
Watch "The Great Crevice" or any of the episodes featuring the "Bleebs." Pay attention to the background art. The scale of the underwater cities is actually pretty breathtaking for a TV budget.
And seriously, listen to the score.
Actionable Takeaways for Parents and Fans
- Check it out on Netflix: If you’re in the US or UK, it’s the easiest way to stream.
- Follow the Creator: Gyimah Gariba is an incredible illustrator. Following his work on social media gives you a great look at the "behind the scenes" of how the characters were developed.
- Look for the Easter Eggs: The show is packed with small nods to classic sci-fi and Caribbean culture.
- Support Original Content: In a world of endless sequels, shows like this only survive if people actually click play and watch the whole season.
Big Blue isn't just another drop in the ocean of content. It’s a weird, vibrant, and necessary breath of fresh air. Whether you’re looking for a show for your kids or you just appreciate high-quality animation, it deserves a spot in your queue.
Stop sleeping on it. The ocean is bigger than you think.
Next Steps for Deepening Your Big Blue Experience:
- Watch the "Making Of" clips: Search for Guru Studio’s production blogs. They show how they achieved the 2D-on-3D look that makes the series so visually jarring (in a good way).
- Explore the Soundtrack: Find the official theme song and background tracks on streaming platforms. It’s perfect for high-energy activities or just a morning boost.
- Compare and Contrast: If you like this, check out The Hollow or Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts. They share a similar "modern-mythology" DNA that makes for great back-to-back viewing.