{"id":13212,"date":"2025-02-19T04:26:52","date_gmt":"2025-02-19T11:26:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=13212"},"modified":"2025-02-19T17:28:48","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T00:28:48","slug":"win-or-lose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2025\/win-or-lose\/","title":{"rendered":"Win or Lose * An Unusual Series That Shows Just How Much Goes On Behind The Scenes At A Ball Game"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-13219\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/winorlose.poster.jpg?resize=121%2C179&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"121\" height=\"179\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/winorlose.poster.jpg?resize=203%2C300&amp;ssl=1 203w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/winorlose.poster.jpg?w=405&amp;ssl=1 405w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 121px) 100vw, 121px\" \/>Pixar Animation Studios\u2019 original series \u201cWin\u00a0or\u00a0Lose\u201d follows the intertwined stories of eight different characters as they each prepare for their big championship softball game. The series reveals what it actually feels like to be in the shoes of each character\u2014the insecure kids, their helicopter parents, even a lovesick umpire\u2014with incredibly funny, very emotional and uniquely animated perspectives.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, \u201c<em>Win Or Lose<\/em> is a hilarious new animated TV series about a small middle school softball team and the lives of each of its players. The story is woven together in interesting and compelling ways, almost like a puzzle, allowing you to understand the characters better with each episode.\u201d Braedyn M. adds, \u201c<em>Win or Lose<\/em> definitely is an unusual and out-of-the-box TV series.\u00a0 With its unique and imaginative perspective, it showcases just how much goes on behind the scenes in what would otherwise be labeled as a simple softball game.\u00a0 From assault armored umpires, to terrible but trying players, there is always more than meets the eye.\u201d See their full reviews below.<\/p>\n<p>Win Or Lose<br \/>\nBy Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Dda58VO0SxU?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_13218\" style=\"width: 258px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13218\" class=\" wp-image-13218\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN-OR-LOSE_ONLINE_USE-g110_24b_pub.pub16-601x319-e307f76-300x160.jpg?resize=248%2C132&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"248\" height=\"132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN-OR-LOSE_ONLINE_USE-g110_24b_pub.pub16-601x319-e307f76.jpg?resize=300%2C160&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN-OR-LOSE_ONLINE_USE-g110_24b_pub.pub16-601x319-e307f76.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 248px) 100vw, 248px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-13218\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">NO SWEAT &#8212; Pixar Animation Studios\u2019 \u201cWin or Lose,\u201d Laurie (Rosie Foss) Disney+ Feb. 19, 2025. \u00a9 2025 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>Win Or Lose<\/em> is a hilarious new animated TV series about a small middle school softball team and the lives of each of its players. The story is woven together in interesting and compelling ways, almost like a puzzle, allowing you to understand the characters better with each episode. <em>Win or Lose<\/em>\u00a0is a show that all members of the family will enjoy and each person can choose their own character to root for!<\/p>\n<p>Made by Pixar, <em>Win Or Lose<\/em> has the same style and quality of all of their great movies.\u00a0 It is a story about a group of kids, all connected by being on a softball team, but all with very different lives. Laurie (Rosanna Jean Foss) just wants to hit the ball and Frank (Josh Thomson) regrets letting go of his girlfriend.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_13217\" style=\"width: 258px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13217\" class=\" wp-image-13217\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN-OR-LOSE-ONLINE_USE_g210_27h_pub.pub16-600x323-ad78d5d.jpg?resize=248%2C134&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"248\" height=\"134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN-OR-LOSE-ONLINE_USE_g210_27h_pub.pub16-600x323-ad78d5d.jpg?resize=300%2C162&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN-OR-LOSE-ONLINE_USE_g210_27h_pub.pub16-600x323-ad78d5d.jpg?w=599&amp;ssl=1 599w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 248px) 100vw, 248px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-13217\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">STAR PITCHER &#8212; Pixar Animation Studios\u2019 \u201cWin or Lose,\u201d Yuwen (Izaac Wang). Disney+ Feb. 19, 2025. \u00a9 2025 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>Win Or Lose<\/em>\u00a0is the first Pixar original TV show, and it doesn\u2019t disappoint. The show\u2019s first episode centers around Laurie struggling with self-doubt, which manifests itself as a purple blob that grows in size as her doubt grows. Laurie eventually realizes that she doesn\u2019t need to win to have fun. In addition to the great stories, the music at the end of each episode is also super fun. It\u2019s interesting to see Pixar mix in a new animation style, kind of like a crayon animation, in Episode 3. Watching these two styles mix in this great new show is a blast.\u00a0<em>Win Or Lose\u00a0<\/em>is very funny, with great timing and one-liners that will make it a family favorite. I love the great idea that each episode centers around a specific member of the team, all on their journey to the championship. The characters are all funny in different ways. My favorite character is Laurie. She has great comedic lines and her motivation to hit the ball to make her father proud makes me root for her throughout the show.<\/p>\n<p>The series\u2019 message is that having fun is more important than winning. The show include includes themes of joy and friendship. Parents should note that <em>Win Or Lose<\/em> includes some fearful moments, like when Laurie gets hit by a softball.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Win Or Lose<\/em> 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The series debuts with its first two episodes on Disney+ on February 19, 2025. The remaining six episodes will be released weekly.<\/p>\n<p>Win Or Lose<br \/>\nBy Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ju1H_LzI7E?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_13213\" style=\"width: 262px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13213\" class=\" wp-image-13213\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN-OR-LOSE_ONLINE-USE-D23_WoL_PubStill.pub16-600x323-ad78d5d.jpg?resize=252%2C136&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"252\" height=\"136\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN-OR-LOSE_ONLINE-USE-D23_WoL_PubStill.pub16-600x323-ad78d5d.jpg?resize=300%2C162&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN-OR-LOSE_ONLINE-USE-D23_WoL_PubStill.pub16-600x323-ad78d5d.jpg?w=599&amp;ssl=1 599w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-13213\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">WIN OR LOSE features the voice of Will Forte as Coach Dan. On Disney+ February 19, 2025.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>Win Or Lose<\/em> definitely is an unusual and out-of-the-box TV series.\u00a0 With its unique and imaginative perspective, it showcases just how much goes on behind the scenes in what would otherwise be labeled as a simple softball game.\u00a0 From assault armored umpires, to terrible but trying players, there is always more than meets the eye.<\/p>\n<p>Win or Lose is an animated series from Pixar following a co-ed middle school softball team\u2019s story as they prepare for the State Softball Championship.\u00a0 But instead of only seeing the week once from the perspective of the main character, each episode shows a face of the story, with different people having center stage.\u00a0 As everyone navigates the numerous challenges of getting ready for the big game, they must work through their own issues before coming together as a strong and united team.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_13215\" style=\"width: 260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13215\" class=\" wp-image-13215\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN_OR_LOSE-ONLINE-USE-g170_38a_pub.pub16n.448-2-600x322-6f0ede6.jpg?resize=250%2C134&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN_OR_LOSE-ONLINE-USE-g170_38a_pub.pub16n.448-2-600x322-6f0ede6.jpg?resize=300%2C161&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN_OR_LOSE-ONLINE-USE-g170_38a_pub.pub16n.448-2-600x322-6f0ede6.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-13215\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">WIN OR LOSE &#8211; Sweaty blob and Laurie. \u00a9 2024 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>My favorite part is definitely the animation.\u00a0 It is top-notch, blending not only the physical aspects of each individual\u2019s life, but also their emotions and what they may imagine.\u00a0 For example, Frank (Josh Thomson) the umpire, is a bit overly cautious of what other people think of him.\u00a0 When some of the spectators disagree with one of his calls, he dons a suit of armor and picks up a shield, saying that his stands with his call.\u00a0 It\u2019s quite hilarious to see how their emotions manifest in each situation.\u00a0 The series also does well tying in real world issues that are relatable today, like trying your hardest to succeed only to fail over and over again, or having to take care of an irresponsible parent when you need them most.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_13214\" style=\"width: 260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13214\" class=\" wp-image-13214\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN-OR-LOSE_ONLINE-USE-D23_PubStill_WoLThreePanel_Cropped-600x289-d3d5550.jpg?resize=250%2C121&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN-OR-LOSE_ONLINE-USE-D23_PubStill_WoLThreePanel_Cropped-600x289-d3d5550.jpg?resize=300%2C145&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/WIN-OR-LOSE_ONLINE-USE-D23_PubStill_WoLThreePanel_Cropped-600x289-d3d5550.jpg?w=599&amp;ssl=1 599w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-13214\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">WIN OR LOSE, Pixar\u2019s first-ever original long-form animated series. Directed by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, streams on Disney+ February 19, 2025. \u00a9 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Once I watched a couple of episodes, I was able to see how the puzzle pieces fit together, and how it makes the story more well-rounded and complete when you see it from all sides. The series&#8217; cast includes Will Forte, Ian Chen, Izaac Wang, Jo Firestone, Milan Ray, Josh Thomson and more.<\/p>\n<p>The series\u2019 message is that things aren\u2019t always what they seem.\u00a0 A simple game of softball may not seem like it has that much going on, but when seen from multiple and very different angles, I found out that everything has another perspective.\u00a0 It only has to be found. Note that this series does contain some profanity, and a scene of stealing (real stealing, not bases in softball).<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Win Or Lose<\/em> 4.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Win or Lose premiers on February 19, 2025.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AhxGObicnPs?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pixar Animation Studios\u2019 original series \u201cWin or Lose\u201d follows the intertwined stories of eight different characters as they each prepare for their big championship softball game. The series reveals what it actually feels like to be in the shoes of each character\u2014the insecure kids, their helicopter parents, even a lovesick umpire\u2014with incredibly funny, very emotional and uniquely animated perspectives. <\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, \u201cWin Or Lose is a hilarious new animated TV series about a small middle school softball team and the lives of each of its players. The story is woven together in interesting and compelling ways, almost like a puzzle, allowing you to understand the characters better with each episode.\u201d Braedyn M. adds, \u201cWin or Lose definitely is an unusual and out-of-the-box TV series.  With its unique and imaginative perspective, it showcases just how much goes on behind the scenes in what would otherwise be labeled as a simple softball game.  From assault armored umpires, to terrible but trying players, there is always more than meets the eye.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4,355],"tags":[8696,8698,8697,8701,8683,8692,464,8700,869,8693,470,8690,5441,8686,8685,8687,8689,2646,3525,4730,8338,8684,1352,1453,8695,8694,124,8691,8699,1820,8688],"class_list":["post-13212","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tv","category-tv-series","tag-andrew-stanton","tag-brandon-kern","tag-brendan-beesley","tag-campfire","tag-carrie-hobson","tag-chanel-stewart","tag-comedy","tag-david-lally","tag-disney-2","tag-dorien-watson","tag-drama","tag-erin-keif","tag-flula-borg","tag-ian-chen","tag-izaac-wang","tag-jo-firestone","tag-josh-thomson","tag-kyliegh-curran","tag-lil-rel-howery","tag-lindsey-collins","tag-melissa-villasenor","tag-michael-yates","tag-milan-ray","tag-pete-docter","tag-ramin-djawadi","tag-rhea-seehorn","tag-rosa-salazar","tag-rosie-foss","tag-tom-zach","tag-will-forte","tag-winston-vengapally"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3r6","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13212","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13212"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13212\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13224,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13212\/revisions\/13224"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13212"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13212"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13212"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}