Win or Lose the First Ever Pixar Series is a Home Run!

Pixar’s First Series is a Home Run!

Pixar has officially entered the streaming arena with its first-ever original series, Win or Lose, now available on Disney+! The pressure was on co-creators Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates to not only live up to Pixar’s legendary status but also to deliver a series worthy of this historic “first.” And by all accounts, they’ve hit a home run.  

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“We grew up watching Pixar films, so being added to the legacy of the studio has been amazing, but also really big shoes to fill,” Hobson and Yates shared. They recounted a piece of advice from Executive VP of Production, Jonas Rivera: “Pixar only gets so many ‘first-ever’ moments, so you know, just make sure our first-ever original series is as good as Toy Story.” The weight of that expectation clearly resonated with the creators.

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Win or Lose tells the interconnected stories of eight different characters as they navigate the lead-up to a crucial softball championship game. From the anxious kids on the team to their overbearing parents and even a lovestruck umpire, the series explores a diverse range of perspectives. The voice cast includes talented actors like Will Forte, Rosie Foss, Josh Thomson, and Milan Elizabeth Ray, adding further depth to the characters.  

Hobson and Yates were determined to capture the essence of Pixar’s magic. “We knew from the beginning we wanted to have all the hallmarks of a Pixar film – humor, heart, and creativity,” they explained. They also recognized the unique opportunities presented by the series format. “We came to the table also knowing we wanted to tell the types of stories we couldn’t tell in a film format. Which included multi-protagonists, nonlinear storytelling, and really just pushing the tone to be more outside of the box.”

The series’ intertwined narrative structure was inspired by the co-creators’ own experiences at Pixar. “Before making the show, we were office mates and we’d often walk out of a meeting with vastly different impressions of how it went,” they said. “We were fascinated with the idea that everyone kind of lives inside their own perspectives. We felt the only way to truly experience this was to intertwine the stories.”

While Win or Lose marks a new chapter for Pixar, it draws inspiration from the studio’s rich filmography. When asked about their influences, Hobson and Yates mentioned “quite a few Disney/Pixar films,” but ultimately cited The Incredibles as a shared favorite. “The boldness of the storytelling stands alone even today,” they commented.

 Ultimately, Hobson and Yates hope Win or Lose offers viewers a fresh perspective. “Win or Lose has always been about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes and seeing life the way they see it,” they said. “We hope the show gives people this opportunity in a way only animation can do. We also just hope you have a good time and relate to our characters.” With its engaging characters, innovative storytelling, and heartwarming themes, Win or Lose looks set to become another Pixar classic.

Have you seen Win or Lose yet? Check out these official clips from the new show!