Rad Lands (2017)★ 5.3/10

US · March 17, 2017 · 1 seasons

• Animation
• Family
• Fantasy

Directed by: River Hall, Scott Schultz, Julia Vickerman, John Aoshima, Joel Fox

Written by: Kelsy Abbott, Eric Acosta, John Aoshima, Brigette Barrager, Matthias Bauer

Parents need to know that RAD Lands is an iTunes-exclusive limited series from popular burrito chain Chipotle (yes, really!), and produced by Scott Schultz of Yo Gabba Gabba. fame. Despite the show's corporate roots, this isn't a commercial for the restaurant at all -- it isn't mentioned or pictured in any of the episodes. There are a lot of positive messages about sustainability and environmental awareness, but there are also regular animated fight scenes featuring laser guns, swords, and scythe-like weapons. The show examines where our food comes from, and that doesn't only include plant matter -- there are references to eating animals, and one animated sequence depicts an imaginary species of space creature trapped in what is supposed to mimic a factory farm, where animals are overcrowded and mistreated. Nothing graphic is shown, but parents may want to be prepared to answer follow-up questions about these kinds of practices.