Kids shows are weird. Many of the contemporary kids programs I’ve come across (especially stuff geared towards toddlers on streaming services) seem to follow a similar pattern:

• A group of main characters connected by either proximity or “vocation.” No parents, nor guardians really. Just elders who are expert in their field

• Characters have clearly defined social roles (e.g. a train responsible for moving freight)

• Narratives revolve around characters either learning to fulfill their roles or failing to do so, and then realizing that others suffer when they don’t meet their responsibilities

Are these Neo-Capitalist fairy tales?