NUMBERBLOCKS Season 1: Learning is Number One
By Movieguide® Contributor
NUMBERBLOCKS Season 1 is all about learning math with funny block characters: numbers One, Two, Three, Four and Five. The animated show stems from the popular British YouTube series “Alphablocks” and streams on Netflix and HBO Max. It is produced by British companies Alphablocks Ltd. and Blue Zoo. The main writers are Andrew Barnett Jones and Ciaran Murtagh, who both helped write the kids’ series THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL, and ALPHABLOCKS creator Joe Elliot.
NUMBERBLOCKS teaches very basic math through little stories and songs, using only numbers one through five. The blocks stack on top of each other or jump off one another to become different numbers. Each of the blocks has a pleasant personality. Number One is sweet and curious. Number Two is playful and kind. Number Three is an entertainer and can occasionally be a little big-headed, but the other blocks steer her in the right direction. Number Four is enthusiastic and loves squares. Number Five is a responsible leader.
The blocks often encounter a small problem that can only be solved with addition. But sometimes, there are no other blocks around. So if Number One is too short to reach an apple, there is a magic mirror he can look at that will produce another one of himself, and then the two Ones join to make Two.
The numbers are kind and gentle with each other. They always work together to solve their problems and have fun doing it. This subtly embodies a moral worldview.
There is no immoral or questionable content displayed in NUMBERBLOCKS Season 1.
The show takes its time introducing its audience to its cast of numbers. It tries to build up a good understanding of each number before bringing in the next one, intending to not overwhelm young viewers. The pace may occasionally seem slow, but this is good for very little kids. It does a great job of repeating the same ideas without making them boring and is visually engaging.
Overall, NUMBERBLOCKS Season 1 has a Biblical worldview with no questionable elements whatsoever. It’s a great visual introduction to very simple math. Many modern kids’ shows capture children’s attention with flashy, rapid images that can overstimulate. And NUMBERBLOCKS does have its share when it comes to song segments, but most of the time, it takes things slower. It’s clear that learning is at its heart.
