Cynthia Erivo Steals the Scene in ‘RoboGobo

A Stellar Ensemble

Star Power

The voice cast of “RoboGobo” is a veritable who’s who of Hollywood talent, a strategic move that promises to significantly broaden the show’s appeal. Beyond the lead role of young inventor Dax, voiced by Ja’Siah Young, the series boasts an impressive lineup of guest stars, each lending their unique vocal talents to bring the quirky characters to life.

Actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, nominated for an Academy Award for her role in “Harriet,” takes on the deliciously villainous role of The Slink, a petulant and competitive chameleon who constantly seeks to outdo everyone else. Actor Alan Cumming (“The Good Wife”) lends his distinctive voice to Dame Luxley, while Valerie Bertinelli (“One Day at a Time”) plays Chef Polly. Adding further star power are Ana Gasteyer (“Saturday Night Live”), Susan Kelechi Watson (“This Is Us”), Dulé Hill (“Psych”), Taye Diggs (“Rent”), Alison Pill (“American Horror Story”), and John Michael Higgins (“Pitch Perfect”).

This A-list ensemble not only ensures a high level of vocal quality but also injects the series with a certain star power that can attract both children and adults.

Team RoboGobo

At the heart of “RoboGobo” lies Team RoboGobo, a band of five adopted pets – Hopper, Booster, Allie, Shelly, and Wingo – who are given super-powered Robo-Suits by their inventor, Dax. Each pet brings its unique personality and abilities to the team, creating a dynamic that is both endearing and engaging.

Hopper, voiced by Gracen Newton (“Disney Jr.’s Ariel”), is the brave and resourceful leader, while Booster, voiced by Brayden Morgan, is the playful and energetic muscle. Allie, voiced by Azuri Hardy Jones, is the clever and witty strategist, Shelly, voiced by Leili Ahmadyar, is the gentle and caring heart, and Wingo, voiced by veteran voice actor Dee Bradley Baker (“Phineas and Ferb”), brings a touch of wildness and unpredictability to the group.

Together, they face off against a variety of wacky villains, solve perplexing mysteries, and learn valuable lessons about teamwork, problem-solving, and kindness. Their camaraderie and unwavering support for each other make them a relatable and inspiring group for young viewers.

Reaching a Wider Audience

The star-studded cast of “RoboGobo” undoubtedly has the potential to significantly expand the show’s reach and impact.

The inclusion of recognizable names, particularly those with crossover appeal to both children and adults, can attract a wider audience beyond the traditional Disney Jr. demographic. This can lead to increased viewership, greater brand recognition, and a more significant cultural footprint for the series.

Streaming Success

Disney+ Debut

The decision to premiere “RoboGobo” on Disney+ is a strategic move that aligns with the platform’s growing focus on original programming for younger audiences.

By making the series available on a streaming platform, Disney can reach a broader audience, including families who may not regularly tune into traditional television channels. This also allows for greater flexibility in viewing habits, as families can watch “RoboGobo” at their convenience, anytime and anywhere.

Expanding the Entertainment Landscape

The rise of streaming platforms has significantly impacted the landscape of children’s entertainment.

Platforms like Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video have invested heavily in producing high-quality animated series aimed at younger viewers. This has led to a surge in creative diversity and innovation, with streaming platforms offering a wider range of genres, styles, and themes than traditional television.

This shift towards streaming has also empowered creators to explore more complex and nuanced storylines, breaking away from the limitations of traditional children’s programming.

A Family Affair

“RoboGobo” has the potential to become a beloved family-friendly entertainment option.

The show’s combination of humor, action, and heartwarming themes of teamwork, kindness, and problem-solving makes it appealing to both children and adults. The vibrant animation, catchy music, and memorable characters create an immersive and enjoyable viewing experience for the entire family.

In a time when screen time is increasingly prevalent, “RoboGobo” offers a positive and engaging alternative that can foster family bonding and shared experiences.