Debapriya Bhattacharya
Based on the children’s book of the same name by EB Garth, ‘Charlotte’s Web’ is a tale of friendship between a gentle pig, Wilbur, and a barn spider, Charlotte. When the pig faces the risk of being slaughtered, Charlotte weaves messages into her webbing in his praise, starting with “Some Pig,’ before moving on to words such as “Terrific,” “Radiant,’ and “Humble.” This makes Wilbur famous, as people believe the words on the web to be miracles, and the farmer is persuaded to spare his life. Created by Luke Matheny, the heartwarming animated series helps to introduce children to animals and insects in a fun way. If you’re in search of more shows similar to ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ the following list is perfect for you.
8. Wonder Pets! (2006-)
From the minds of Josh Selig and Jennifer Oxley, ‘Wonder Pets!’ centers around three anthropomorphic pet animals living in a school. Among them are Linny the Guinea Pig, Turtle Tuck, and Ming-Ming Duckling. Whenever anyone among them faces a challenge, the trio faces it together. The dialogues are usually spoken in the form of songs, giving the series the appearance of a musical. Like ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ the show helps children become familiar with animals, while also learning and having fun.
7. Bluey (2018-)
Helmed by Joe Brumm, ‘Bluey’ follows the titular anthropomorphic Blue Heeler puppy. Considered to be six years old, Bluey is full of energy and has a vivid imagination paired with a healthy curiosity about the world. She engages in games and embarks on adventures with her younger sister, Bingo. Both of them live with their father, Bandit, and mother, Chilli, and have other friends representing different dog breeds. The stories of Bluey’s adventures are set in a society modeled upon Brisbane, Australia, where the show is created. Similar to Wilbur and Charlotte, Bluey’s friendly nature makes her adorable to children.
6. Postman Pat (1981-2017)
Created by John Cunliffe, ‘Postman Pat’ revolves around Pat Clifton, a friendly postman who is employed by the Royal Mail postal service in the fictional village of Greendale, on the border between Cumbria and North Yorkshire. Accompanied by his black and white cat Jess, Pat delivers mail all across the valley. While he is a dutiful man, Pat’s kind nature makes him take an interest in the troubles and concerns of other people, and he frequently gets distracted from his job. However, his friendly demeanor and willingness to help people resolve their problems make him a favorite among all. The rural setting also allows many farm animals to come into the daily adventures of Pat, bringing to mind the setting of ‘Charlotte’s Web.’
5. Franklin and Friends (2011-2016)
Adapted from the children’s book series ‘Franklin the Turtle’ by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark, ‘Franklin and Friends’ also serves as a reboot of the 1997 animated series Franklin, both being created by Nelvana. The story is set around the titular turtle, Franklin, and his friends, like Bear, Fox, Rabbit, Beaver, Goose, and Snail, and his family, like his sister Harriet and Aunt T. Living in the Woodlands, Franklin goes on various adventures with them, as well as solves mysteries together. The friendly animated animals bring to mind the ones in ‘Charlotte’s Web.’
4. Little Bear (1995-2003)
Based on the children’s book series of the same name, created by Else Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak, ‘Little Bear’ tells the story of a young and friendly grizzly bear who lives in the wilderness in the 19th century. While he stays with his parents, Mother Bear, who is always at home to help, and Father Bear, a fisherman who spends much of his time out in the sea, Little Bear has also made many friends, like Duck, Hen, Cat, Owl, and Emily, a human girl. The group of friends goes on various adventures in the forest, and always has each other’s backs, like Wilbur and Charlotte in ‘Charlotte’s Web.’
3. Peppa Pig (2004-)
Created by Neville Astley and Mark Baker, ‘Peppa Pig’ is about an anthropomorphic piglet named Peppa, who lives with her brother George, and parents, Mama Pig and Papa Pig. Peppa is friends with animals of different species, and enjoys her playtime with them. The narrative follows Peppa as she lives her everyday life, having fun and learning all the while. Like ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ the show brings many animals together as the protagonists embark on various adventures.
2. Back at the Barnyard (2007-2011)
A direct sequel to Steve Oedekerk’s 2006 film ‘Barnyard,’ ‘Back to the Barnyard’ chronicles the life of Otis, a carefree cow who appoints himself the leader of all animals in the barn where he stays. While the animals are anthropomorphic in nature, they keep the quality hidden from the humans and embark on various adventures, trying their best yet often failing to stay out of trouble. Similar to ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ the animated show revolves around barn animals living their best lives.
1. Shaun the Sheep (2007-2025)
A spin-off of the ‘Wallace and Gromit’ franchise, ‘Shaun the Sheep’ is developed by Richard Starzak, Alison Snowden, and David Fine, based on the characters created by Nick Park and Bob Baker. Staying at Mossy Bottom Farm in Northern England, Shaun embarks on various adventures and escapades, obsessed with human technology and culture. He has a frenemy relationship with the sheepdog Bitzer, with all animals hiding their anthropomorphism from the humans. There are many parallels between ‘Charlotte’s Web’ and ‘Shaun the Sheep’, from farm animals taking care of one another, as well as taking part in various escapades.
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