I was thrilled that Tuscaloosa Macaroni Kid was selected to host a preview party for the new Netflix series, Spirit Riding Free. A coming of age series, inspired by DreamWorks’ Oscar-nominated film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, Spirit Riding Free brings to life three smart, empowered, and relatable main characters, Lucky, Pru and Abigail. From major events like flash floods and blizzards, trainer robbers and banditos, treasure hunts and secret sleepovers, executive producer Aury Wallington (“Sex in the City,” “Veronica Mars” and “Heroes”) has created a world filled strong characters who defy stereotypes and mirror positive images of young viewers on screen.
I was pleasantly surprised by Spirit Riding Free. It showed such positive friendships between the girls. When I watch shows with my kids, I am often put off by the snarky way the friends talk to one another. In this series, the friends root one another on and encourage each other to keep trying even when there are disappointments. I found this to be very refreshing!
The kids loved the show and were commenting all the way through! They were laughing at times and paying close attention at others.They were very invested in the characters. I used a moment or two to point out how great the friendships were and how they just didn’t give up. The kids told me they would be watching the show again and can’t wait for it to be streaming on Netflix. Although the show has 3 girls as the lead characters, the boys and girls at the party really enjoyed it. It’s not a gender based show, it’s a show based on character and adventure. Which appeals to everyone.
I highly recommend this series for your kids. Especially those in 1st through 5th grades. I see a hit on the horizon. Spirit Riding Free premiers May 5 on Netflix.
