Sophia the First: friendship, loyalty, gender expectations - why Christian parents need to be alert to this long-running animation

The film/Series: Sophia the First

Rating: N/A

Other connected films/TV series Elena of Avalor, Elena and the Secret of Avalor

Running time, or each episode length 22mins

Genre Animation, fantasy, musical

Overview. The four series animation focuses on the experiences of Princess Sophia who was ‘just a girl from the village,’ until her widowed mother married the widowed King of Enchancia. Through a variety of experiences, Sophia learns to navigate changed expectations whilst challenging the status quo.

What you liked From episode one, Sophia challenges the stereotypes which others try to uphold, but her character is not one-dimensional and in later episodes, it is her preconceptions that are challenged.

What you didn’t like Personally, I am uncomfortable with affirmational messages which teach children ‘you can be anything you want to be,’ ‘just believe in yourself,’ although these are messages widely taught in popular culture.