Storybots: Answer Time

"Ask the Storybots" was an exceptional show that explained often-complex topics through accessible but not dumbed-down stories, with the occasional humorous aside. "Answer Time" is an okay show in which the humorous asides have become the main course and the deep-dive explanations are now relegated to a supporting role.

Case in point: The electricity episode of the original show was one of the series' best. Instead of stopping at the power plant - which would have been a logical place to stop to satiate the curiosity of a child - they spent the whole C-block of the episode explaining electricity on the atomic level. No other show would have taken that step, least of all "Answer Time." This show would have spent those last 7 minutes bouncing frenetically among three unrelated songs.

This "Answer" reboot isn't bad; most of the voice talent is still there and the celebrity cameos pull their weight. But I don't get why they shifted the format away from what made it great. Answering a hard question in 20 minutes for the benefit of a 6-year-old (and the occasional adult...) was unique and really fun. "Answer Time" is an ADHD version of its predecessor that jumps around too much instead of just answering the question.

"Answer Time" is still better than most of what's out there, but man, why experiment when you already caught lightning in a bottle? It's like someone doing a decent impression of a really good show; it's worth watching, but it makes you long for the original.

My kids. I mean it makes my kids long for the original.

I see a lot of people don't like the new format but you have to remember this was made during 2020 so I'm sure there was a reason. Instead of going to the "outer world" they stay in and you can see the world they live in. Which is pretty neat in itself! They still have amazing guest stars that ask the big questions this time with the kids asking more in the transitions. Which is a bit of a bummer. Also, the team goes to find the answer one at a time instead of together which I miss seeing their interactions. But the stars were funny at least. It has more of a yee-haw/crash box vibe to it this time. But it's only the first season so I'm sure the second will be just as good if not better!

This one was okay, not nearly as good as the original one - Ask the storybots. Not a fan of the intro song in this but still catchy. Just like the original version, this one used the same episodial formula on answering one question at a time. Each episode accompanied with an original song that is so catchy and educational. Adopted the same brightful tone and explosive colorings as well as the amazing garphics/animation style as the original. Although i find to be lacking in the sound effecra department as it seem/sound underwhelming. But anyway, another great piece of educational yet entertaining show for everyone, especially childrens. Highly rwcommended.