MOANA: THE SERIES Parents Guide

Moana: The Series is an upcoming Disney+ musical comedy series based on the 2016 Disney animated film Moana. The show will continue the adventures of the brave voyager Moana as she navigates life on Motunui island.

As parents, it's important to have an understanding of the show's content and themes to determine if it's appropriate for your family. This parents guide provides an overview of:

• Plot and characters
• Themes and messages
• Scary content
• Sexual content
• Language
• Drinking, drugs and smoking
• Consumerism and marketing

We will highlight key elements in each category to consider before watching the show with your kids.

Plot and Characters

Moana: The Series focuses on the title character Moana, the daughter and future chief of the Polynesian village Motunui. In the original film, Moana goes on a journey across the sea to save her people by returning the stolen heart of goddess Te Fiti.

In the series, Moana will continue having adventures and learning lessons about leadership, self-identity and confidence. Other main characters include:

• Maui: A brash but good-hearted demigod with shape-shifting abilities
• Gramma Tala: Moana's wise grandmother who helps guide her
• Chief Tui and Sina: Moana's parents and leaders of Motunui
• Pua: Moana's loyal pet pig
• Heihei: A not-so-bright rooster who provides comic relief

The show will feature new original music and humor geared for kids and families. The setting remains the beautiful islands of the South Pacific.

Themes and Messages

As an extension of the original story, Moana: The Series emphasizes themes of:

• Empowerment: Moana is a strong-willed girl who fights for her beliefs and her people
• Identity: Moana tries to discover who she is and what she's meant to do
• Independence: Moana demonstrates courage and resilience in facing challenges on her own
• Culture/Folklore: The show brings Polynesian culture, mythological figures and traditions to life
• Unity: Moana promotes acceptance, teamwork and community strength

Positive messages in the show include having confidence in yourself, listening to your elders, protecting nature and believing in your abilities even when faced with self-doubt.

There are no concerning messages for young viewers compared to some programs. But you may want to discuss balancing courage with responsible risk-taking.

Scary Content

Since Moana: The Series is aimed primarily at children, there are no intensely frightening sequences. But there are situations that may unsettle more sensitive kids, including:

• Storms and big ocean waves that threaten boats
• Menacing oversized coconut pirates
• Mythological creatures and spirits like a giant eel monster
• Dark caves and forests at night
• Magical transformations of characters that could be confusing

In most cases, these scenes serve to drive the story rather than just provide scares. But they are immersive visual sequences on the big screen. Having an adult watch together can help provide reassurance.

Sexual Content

There is no sexual content, as one would expect for a Disney kids series. Romance does not factor into the show.

Language

The language is appropriate for all audience ages. There is no profanity, sexual talk or strong innuendo. Name-calling and insults are also absent.

The dialogue reflects the native South Pacific setting. So there are Polynesian words used related to nautical navigation, tropical fruits and cultural customs. But these serve an educational purpose.

Drinking, Drugs and Smoking

As a family show, there are no references or depictions of drinking alcohol, doing drugs or smoking.

Consumerism and Marketing

Moana: The Series does not seem to promote any products. But it's likely Disney will market a variety of Moana toys, costumes, books and other merchandise to tie in with the show.

Moana Toy and Product Categories
Dolls and Action Figures
LEGO Sets
Costumes and Roleplay Items
Arts and Crafts Supplies
Bedding and Room Decor
Party Supplies
Books
Clothing and Accessories

Disney will target advertising for these products directly to kids and parents. Having discussions about responsible consumerism can help counterbalance marketing messages.

So in summary, Moana: The Series retains the charm and uplifting themes of the original film in a new comedic, musical format. There are no major areas of concern, beyond perhaps some intense perilous situations.

The show provides a refreshing chance to expose kids to South Pacific language and culture. Storylines promote positive social learning around self-identity. The lead character Moana displaying confidence, courage and empathy makes her a strong role model.

We hope this parents guide provides a useful preview to judge if Moana: The Series matches your family's viewing preferences. Keep in mind guidance may evolve once the show is available to screen. But with Disney's brand approach, inflammatory content is unlikely.

Now let's explore some specific areas that parents may want more details on before determining if Moana: The Series is suitable for their children.

Scary Content Details

While there are no horrifying or adult-level frightening scenes in Moana: The Series, some moments may unsettle more sensitive young kids. Areas to note include:

Storms and Waves

• As an island girl, Moana faces towering ocean waves and harsh storms. In tropical areas, these can seem scary in real life.
• Giant waves threaten to overturn Moana's boat. She gets tossed around at times but comes out alright.
• Waterspouts, big surf crashes and capsizing risks are realistic hazards living in the South Pacific.
• While it makes narrative sense, the intensity may require reassurance for more nervous kids.

Mythological Creatures

• In Polynesian folklore, the sea harbors giant eels and creatures that can be confusing or scary.
• There is a massive eel called Tamatoa that is meant to threaten Moana's quest.
• Young kids may find the outsized eel monster with gnashing teeth to be bothersome.
• Remind children these are imaginary figures from stories shared in the islands.

Foreboding Forest and Caves

• Moana journeys into darker geologic areas like forests and caves that take on a foreboding tone.
• Night scenes with shadows and magical light effects add suspense.
• Few real details exist but it's possible bats or bugs might also alarm more fearful kids.

So while Moana: The Series skips genuinely terror-inducing content, parents should watch out for creepier sequences like storms, mythical monsters and dark forests. But these all serve the narrative in a family-friendly manner.

Discussing any frightening elements and providing comfort helps ease worries. And the lead character's poise when facing challenges is designed to be empowering.

Sexual Content Details

As one would expect for a Disney kids series, there is no sexual content in Moana: The Series. Key aspects include:

Character Outfits

• The wardrobe reflects indigenous clothing from South Pacific island cultures.
• Costumes may involve grass skirts but are not designed to be revealing or salacious.
• Body shapes portray normal children's proportions without exaggeration.

Changing Scenes

• There will likely not be any scenes involving changing of outfits or nudity.
• At most characters might switch between some articles of clothing like capes or accessories.

Romantic Plotlines

• Unlike Disney princess tales, Moana does not have suitors or romantic relationships.
• Achieving self-identity and serving her people are Moana's main concerns.
• So there is no kissing, dating, flirting or inappropriate interplay.

This means parents can feel assured Moana: The Series will not bring up sexual topics in any manner. Kids are free to just enjoy the story escapades without concern for mature relationship content.

Consumerism and Marketing Details

Moana: The Series itself should not overtly promote products or brands since there are no merchandising tie-ins evident within the show. But parents should be aware of marketing efforts that use the series to sell all kinds of Moana-themed items. Key aspects to note include:

Disney Moana Toy Lines

• Disney has produced a range of Moana dolls, costumes, LEGO sets and other toys since the original 2016 film.
• These toy lines will likely be refreshed and expanded once Moana: The Series drives new interest.
• Kids will desire the latest Moana figurines, roleplay items and construction sets which Disney will gladly sell to them.

Clothing and Costumes

• Little girls especially may covet Moana-decorated dresses, capes, and hair accessories after seeing them on their favorite character.
• Party supply stores will stock costumes for dress-up play allowing kids to emulate the Polynesian styles.
• Tropical motif garments and jewelry tapped into the 2016 movie mania - and Moana garb will abound again.

Books and Arts/Crafts

• Disney will reprint existing Moana storybooks spotlighting new episodes from the streaming series.
• Expect Moana paper dolls, coloring books and arts/crafts kits to flood retailers.
• These aim to inspire creativity but also translate into purchases off the screen.

So while not overtly marketing inside the show, children are bound to encounter extensive Moana-themed products pushed by Disney marketers.

Managing expectations and setting limits helps filter any over-enthusiasm. Discuss the nature of advertising and importance of conscious consumer choices.

With some wisdom, parents can handle the imminent onslaught of Moana merchandise headed to stores!

Guidance on Discussing Fright Factors

For parents attempting to ease any worries kids may have about storm scenes or creatures in Moana: The Series, here is some guidance on discussing fright factors:

Listen First

• Ask children open-ended questions to learn what exactly made them scared. Often it's something smaller than it seems.

Put Fears in Context

• Explain backstories of mythological figures so they seem less like random monsters.

• Note scary events like storms ultimately pass and no one gets seriously harmed.

Use Gentle Language

• Say you can see why something could worry them, but reinforce that it's pretend or exaggerated on purpose.

Offer Viewing Options

• Remind kids they can look away or leave room temporarily if something is too intense for them.

Provide Comfort

• Keep hugs, blankets or stuffed animals around for kids to ease tension during frightening parts.

Check Back Afterwards

• Follow up to see if certain scenes are still bothering them after viewing.

Model Bravery

• Point out when characters like Moana demonstrate courage in the face of unlikely threats.

With the right perspective and support, kids gain confidence to overcome imaginary fears while still enjoying the action. Welcome discussing any concerns openly as you experience Moana: The Series together.

Examples of Positive Role Models

Moana: The Series offers several positive role models for kids as they form their values and self-identity. Parents can point to behaviors and attitudes modeled by lead characters that exemplify responsible behaviors.

Moana

• Shows courage by voyaging into the uncertain ocean to save her people, not afraid to assert herself
• Refuses to abandon her mission even when confronted by unusual challenges and scary creatures
• Acts based on guidance from elders like her grandmother who enriched her knowledge
• Willing to apologize and improve after making mistakes rather than give up
• Respects and honors the history and culture of her Polynesian heritage

Maui

• Protects Moana out of duty and genuine care rather than self-interest
• Overcomes selfish instincts and understands when his actions hurt others
• Uses humor and empathy to lift up friends when they struggle
• Forges on despite embarrassment over having made regrettable choices earlier in life

Chief Tui

• Leads with compassion by listening first to counsel from his wife and daughter
• Puts needs of villagers above his personal goals or thirst for control
• Agrees to new innovations like voyaging when evidence supports it

• Encourages Moana to chart her own course after accepting her independent spirit

  Exposing kids to portrayals of positive behavior in media guides them to emulate those actions. Moana: The Series has solid role models for overcoming flaws, avoiding judgments and persevering through trials - life skills kids need too.

Analyzing character motivations allows families to level deeper about moral choices. Parents can reinforce instances when protagonists opt for patience over anger or courage over fear.

There will be dialogue opportunities around parallels between role model behaviors witnessed in the show compared to real-life situations kids face with peers or authority figures.

So leverage the strong characters in Moana: The Series to ignite meaningful discussions around doing the right thing even when it seems challenging at first.

Examples of Promoting Inclusion and Diversity

Moana: The Series empowers kids to appreciate diversity and inclusion by spotlighting Polynesian culture rarely seen in major animated films. Parents can reinforce messages around:

Respecting Distinct Cultures

• Notice customs like songs, clothing, food and history unique to Pacific Islanders
• Point out subtleties between island tribes - Moana is Motunui while Maui was born a demigod
• No culture is portrayed as superior, just shown to have different languages, tools and rituals

Avoiding Stereotypes

• Characters display multidimensional traits beyond any broad stereotypes
• No accents or behaviors aimed at cheap laughs relying on outdated notions
• Gender roles are balanced evenly - Moana's father listens to her mother's counsel

Elevating Representation

• An entire show centered around Polynesians still rarely spotlighted in Western media
• Empowers kids from that ethnic background to see heroes who look like them

So families watching Moana: The Series can affirm values around cultural relativity. When no group is portrayed as "odd" or inferior, it promotes harmony.

Kids start recognizing any of their own biases. And exposure to unique traditions encourages active interest in diversity beyond shows.

If children seem confused or ask shallow questions, lean into those opportunities. Discuss respectful language and erase misperceptions.

Examination of different culturalexperience happens best through open conversation. Leverage Moana: The Series to model inclusion in your home.

By handling diversity with wisdom early on, kids carry that compassion forward.