I'm not exactly what you would call the biggest fan of Disney Junior. I like their shows, but at the same time, they're nothing to write home about. Elena of Avalor and The Lion Guard (both great shows) are confirmed to be ending by the "Fans of Nick Jr, Disney Junior or PBS Kids Shows" Facebook page, along with Doc McStuffins (great) and Puppy Dog Pals (good). That leaves Fancy Nancy (meh), Mickey and the Roadster Racers (mixed bag), Muppet Babies 2018 (good), Gigantosaurus (great), Vampirina (great), and PJ Masks (terrible). I think the main problem that I have with DJ shows is that they recycle the same tropes over and over.
TOTS is a welcome change of pace. It's one of the DJ shows I've felt totallty invested in since Elena. It features new story elements for once. There's an underlying, subtle arc, kids tasked with huge responsibilities, and even some racism (JP looks down on Pip and Freddy because they're not storks). All this is mixed with cute babies and a sweet atmosphere. Yet it's a good mix. It feels natural. It makes sense that a show involving babies would be cute and fluffy, but since such a task is a tall order, it also has some deeper themes.
Pip and Freddie are very likable. You can really sympathize with them as they try to be as good as the storks. Pip is serious and calm, while Freddie is fun-loving and silly, making them the perfect foils to each other. Their bird species and character designs also highlight their contrast. Captain Beakman is a stern yet supportive mentor figure to them. KC is my personal favorite, she's a sweet big sister figure to Pip & Freddie. While JP can be vain at times, he makes up for it with his usefulness and hidden heart of gold.
The animation - I LOVE the animation. The CGI is well done (credit to Titmouse) and cartoony - almost like a CGI Looney Tunes. It's not photorealistic, but given the show's nature, it doesn't have to be. The songs are pretty catchy. I dismissed "Bringing This Baby Home" as a generic pop song at first, but it's grown on me a lot. My favorite song is KC's Lullaby.
If you want to get into a DJ show, this show would be a great place to start.
