Eureka! (2022 TV series)


Eureka! is an American animated children’s television series created by Norton Virgien and Niamh Sharkey that aired on Disney Junior from June 22, 2022 to March 24, 2023. The series is produced by Brown Bag Films. It centers on Eureka, a young prehistoric girl who uses scientific thinking to solve problems.

Premise

In the Stone Age location of Rocky Falls, a prehistoric girl named Eureka enjoys going on adventures and building gadgets to help improve the lifestyles of her family and friends.

Characters

Main

  • Eureka is a liberal and open-minded prehistoric girl who is also an inventor way ahead of her time. She was credited as being responsible for inventing the wheel. To make an invention, Eureka would do something called "Thinkering".
  • Roxy is Eureka's mother who is the proprietor and chef of Paleo, Rocky Falls' only restaurant.
  • Rollo is Eureka's father who owns the pottery shop and is an expert potter.
  • Ohm is Eureka's teacher who has an outdoor classroom.
  • Pepper is one of Eureka's best friends. She's courageous and has super-strength.
  • Barry is one of Eureka's best friends. He's an artist and a drummer.
  • Murphy is Eureka's pet woolly mammoth. Eureka adopted Murphy after saving him from being trapped under a fallen tree branch.
  • Dipply is Pepper's pet diplosaurus.

Recurring

  • Bog is a conservative boy and Eureka's classmate who likes being the leader.
  • * Ump is Bog's pet Glyptosaurus which evokes the traits of a Glyptodon and an armadillo.
  • Clod is a turtle-loving boy and Eureka's classmate who is very loyal to Bog.
  • Julia is a girl who is one of Eureka's classmates and an expert at playing the flute.
  • Ember is a girl with blonde and blue hair who is one of Eureka's classmates.
  • Sierra is Barry's mother who is Rocky Falls' residential dentist.
  • Sandy is Barry's father who is Rocky Falls' residential handyman.
  • Dima is Barry's grandfather.
  • Verna is Barry's grandmother.
  • Wanda is Eureka's paternal grandmother who is a traveler.
  • * Yonder is a ground sloth who is Wanda's pet and travel companion.
  • Yurt is a celebrity drummer whom Barry looks up to.
  • Rockanne is a dance instructor.
  • Chee is the school librarian.
  • Kanga Bird is a dinosaur that evokes the traits of a Kangadon and a bird. Unlike other prehistoric animals in this show, KB is able to speak a few words. He becomes Barry's pet in "Be My KB".
  • Spruce and Cypress Stoneland are twin brothers.
  • Olive and Ivy are Pepper's mothers.
  • Ferreka is the leader of a pack of mischievous bronto-ferrets. Her creativity which rivals that of Eureka earned her the name "Ferreka" which is a portmanteau of ferret and Eureka.

Release

Eureka! premiered on Disney Junior and on the Disney+ streaming service on June 22, 2022.

Reception

Critical response

Alex Reif of LaughingPlace.com said, "The inventions and gadgets Eureka creates range from practical ones in the real world to fantastical ones designed to enchant viewers. Embedded within these stories is some practical science, such as Eureka designing a lift and pulley system to free Murphy when he's stuck. There's also some fun educational opportunities for children watching with a parent over things like a sun dial being used to tell time in Eureka's outdoor classroom. Whether through her actions or the songs she sings, Eureka teaches kids to think outside the box to find solutions to problems. In addition to dinosaurs and fun prehistoric animals, Eureka's world is full of friends that add social lessons for kids through entertaining and engaging stories." Diondra Brown of Common Sense Media gave Eureka! a grade of five out of five stars, praised the depiction of positive messages and role models, stating that the show encourages to be true to oneself and promotes creativity, while noting the educational value and the diversity among the characters.

Accolades

The series was nominated for Outstanding Animated Series at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards. It received a nomination for Outstanding Casting for an Animated Program at the 2nd Children's and Family Emmy Awards.

In other media

Video games

Treehouse Builders.