A Home Run of Heart, Humor, and Controversy
Pixar Animation Studios is stepping up to the plate with its first-ever original streaming series, Win or Lose, now available exclusively on Disney+. Known for crafting emotionally rich and visually stunning storytelling, Pixar takes a fresh and ambitious swing at long-form animation, following the intertwined journeys of eight characters as they prepare for the biggest game of their lives—a championship softball match.
From insecure kids and overzealous parents to a lovesick umpire, Win or Lose doesn’t just focus on the action on the field—it dives deep into the hearts and minds of its characters, showing how life’s biggest moments aren’t just about winning or losing but the personal battles we face along the way.
To celebrate its launch, Pixar has released two exclusive clips and a featurette that gives fans a closer look at the making of this landmark series. “That’s Game” follows Frank, an umpire who calls the game with absolute confidence—until he faces the harsh reality of overbearing parents on the sidelines. Featuring Milan Elizabeth Ray and Rosa Salazar, this episode highlights the pressure of staying cool under fire.
“Go Rochelle,” debuting next Wednesday, shifts the spotlight to Vanessa, a single mom balancing real life and social media fame. But when she arrives at the game, she realizes her daughter Rochelle is the true star. Featuring Josh Thomson, this heartfelt episode explores parenting in the age of social media.
The behind-the-scenes featurette, “Creating the Pickles,” offers a deep dive into Pixar’s innovative animation techniques and storytelling approach. With insights from Pixar CCO Pete Docter, creators Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, and producer David Lally, fans get an inside look at the unique visual styles used to reflect each character’s emotions.
Critics are already calling Win or Lose another Pixar triumph, boasting an impressive 89% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The series is praised for its clever storytelling, diverse perspectives, and emotionally resonant themes, proving that Pixar can hit just as hard in episodic form as it does on the big screen. However, the series hasn’t been without controversy. The decision to remove mention of a character’s trans identity has cast a shadow over its release, igniting discussions about representation in mainstream animation. While Win or Lose still champions inclusivity through its richly diverse cast, the creative choice has sparked debate among fans and critics alike.
Bringing Win or Lose to life is a powerhouse voice cast featuring Will Forte as Coach Dan, Josh Thomson as Frank, Milan Elizabeth Ray as Rochelle, Rosa Salazar as Vanessa, Dorien Watson, Izaac Wang, Chanel Stewart, Lil Rel Howery, Melissa Villaseñor, Flula Borg, Kyleigh Curran, Jaylin Fletcher, Erin Keif, Tom Law, Beck Nolan, Orion Tran, and Rhea Seehorn. With Ramin Djawadi composing the score and CAMPFIRE providing original songs, Win or Lose is primed to capture audiences with its unique blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes drama.
Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the deep emotional storytelling, or the stunning animation, Win or Lose is a must-watch for Pixar fans. As the studio’s first foray into episodic storytelling, it proves that every game—just like every story—is won in the moments that matter most. Now streaming on Disney+.
