Watch The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers

The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, from Disney+, is a continuation of the beloved Mighty Ducks franchise that first appeared in the 1992 movie and spawned two sequels and an animated TV series. The new show is set in Minnesota, the traditional home of hockey, and follows a new group of misfit kids who are trying to form their own hockey team after being rejected by the mighty Ducks, a team that has become a youth hockey powerhouse in the community.

The show's main character is Evan (played by Brady Noon from Good Boys), a 12-year-old boy who loves hockey and dreams of playing for the Ducks. However, when he fails to make the team due to their strict and competitive culture, he becomes disillusioned and decides to quit. His mother, Alex (played by Lauren Graham from Gilmore Girls), a former lawyer who gave up her career to take care of her son, sees how upset Evan is and decides to help him start his own team, which they will call the Don't Bothers.

Alex is joined by Nick (played by Maxwell Simkins), who is also rejected by the Ducks and is eager to join Evan's new team. However, Nick is not a skilled player and has a lot of learning to do before he can contribute on the ice. With the help of a washed-up former Ducks player named Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez, reprising his role from the films), who becomes their new coach, the Don't Bothers begin their journey to build a successful hockey team from scratch.

Throughout the show's 10-episode first season, the Don't Bothers face a variety of challenges and obstacles as they try to build their team and become a competitive force in the league. They must recruit new players from the community, find a place to practice and play their games, and confront other teams that underestimate their abilities. At the same time, Evan must balance his new responsibilities as the team captain with his schoolwork and friendships, while Alex struggles to balance her new coaching duties with her personal life.

The show also deals with themes of friendship, teamwork, and inclusion. Evan and his teammates come from diverse backgrounds and have different skill levels, but they all share a passion for the sport and a desire to succeed. They learn to work together and support each other, even when things get tough. The show also touches on issues like bullying and the pressure parents can put on their children to succeed in sports.

One of the strengths of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers is its ability to balance humor with heart. The show is often lighthearted and fun, with plenty of slapstick comedy and witty one-liners. However, it also has moments of genuine emotion and tenderness, particularly in Evan's relationship with his mother and his struggles to find his place in the world. Lauren Graham is a standout as Alex, bringing her trademark wit and warmth to the role.

Another strength of the show is its use of nostalgia. For fans of the original Mighty Ducks movies, there are plenty of callbacks and Easter eggs to enjoy, from the return of Emilio Estevez as Gordon Bombay to the reappearance of old logos and team uniforms. However, the show also stands on its own, with a fresh and modern take on the underdog sports story.

Overall, The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers is a fun and engaging family show that will appeal to both old fans and new. It has a talented cast, a strong message, and plenty of heart. With a second season already confirmed, audiences can look forward to more adventures with the Don't Bothers in the future.

The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on March 26, 2021.