Apple TV+ original animated series Stillwater won a Peabody Award today for excellence in storytelling, and for work that encourages empathy. Actor Goldie Hawn, who has worked extensively with kids on various forms of programming, presented the award in a video.
The honor follows the network’s popular comedy Ted Lasso winning its own Peabody earlier this week, in part for countering toxic masculinity. Its the third Peabody Award for an Apple original series following last year’s win for Dickinson. The service also notched two wins in the Critics Choice Real TV Awards this week.
The Peabody Awards recognize excellence in broadcasting and digital media, including television, radio, podcasts and the web, in entertainment, news, documentary, children’s and public service programming.
Stillwater runs deep, pun definitely intended
Streaming on streaming video service Apple TV+, Stillwater seeks to teach kids and families about mindfulness, empathy and friendship. Since it first aired in December 2020, it has earned an Annie Award nomination and has charmed young viewers with its enlightening parables rendered in a hand-drawn style.
Goldie Hawn presented the award in a video, nearly tearing up as she did so. She urged everyone, not only children, to watch the show.
“Stillwater is a great example of how people in our own industry can be responsible to the well-being of our children,” Hawn said in her presentation. “Because, you see, we’re feeding them seeds. Seeds for their brain. Seeds for the minds. And giving them ways and means to have an experience. And that’s what Stillwater is. It’s a happy experience. It’s a calm experience. With the most adorable, brilliant, wise panda. Every stroke is mindful.”
Based on the Zen Shorts book series
Stillwater is based on Scholastic’s Caldecott Award-winning book series, Zen Shorts, by Jon J Muth. The series centers on siblings Karl, Addy and Michael, who are typical kids with typical kid challenges. Sometimes even the smallest problems can feel insurmountable to them.
Fortunately, the kids have a wise panda named Stillwater living next door. Through his example, stories and gentle humor, Stillwater gives the children a deeper understanding of their feelings as well as tools that help them face their own day-to-day challenges. He also brings newfound fun and adventure.
The series’ executive producers are Sidonie Dumas, Christophe Riandee, Nicolas Atlan, Terry Kalagian, Iole Lucchese, Caitlin Friedman, Jef Kaminsky and Rob Hoegee. It features voice actors James Sie, Eva Binder, Tucker Chandler and Judah Mackey.
To date, Apple original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 116 wins and 389 awards nominations.
Watching Stillwater and other shows on Apple TV+ streaming video service requires $4.99-a-month subscription.
