I make no qualifications with regards to my admiration for “Doc McStuffins” on Disney Junior. There is quite a lot to like about the show. There is the fact the protagonist is both a girl and “of color”. Her ambition is to be a doctor like her mother. Her dad is a stay at home parent. In many ways it is one of the most “modern” programs for children.
Some may balk at the idea of toys coming alive and seeking medical treatment from a human breaking the basic tenant of Toy Story, but I think it’s a cute twist on that premise. Each of the regular cast of toys are solid enough for the purposes of the series, and while many are sort of archetypes, there is enough variety, especially with the “guest” toys that it’s not that bad.
Disney now has the latest DVD available – Doc McStuffins: School Of Medicine which includes five episodes:
Chilly Gets Chilly/Through The Reading Glass
Disco Dress Up Daisy/The Glider Brothers
Celestial Celeste/Run Doc, Run!
Hallie’s Happy Birthday/Shark-Style Toothache
Think Pink/You Foose, You Lose
“Doc McStuffins” may not be as directly educational as some might want, but it is still solid (and positive) entertainment. Because of the characters and premise this series is one of the best on television right now for kids. It would be nicer if the series was released in volumes or season sets, but that apparently isn’t normal practice.
For this DVD release Disney has packed in a paper doll and dress up set. It’s a decent enough activity that includes both the yard and playhouse and a couple of outfits and supporting characters. I don’t see this lasting through many hours of play unless parental care is taken.