Pixar’s ‘Win or Lose’ Strikes Out on Key Representation

TORONTO, Canada — Pixar‘s first TV series, “Win or Lose,” made its debut on Disney+ on February 27, 2025, diving into the world of a co-ed middle-school softball team. The series captures the excitement of young players and their families as they prepare for a championship game, but its potential is diminished by a key omission.

The eight-episode series follows the unique perspectives of various characters, each episode dedicated to a different member of the team. This storytelling technique, similar to classic films like “Rashomon,” provides depth to the show, but misses the mark when it comes to substance regarding the sport itself.

“The show is a representation of how growing up can be complicated, especially on a team,” said Carrie Hobson, co-creator of the series. “Our aim was to illustrate themes of connection and self-worth through the lens of youthful relationships and challenges.”

The inaugural episode introduces viewers to Laurie, the coach’s daughter, whose performance almost sabotages their shot at the finals. Despite her struggle with self-confidence, her journey mirrors the experiences of many young athletes attempting to bond with parents through sports.

Following Laurie’s story is Frank, the team’s rules-driven umpire. His character, illustrated through unique animation choices, serves as a metaphor for loneliness and conflict, providing adult perspectives on issues ranging from personal connections to societal expectations.

Despite the show’s vibrancy and connection to family dynamics, not every aspect resonates. As segments rotate between adult and child viewpoints, deeper connections with the game’s culture are sometimes left wanting. Only four of the eight episodes were released prior to the launch, leaving audiences to wonder about the story arcs that may resolve in future episodes.

“Given the episodic format, time constraints affect the ability to fully explore each character’s background and resolutions,” said Amber Dowling, a media critic. “Nonetheless, the concept of viewing events from multiple perspectives holds significant appeal.”

Among the notable characters planned for the series was Kai, a transgender athlete portrayed by transgender voice actor Chanel Stewart. Unfortunately, Disney executives determined that references to Kai’s gender identity would be omitted from the show entirely, a move that has drawn criticism.

The studio justified its decision by claiming parents prefer to introduce such topics to their children on their own terms. However, critics argue this stance contradicts Disney’s history of addressing difficult subjects in family entertainment.

“The timing could not have been more poignant,” noted Hobson. “Transgender representation in youth sports is a topic that deserves exploration, especially today.”

While “Win or Lose” successfully sparks interest in softball among viewers and emphasizes themes of community, the absence of Kai’s storyline leaves a significant gap in representation and dialogue around inclusiveness in sports. The missed opportunity for a progressive portrayal of a transgender athlete is a glaring oversight in an otherwise imaginative project.