Shape Island
| Shape Island | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | |
| Created by | |
| Based on | Triangle, Square, and Circle by
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| Directed by | Drew Hodges |
| Voices of | |
| Narrated by | Yvette Nicole Brown[1] |
| Composer | Andrew Carroll |
| Country of origin |
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| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 18 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Producers |
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| Cinematography | Eric Adkins |
| Editor | Guy Handelman |
| Running time | 22–24 minutes (roughly 11 minutes per segment) |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Apple TV+ |
| Release | January 20, 2023 – present |
Shape Island is an American animated children's television series based on the children's books Triangle, Circle, and Square written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen.[3] It features Harvey Guillén as the voice of Square, Gideon Adlon as the voice of Circle, and Scott Adsit as the voice of Triangle. Shape Island is a co-production between Bix Pix Entertainment and Apple Studios. Each episode has two animated segments per half-hour episode. The show premiered on Apple TV+ on January 20, 2023, where it is available to stream. A Halloween special was released on October 20, 2023 and a Winter special was released on December 1, 2023.[4][5]
A second season was released on August 29, 2025.[6]
Premise
[edit]Set on a fictional island, the series follows the story of three anthropomorphic shapes: Square, Circle, and Triangle. Each shape has a unique personality that often tests each other's patience, but their friendship is maintained throughout the series.
Characters
[edit]
- Square (voiced by Harvey Guillén) is a cube. He is the most fastidious of the shapes, but always rises to the occasion when called upon for action. He pushes blocks around for a living and likes order and routine.
- Circle (voiced by Gideon Adlon) is a sphere. She is the oldest, most powerful, and wisest shape on the island. Unlike the other two shapes, Circle has magic powers. For example, she can fly, grow very large, and has telekinesis.
- Triangle (voiced by Scott Adsit) is a pyramid. He is the messiest, silliest, and most disorganized of the shapes. These personality traits often put him in conflict with Square.
The show is narrated by Yvette Nicole Brown.
Production
[edit]Executive producers Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen always envisioned their children's book trilogy as a children's television series. The characters in the series, like in the books, are complex and driven by their personalities instead of plot or themes. In that regard, the writers were influenced by the structure of the sitcom Seinfeld.[7] Sesame Street was another major influence.[8]
Stop-motion animation was chosen to give the show a three-dimensional feel that is simple, not out of reach, and recognizable to children. Emmy and Annie Award-winning animation studio Bix Pix Entertainment joined the series.[9] The writers faced challenges in adapting the books to screen, but they were able to overcome these difficulties by working closely with the production team at Bix Pix Entertainment. Director and executive producer Drew Hodges explained, "In the books, there is a lot of negative space on the page that the reader gets to fill in with their imagination. The books convey so much with very few images. But we had to fill that space with physical sets and props."[10] It took two and a half years to produce the first season of the show, plus an additional four-to-five years of developing and pitching the show. Due to the laborious process of stop motion animation, the production schedule was about 20 months.[11]
Barnett described the voice actors as "gifted comedians" and the experience of working with them was enjoyable to him.[12] Harvey Guillén explained how he developed the voice of Square: "We knew that we wanted Square to be very empathetic, very endearing and sweet, and not causing too much trouble, always playing by the rules, but also to show that we could relate to him. We could be on his side. So, even though he goes through challenges, we relate to him as well."[13] Reflecting on her role as the Narrator, Yvette Nicole Brown said:
“[T]his is my favorite show that I’ve done voiceover for. Every time I would get a call where they need you to do more Shape, I’m like, let’s go win-win, because it’s just relaxing and I get to be silly ... and they just let me. It’s like a warm hug. You just kind of lay in there and you tell the story. So this is my favorite voiceover to do and it’s one of my favorite shows to watch because it’s just so beautiful and just soulful. It’s just a soulful, sweet show."[14]
Due to their busy schedules, the actors often recorded their parts separately from each other.[15]
In discussing the show's second season, Barnett and Klassen explained that they wanted the new episodes to feel like spending time with old friends while also exploring fresh directions. Klassen described Season 1 as a learning process and Season 2 as a chance to experiment with more ambitious storytelling. Production on the first two seasons overlapped.[16]
Episodes
[edit]Season 1 (2023)
[edit]| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Square's Very Kind Gesture" | Drew Hodges | Toby Jones | January 20, 2023 | |||||
| "The Eclipse" | Niki Yang | ||||||||
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Square makes a mistake of sharing rare bananas. Square and Triangle attempt to keep a secret from Circle. | |||||||||
| 2 | "Square's Big Prank" | Drew Hodges | Ryan Pequin | January 20, 2023 | |||||
| "Circle's Plan Falls Apart" | Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen | ||||||||
|
Eager to outwit Triangle, Square plans a sneaky surprise. Circle searches for answers when a critter kidnaps her prized plant. | |||||||||
| 3 | "Triangle Gets Carried Away" | Drew Hodges | Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen | January 20, 2023 | |||||
| "Square's Different Day" | |||||||||
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A simple plan leads to an enormous project for Triangle. Square works on a sculpture of Circle. | |||||||||
| 4 | "Triangle Day" | Drew Hodges | Mamoudou N'Diaye | January 20, 2023 | |||||
| "The Storm" | Maddie Queripel | ||||||||
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Square and Circle learn how to celebrate a unique holiday. An approaching storm excites Triangle and worries his friends Square and Circle. | |||||||||
| 5 | "Message in a Bottle" | Drew Hodges | Sam Spina | January 20, 2023 | |||||
| "Square's Special Place" | Toby Jones | ||||||||
|
Square and Triangle find mysterious bottles on the beach. While playing hide-and-seek, Square discovers a peaceful spot. | |||||||||
| 6 | "Triangle Goes Solo" | Drew Hodges | Louise Rozett | January 20, 2023 | |||||
| "Circle Makes a Mistake" | Ryan Pequin | ||||||||
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The fearless Triangle sets out on his own. Circle leads a journey to ancient ruins and unexpectedly runs into trouble. | |||||||||
| 7 | "Square's Sleepover" | Drew Hodges | Sam Spina | January 20, 2023 | |||||
| "Growing Pains" | Alex Horab | ||||||||
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A change of plans test Square's patience. Circle helps Square start a garden, but she struggles with his instant success. | |||||||||
| 8 | "Triangle and Square's Big Game" | Drew Hodges | Mamoudou N'Diaye | January 20, 2023 | |||||
| "The Shooting Star" | Amanda Gotera | ||||||||
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When Circle brushes off their game, Triangle and Square feel insecure. A mysterious meteor crash inspires a trek across the island. | |||||||||
| 9 | "Creepy Cave Crawl" | Drew Hodges | Ryan Pequin | October 20, 2023 | |||||
|
After Triangle pranks them, Circle and Square celebrate Halloween on their own with all treats and no tricks. | |||||||||
| 10 | "The Winter Blues" | Drew Hodges | Amanda Gotera | December 1, 2023 | |||||
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The chilly season leaves Square feeling sad, so Circle and Triangle try to cheer him up by creating a new holiday: Yeti Night. | |||||||||
Season 2 (2025)
[edit]| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | "Narrator's Big Day" | Drew Hodges | Toby Jones | August 29, 2025 | |||||
| "Square's Time Chest" | Niki Yang | ||||||||
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The Shapes' rather ordinary day gives Narrator time to herself. Square struggles to find the perfect object for his time capsule. | |||||||||
| 12 | "Glitter Pen" | Drew Hodges | Alex Horab | August 29, 2025 | |||||
| "Triangle's Allergy" | Niki Yang | ||||||||
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Square feels guilty after trading away a gift from Circle. Square and Circle try to find the source of Triangle's allergies. | |||||||||
| 13 | "Square's Missing Mug" | Drew Hodges | Shane Portman | August 29, 2025 | |||||
| "Triangle Stands Still" | Maddie Queripel | ||||||||
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The disappearance of Square's favorite mug sends him on an island-wide hunt. Triangle bets Circle that he can meditate for 10 minutes. | |||||||||
| 14 | "Circle's Roommate" | Drew Hodges | Alex Horab | August 29, 2025 | |||||
| "The Frog-Off" | Mamoudou N'Diaye | ||||||||
|
Circle wakes up to a surprise—and suddenly needs a place to stay. A new visitor to the island creates quite a stir. | |||||||||
| 15 | "From Top to Bottom" | Drew Hodges | Shakira Pressley | August 29, 2025 | |||||
| "Circle's Equal" | Ryan Pequin | ||||||||
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Circle, Square, and Triangle face off in a wild race for a tasty prize. Circle is thrilled to finally meet a Shape like her. | |||||||||
| 16 | "The Perfect Gift" | Drew Hodges | Amanda Gotera | August 29, 2025 | |||||
| "Hat Couture" | Maddie Queripel | ||||||||
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Triangle and Square follow a mysterious map, hoping to find treasure. Circle's hat design inspires her to make bigger, better creations. | |||||||||
| 17 | "Triangle has Superpowers" | Drew Hodges | Shane Portman | August 29, 2025 | |||||
| "The Sound of Circle" | Taneka Stotts | ||||||||
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After wishing on a "star," Triangle is convinced his wish has come true. Triangle and Square want Circle to join their band. | |||||||||
| 18 | "The Big Tooth" | Drew Hodges | Amanda Gotera | August 29, 2025 | |||||
| "Picture Day" | Niki Yang | ||||||||
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A teeny-tiny Circle is determined to prove she doesn't need help. The Shapes run into obstacles trying to take their annual photo. | |||||||||
Release
[edit]The show premiered on Apple TV+ internationally in 2023.
Reception
[edit]The show was praised by both television critics and parent guides. Common Sense Media wrote, "Aesthetically, the show has gorgeous visuals, stop-motion animation, and music. Grown-ups may also appreciate the slower pace and lower-key dialogue compared to many preschool series."[17] Parents praised its themes "which touch on curiosity, experimentation, and creativity; outdoor, independent play; and peaceful conflict resolution, among other important social skills."[18]
The show was recommended by the New York Times: "The show’s sense of warmth extends beyond its attitude to its enchanting design; its sun-dappled beaches and glowing forest groves could bring Instagram to its knees, and Square could give an Architectural Digest tour of his Scandi-Bohemian minimalist kitchen."[19] The Times also recommended the show's holiday special "The Winter Blues."[20] Cult of Mac praised the show, specifically the writing, animation, and the voice cast: "Shape Island is marvelously animated, hysterically performed, carefully written and beautifully directed. It’s a stop-motion home run for Apple TV+."[21]
Awards
[edit]
| Year | Award | Category | Recipients | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Annecy International Animated Film Festival[22] | Jury Award for a TV Series | Drew Hodges | Won |
| 2nd Children's and Family Emmy Awards | Visual Effects for a Live Action Program[23] | Andrew Babick | Nominated | |
| Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation[24] | Ellen Coons (animator) | Won | ||
| 2024 | 51st Annie Awards[25] | Best Special Production | "The Winter Blues" | Nominated |
| Best TV/Media - Children | "Square's Special Place" | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ Sam Rubin; Christine Samra (February 2, 2023). "Yvette Nicole Brown explains the lessons learned from 'Shape Island'". KTLA. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Lang, Jamie (January 20, 2023). "Scene Breakdown: The Creative Process Behind Apple's Stop-Motion Series 'Shape Island'". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Zahed, Ramin (January 20, 2023). "A Visit to the Charming Stop-Motion World of 'Shape Island'". Animation Magazine. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (September 14, 2023). "Apple TV+ Orders DreamWorks Animation Series 'Curses'; Sets 'Interrupting Chicken' Season 2 Premiere & 'Shape Island' Halloween Special (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "Apple TV+ decks the halls with all-new kids and family live-action animated hybrid special, "The Velveteen Rabbit," launching globally November 22". Apple TV+. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (July 21, 2025). "Apple TV+ Returns to 'Shape Island' with Season 2 Set for August Debut". Animation Magazine. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
- ^ Dasgupta, Riju. "Apple TV+: Author Mac Barnett ...." Sportskeeda. 4 September 2025. 4 September 2025.
- ^ Woods, Kathia. "'Shape Island' is for everyone, especially the smallest community members." phillytrib.com. 5 September 2025. 5 September 2025.
- ^ Debbie Diamond Sarto (January 23, 2023). "Bix Pix Brings Great 'Form' to Apple TV+'s 'Shape Island' Kids' Series". Animation World Network. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Davis, Victoria. "Creators Talk ‘Shape Island’ Origins and Season 2 Fun." Animation World Network. 29 August 2025. 2 September 2025.
- ^ Jeremy Kirkland (January 30, 2023). "Mac Barnett and His Shape Island". Blamo! Podcast (Podcast). Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Aquino, Gilcy (January 19, 2023). "TV Alert: 'Shape Island'". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Andrew, Stephen (February 2, 2023). "Harvey Guillen Talks Positive Inspiration of Apple TV+ Series 'Shape Island,' Finding 'Empathic' Voice for Square Character". popculture.com. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Gilmore, Brad. "Streaming: Invasion, Late-Night ...." Houston Press. 27 August 2025. 27 August 2025.
- ^ Ruby, Jamie (February 7, 2023). "Harvey Guillén on Voicing Square in Shape Island, Now on Apple TV+". SciFi Vision. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Zahed, Ramin. "Return to ‘Shape Island’: Creators Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen Discuss the Second Season of Their Award-Winning Show." Animation Magazine. 28 August 2025.
- ^ Moulton, Ashley. "Shape Island TV Review". www.commonsensemedia.org. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Sherman, Elizabeth. "First Look at Season 2 of 'Shape Island' and Why Parents Will Love It Just as Much as Kids." Parents. 19 August 2025. 21 August 2025.
- ^ Lyons, Margaret (January 19, 2023). "How Much Watching Time Do You Have This Weekend?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ Lyons, Margaret (November 30, 2023). "How Much Watching Time Do You Have This Weekend?". The New York Times. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
- ^ Tafoya, Scout (January 20, 2023). "Shape Island squares the circle: It's stop-motion perfection for kids and parents". www.cultofmac.com. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
- ^ "2023 Annecy Festival Winners". The Hollywood Reporter. June 17, 2023. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
- ^ "The 2nd Annual Children's & Family Nominees!". The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. November 2, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
- ^ Zahed, Ramin. "Exclusive: Children’s and Family Emmy Winners for Individual Achievement in Animation Are Announced." Animation Magazine. 8 December 2023. 11 January 2024.
- ^ "Netflix's 'Nimona' Leads Annie Awards 2024 Nominations". Variety. June 17, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2024.