WARNING: This is a long post
We've come to an end of another productive year of trying to save Wander Over Yonder. I have to say that is almost a decade since it unfairly got shut down while a third season had been planned. I have to say that it's heartbreaking for me, and it's been messing with my mind endlessly. And what disappoints me even more is that Phineas and Ferb, Kiff, and Big City Greens are the ONLY three animated series at DTVA that are allowed to exceed more than two seasons, which is why I steer clear from DTVA series that ended in victory and/or received more than two seasons. Not to mention that some people are telling me, "It’s just a cartoon," and "It's been ten years since it got canceled. Move on," Honestly, it makes the situation even worse. It seems to me some fans still think they're powerless, dismissive, and fixated on other series. To be frank, as a devoted admirer of Wander and Sylvia's shenanigans, it is DIFFICULT for me to move on at this point, simply because the plans for season 3 still triggers my curiosity to see them.
You know what? I truly wish Disney would give Wander SOMETHING to wrap it up properly.
As I said before, there are four types of people who need to be persuaded to save Wander Over Yonder: the higher ups, those who act like the public is too powerless to do anything about the injustice done to the show, those who are dismissive, and those who are fixated on overrated shows and/or unaware of the underrated ones.
"How can we do that?" You might ask.
Well, here are some ways to effectively persuade them.
The Higher-ups (Executives/Decision Makers)
Approach: Focus on business ROI, cultural legacy, and long-term value.
• Data-Driven Appeal: Present metrics on the show’s fanbase (e.g., social media engagement, streaming numbers). Highlight how reviving Wander Over Yonder could increase revenue via merchandise, streaming platforms, or merchandising tie-ins (e.g., "BreadWIN" as a viral marketing hook).
• Case Studies: Cite examples of shows (e.g., Veronica Mars, Legion) that were rebooted or saved by fan campaigns, resulting in positive brand image and financial gains.
• Cultural Investment Frame: Emphasize the show’s unique blend of humor, philosophy, and visual artistry as a brand asset that sets it apart from generic content. Argue that supporting underdog shows enhances the network’s reputation for quality.
Tone: Professional, solution-oriented, and focus on mutual profit and legacy-building.
The Powerless Public Group
- Approach: Empower through actionable steps and social proof.
• Highlight Success Stories: Share examples of past fan campaigns that worked (e.g., Daria on Netflix). Explain how collective efforts (petitions, social media trends) led to tangible outcomes.
• Simplify Participation: Provide clear, easy-to-follow steps (e.g., signing a Change.org petition, contacting network executives via social media, or organizing local letter-writing campaigns).
• Community Building: Create a sense of unity by spotlighting how fans’ voices, when amplified, can move decisions. Use hashtags (e.g., #SaveWanderToYonder) and share stories of fans who successfully campaigned for causes.
Tone: Encouraging, hopeful. Stress the power of collective action without creating an overwhelming environment.
The "It's Just a Cartoon, Move On" Group
- Approach: Reframe the value of Wander Over Yonder beyond “just a cartoon”.
• Artistic and Philosophical Merit: Compare the show to critically acclaimed works like Gravity Falls (mystery-comedy themes) or Avatar: The Last Airbender (genre-blending storytelling). Acknowledge its humor for adults, its advocacy for empathy, and its exploration of existential ideas (e.g., Wander’s optimism vs. Starling’s cynicism).
• Cultural Impact: Argue that children’s media shapes values and creativity. Saving the show preserves a unique approach to storytelling that respects its audience.
• Nostalgia and Humor: Use lighthearted comparisons (e.g., “Even Phineas and Ferb and Big City Greens got a movie revival—why not Wander Over Yonder?”) to disarm dismissiveness.
Tone: Respectful, educational. Emphasize long-term cultural value over immediate gratification.
The "Overrated DTVA Fixated" Group
- Approach: Bridge preferences with curiosity and comparison.
• Curated Comparisons: Share side-by-side reviews of popular DTVA shows (e.g., Kiff) and Wander Over Yonder, highlighting the latter’s innovation in animation, writing, and emotional depth.
• “Underrated Gems” Lists: Create or share lists of underrated DTVA shows (e.g., Hailey's On It), explaining why their quality deserves recognition. Position Wander Over Yonder as part of this underappreciated legacy.
• Host Engagement: Suggest collaborative watch parties or themed events (e.g., “Weekend of Underrated Cartoons”) to foster discovery. Use humor to challenge gatekeeping: “If you love [overrated show], you’ll LOVE a cartoon that’s bolder and more imaginative.”
Tone: Inclusive, curious. Frame support for Wander Over Yonder as a way to expand appreciation for quality media.
A good rule of thumb is to NEVER antagonize them.
By the by, for those of you who haven't seen this image in disneytva's instagram...
(SOURCE: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSy9yK6jQGM/?igsh=MXNpNnAwaXViamoycA==)
Well, this has got to mean something, right? However, we still have to keep spreading awareness about WOY's incompletion, and I genuinely hope we'll see something WOY related next year.
If you have any questions or ideas on how to spread awareness to Disney or the internet, please feel free to reach out to me. Remember, #SaveWOY!
