Watch Blaze and the Monster Machines
- TV-Y
- 2014
- 9 Seasons
-
5.7 (982)
Blaze and the Monster Machines is an animated television show aimed at preschool-aged children that premiered on Nickelodeon in 2014. Produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, the show features a cast of anthropomorphic monster trucks and their human driver, Axle City's resident mechanic and hero-in-training, Blaze. The show stars Nolan North as Blaze, the red monster truck with flame motifs on its body that can transform into any type of vehicle. Nat Faxon plays AJ, Blaze's best friend and driver, who operates the truck through a pair of wrist control units. Kevin Michael Richardson voices several characters on the show, including two of the villains, Crusher and Pickle. Each episode of Blaze and the Monster Machines centers around a problem or challenge that Blaze and AJ need to solve with the help of their other monster truck friends, such as Darington, Zeg, and Stripes. The challenges are usually related to STEM concepts such as math, physics, and engineering, which the characters apply to their problem-solving process. One of the unique aspects of the show is its use of scientific concepts to create tension and conflict. For example, in one episode, Blaze and AJ need to help a group of small trucks cross a gap to reach the other side, but the bridge they need to cross is too narrow for the larger Blaze. They solve the problem by using the concept of balance, with Blaze crossing the bridge while leaning sideways to even out his weight distribution. Another episode features Blaze and AJ trying to build a new race track that can accommodate all of their monster truck friends. They use their understanding of geometry, angles, and physics to create the perfect track, which culminates in a thrilling race. In addition to the STEM-based challenges, Blaze and the Monster Machines also incorporates important lessons about teamwork, cooperation, and friendship. Blaze and his friends must work together to overcome obstacles and complete their missions, learning valuable lessons along the way. The show has been praised for its positive representation of STEM concepts and for encouraging young children, especially girls, to embrace science and engineering. The characters are diverse and inclusive, with female characters like Gabby, Nella, and Watts playing important roles in the show's various missions. Blaze and the Monster Machines has been a commercial success for Nickelodeon and has generated a range of spinoff products, including toys, books, and video games. The show has also been nominated for several Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Animated Program category. In 2021, Nickelodeon announced that Blaze and the Monster Machines would be coming to an end after seven seasons and 110 episodes. The show's creators promised a satisfying conclusion that would tie up loose ends and provide a fitting end to the characters' journeys. Overall, Blaze and the Monster Machines is a fun, educational, and enjoyable show for young children that teaches valuable lessons about science and teamwork. Its innovative use of STEM concepts and diverse, inclusive cast of characters make it a standout in the world of children's television.