Franklin has built a real following in the US on Pure Flix and Amebatv Amazon Channel among viewers who do not usually seek out animation. With 6 seasons behind it, the show has had time to find its rhythm and keep it. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Watch it in order — the character development is cumulative. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Pure Flix.

Franklin is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. Franklin has the visual identity that makes it immediately recognisable, and the writing to back it up. Franklin is an Canadian educational animated television series, based on the Franklin the Turtle books by Brenda Clark and Paulette Bourgeois. The television series was named after its main character, Franklin the Turtle. It was produced by PolyGram Television, Alphanim, LuxAnimation, Nelvana, Neurones Enterprises, Reader's Digest for Young Families, TF1, Funbag Animation Studios, Europool, Mini TFO, and Family Channel, and syndicated by Summit Entertainment. Richard Newman and Cole Caplan bring voice work that does more than the format usually asks for. The series ran for 6 seasons (1997–2004), building a story that gave its audience time to invest properly. What makes Franklin more than a curiosity is writing that would hold up in any format. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Animation fans will appreciate the craft, but Franklin works for viewers who do not typically seek out animation too. If you have already watched Superbook, Franklin is a natural next step. The 6-season run rewards the patience it asks of you. Visually distinctive and narratively ambitious in ways that hold up regardless of format. Worth watching in order from the beginning.

Franklin wrapped up in 2004, created by Paulette Bourgeois — and 6 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.