‘Common Side Effects,’ ‘Moon Girl,’ ‘Shape Island’ Score Peabody Nominations

Three animated series — HBO Max’s Common Side Effects, Disney’s Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, and Apple’s Shape Island — are among this year’s nominees for the Peabody Awards, continuing a gradual but notable expansion of animation’s presence in one of the industry’s most selective honors.

Common Side Effects, one of last year’s most gilded animation arrivals, was nominated in the entertainment category, where it competes directly with live-action prestige programming. The series represents the ongoing evolution of adult animation into more formally and thematically ambitious territory, using its format to explore contemporary anxieties through a stylized lens. Its inclusion here reinforces the idea that Western adult-oriented animated storytelling need not be relegated strictly to comedy or niche audiences but is increasingly at home alongside mainstream dramatic work.

At the same time, Disney’s tragically canceled Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur continues its strong awards-season run with a nomination in the children’s and youth category. The vibrant series has distinguished itself through a combination of high-energy visual design, contemporary themes and music, and a narrative focus on a young Black girl whose identity is rooted as much in science and intellect as in superhero spectacle. The Peabody recognition signals continued institutional interest in children’s programming that foregrounds cultural specificity while operating within established franchise frameworks. It’s a shame the series only got two seasons.

Also nominated in the children’s category, the stop-motion series Shape Island offers a markedly different approach. Adapted from the picture books by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, the Apple TV+ series leans into minimalism in both its visual design and storytelling rhythms. Its quieter, more contemplative tone stands apart from the loud, fast-paced norms of preschool animation.

Good luck to each of this year’s nominees, and here’s hoping that more animated titles are recognized for these kinds of broad honors in the future.