If You Love 'Hoppers', You Need to Discover the Charming Series Its Director Made a Decade Ago

Daniel Chong is one of the biggest names in animation today. His feature debut, Hoppers, earned a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes, restoring Pixar's faith in original projects.

But long before he began working with industry giants, Chong created something special for television. In 2015, Cartoon Network launched We Bare Bears, a series about three bear brothers trying to fit into the human world.

This seemingly simple concept turned into one of the warmest and most humane animated series of the decade.

What Is 'We Bare Bears' About?

Grizzly, Panda, and Ice Bear are three bear brothers who live in a cave near San Francisco. They can talk, use the internet, go shopping, and dream of making friends with humans.

However, their natural simplicity and kindness often clash with the cynicism of modern society. Grizzly is the energetic, proactive, and responsible eldest brother.

Panda is the sentimental middle brother who is constantly experiencing emotional crises and is addicted to social media. Ice Bear is the youngest and most mysterious brother, the linchpin of the household.

Daniel Chong Created 'We Bare Bears' 12 Years Before 'Hoppers' – and Its Influence Is Evident in the Feature-Length Work

Daniel Chong worked in Pixar's creative department for many years, but it was We Bare Bears that brought him to the public's attention. The series evolved from his webcomics, and that is evident in each episode, which is like a short sketch: lighthearted, funny, and often deeply touching.

Chong deftly uses anthropomorphic animals to depict millennials' social anxieties: social media addiction, fear of rejection, and attempts to live up to others' expectations.

This experience came in handy in Hoppers: the main character, Mabel, becomes a beaver and literally steps into someone else's skin to understand the animal world. Just like the bears, she struggles to find her place in this alien environment.

'We Bare Bears' Is the Perfect Relaxing Experience for Both Kids and Adults

Children will love the vibrant characters, funny situations, and gentle humor. Adults will appreciate the irony, references to contemporary culture, and the depth behind the simple plots.

We Bare Bears is a story about the importance of being yourself in a world that constantly demands conformity. Grizzly, Panda, and Ice Bear aren't trying to be popular with thousands of followers – they just want to be kind and make friends.

This simplicity is We Bare Bears' main charm. The animation is soft, the music is pleasant, and the episodes are short – perfect for relaxing in the evening after work or school.

There is also an underlying mystery: we know almost nothing about the brothers' past, and this secret will unfold gradually.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'We Bare Bears'?

• We Bare Bears has 88% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.8/10.

Where to Watch 'We Bare Bears'?

We Bare Bears is available to stream on HBO Max and Prime Video.