Motown Magic

America

The story

Motown Magic is an animated children's television series, created by Josh Wakely, and produced for Netflix. The series follows Ben, described by Netflix as "a wide-eyed 8-year-old with a big heart and an amazing imagination", who uses a magic paintbrush to bring the street art in Motown to life. Wakely acquired worldwide rights from the music of Motown to feature in the series. The program features versions of songs by the popular record label, performed by contemporary recording artists and interwoven into the narrative. Motown hits that are recorded in the series are from such performers as The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.

The series was first made available worldwide on Netflix on November 20, 2018.

Cast and characters

Avia Fields as Ben
Marissa Buccianti as Ella
Betsy Kenney as Angie
Monie Mon as Mickey
Alex Thomas as Brad, Jimmy Mack
Steven Cantor as Dancing Machine
Rhonda Morman as Grandma Ruby
Ryan Robinson as Grandpa Marvin
Byron Marc Newsome as Uncle Rod
Kelly Jean Badgley as Jenny, Stephanie, Mrs Hernandez
Ingrid Nilson as Harmony
Autumn Joy as Bernadette, Skywritter
Amanuel Richards as Bill
Peter Tiganis as Johnny
Tessa VonderHaar as Nelly
Lani Minella as Lorenzo
Lauren Flans as Bonnie
Marc Graue as Magical River
AJ Hudson as Hunter
Dustin Green as Skateboard
Shawn Michael Howard as Clarence
Michael Bearden as Doc Ellington

Reception

Motown Magic received favourable reviews. Critics praised the concept of reimagining Motown songs for a young audience.

Soundtracks

The first soundtrack to the show was released on online music-streaming service Apple Music on November 20, 2018.