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Top Wing
Top Wing
from Wikipedia

Top Wing
GenreChildren's adventure
Comedy
Created byMatthew Fernandes
Developed byScott Kraft
Directed byBill Speers
Voices ofTristan Mercado
Jonah Wineberg
Lilly Bartlam
Abigail Oliver
Lucas Kalechstein
Ethan Pugiotto
Kingsley Marshal
Colin Doyle
Bryn McAuley
Raven Dauda
Scott Law
Joseph Motiki
Cory Doran
Stacey DePass
Tal Bachman
Julie Sype
Christian Distefano
Lacey-Lee Evin
Mili Patel
Tyler Barish
Freddie Howson
ComposersSteve D'Angelo
Terry Tompkins
Lorenzo Castelli
Craig McConnell
Justin Forsley
Country of originCanada
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes52 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersVince Commisso
Matthew Fernandes
Arthur Spanos
Scott Kraft
ProducerVanessa Wong
Running time22 minutes
Production companiesIndustrial Brothers
9 Story Media Group
Original release
NetworkNickelodeon/Nick Jr. Channel (USA/International)
Treehouse TV (Canada)
ReleaseNovember 6, 2017 (2017-11-06) –
July 2, 2020 (2020-07-02)
Related
Super Wings

Top Wing is a Canadian animated television series created by Matthew Fernandes of Industrial Brothers. It was produced in-house by Industrial Brothers in connection with 9 Story Media Group.[1] In Canada, the series debuted on Treehouse on January 6, 2018.[2] Nickelodeon acquired the rights to the show outside of Canada,[3] and it premiered on Nickelodeon in the United States on November 6, 2017. In the UK, the main cast's voices are dubbed with British voice actors, replacing their original Canadian voices.

On May 22, 2018, it was announced that the series had been renewed for a second season, which premiered on March 1, 2019.[4] Since May 31, 2019, new episodes moved to the Nick Jr. Channel in the United States.

The series has a page on the Paramount+ website, but no episodes have been added as of October 2025.

Premise

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Taking place on Big Swirl Island, an island inhabited by birds and other animals, Top Wing follows four eager young birds—Swift, Brody, Penny, and Rod—who work together at Top Wing Academy as new cadets to earn their wings by helping their community. With the help of their mentor Speedy, the cadets take on different missions for their rescue skills and also help those in need, all while learning important lessons.[5][6]

Characters

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Main

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  • Swift (voiced by Jonah Wineberg in Season 1 and Tristan Mercado in Season 2 in the US, and William Romain in the UK) is a blue jay,[7] who is the leader of Team Top Wing and really great at flying high up in the sky. His signature color is orange, and his vehicles are the Flash Wing jet and the Zip Flash jet-copter.
  • Rod (voiced by Ethan Pugiotto in the US, and Freddie Howson in the UK) is a rooster[8] who's ready to drive around the island with his all-terrain vehicle. He's also the comic relief cadet. His signature color is red, and his vehicles are the Road Wing roadster and the Rooster Booster motorcycle.
  • Brody (voiced by Lucas Kalechstein in the US, and Leni Hamilton in the UK) is a puffin[9] who loves to fly with the waves, over and on. His signature color is green, and his vehicles are the Splash Wing boat and the Splash Diver boat and submarine hybrid.
  • Penny (voiced by Abigail Oliver in the US, and Mili Patel in the UK) is a penguin[8] who is an expert at undersea life in her submarine and the only female cadet. Her signature color is pink, and her vehicles are the Aqua Wing submarine and the Aqua Runner submarine.
  • Speedy (voiced by Colin Doyle in the US, and Brad Kavanagh in Seasons 1 to 2 in the UK) helps out the Top Wing cadets. He is their ace instructor. He pilots the HQ Command Flyer.
  • Bea (voiced by Bryn McAuley in the US, and Charlotte Reynard in the UK) is the female chief mechanic who helps out at HQ with Speedy.
  • Chirp and Cheep are two baby chicks who are seen with the Top Wing cadets. Chirp has two pink feathers on her head, while Cheep has two blue feathers on his head. They can only say their own names.

Recurring

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  • Rhonda (voiced by Raven Dauda in the US, and Fiona Clarke in the UK) is a rhinoceros who is the owner of The Lemon Shack.
  • Oscar (voiced by Joseph Motiki) is a blue octopus.
  • Farmer Treegoat (voiced by Jonathan Potts) is a tree goat.
  • Sammy Monkey (voiced by Tyler Barish in the US, and Hari Patel in the UK) is a little monkey.
  • Shirley Squirrley (voiced by Bryn McAuley in the US, and Kathryn MacColl in the UK) is a squirrel who enjoys flying, thus she dons wings like those on a flying squirrel.
  • Timmy Turtle (voiced by Meesha Contreras in the US, and Kathryn MacColl in the UK) is a young turtle who's Honu's son and he's the leader of the Junior Cadets.
  • Honu Turtle (voiced by Linda Ballantyne) is Timmy's mom and works as a conductor for the Turtle Train.
  • Dina (voiced by TJ McGibbon in the US, and Kathryn MacColl in the UK) is a young rhino.
  • Ms. Brownbear (voiced by Julie Sype in the US, and Fiona Clarke in the UK) is the student's teacher.
  • Commodore Herky J. Smurkturkski III (voiced by Scott Law in the US, and Rob Foster in the UK) is an announcer turkey
  • The Turkskis (voiced by Scott Law) are Commodore Smurkturkski's three little chicks
  • Tina Treegoat (voiced by Lacey-Lee Evin in the US, and Kathryn MacColl in the UK) is a young tree goat who's Grady's daughter and she's one of the Junior Cadets
  • Grady Treegoat (voiced by Cory Doran) is Tina's dad
  • Ward Beaver (voiced by Tal Bachman) is Wally's dad
  • June Beaver (voiced by Stacey DePass) is Wally's mom
  • Wally Beaver (voiced by Tyler Barish in the US, and Hari Patel in the UK) is a young beaver who's June and Ward's son and he's one of the Junior Cadets
  • Anyu PolarBear (voiced by Piper Hook in the US, and Kathryn MacColl in the UK) is a young polar bear who befriends with Penny and she's one of the Junior Cadets
  • Yuka PolarBear (voiced by Jayden Greig) is Anyu's brother
  • Mr. PolarBear (voiced by Joanathan Potts) is Anyu and Yuka's dad
  • Salty Seawalrus (voiced by Matthew Sweet) is Penny's walrus friend
  • T (voiced by Lyon Smith) is one of Brody's friends
  • Shelley (voiced by Julie Sype in Season 1 and Alexa Torrington in Season 2) is one of Brody's friends
  • Reg Goosling (voiced by Paul Braunstein) is Ryan's dad
  • Ryan Goosling (voiced by Christian Distefano) is Reg and Mama Goosling's son
  • Mama Goosling (voiced by Kim Deal) is Ryan's mom
  • Earl the Gadget Squirrel (voiced by Benjamin Kowalewicz) is an inventor

Minor

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  • Captain Gander (voiced by Scott Law)
  • Mama Bear (voiced by Josie Cotton) is Bertha's mom
  • Papa Bear (voiced by Mark Oliver Everett) is Bertha's dad
  • Bertha Bear (voiced by Nissae Isen) is a little bear cub
  • Chickster, Chuckster, Chitter, Chatter, Clucky and Bob are Chirp and Cheep's cousins
  • Snow Geese
  • Brenda (voiced by Zoe Hatz in the US and Kathryn MacColl in the UK) is Brody's little sister
  • Bill (voiced by Vaden Todd Lewis in the US, and Rob Foster in the UK) is Brody's dad
  • Beth (voiced by Liz Phair in the US, and Kathryn MacColl in the UK) is Brody's mom
  • Sandy Stork (voiced by Alanis Morissette) is a stork who rides on her plane
  • Ma (voiced by Holly McNarland in the US, and Kathryn MacColl in the UK) is Rod's mom
  • Pa (voiced by Ben Gibbard in the US, and Rob Foster in the UK) is Rod's dad
  • Romeo (voiced by Jaiden Cannatelli) is Rod's little brother
  • Rudy, Ronald, Ruben, Rachel, Rebecca and Ruslana are Rod's little brothers and sisters
  • Survivor Bear (voiced by Terry McGurrin) is Big Swirl Island's TV Star with a Les Stroud-type of personality.
  • Inspector Eagle-Eye (voiced by Mike Ness) is the Inspector who trains the Cadets at the Cadet Challenge as they pass
  • Roland the Rhino (voiced by Devin Mack) is a doorman who keeps the Cadets away
  • Tya, Teddy, Toots, Tomba, and Tippy Top are Tina's five cousins
  • Niko (voiced by Christian Campbell) is Rhonda's nephew
  • Rosie (voiced by Shechinah Mpulmwana) is Rhonda's cousin
  • CJay (voiced by Ian Thornley) is Swift's grandpa
  • David "Davey" Hasselhawg (voiced by Jamie Watson) is a lifeguard of Big Swirl Beach
  • Mrs. Penguin (voiced by Laura Ballance) is Penny's mom
  • Patrick (voiced by Chris Hall) is Penny's dad
  • Petey (voiced by Wyatt White in Season 2) is Penny's little brother
  • Phoebe, Precious, Phoenix, Portia, Presley and Pascal are Penny's little brothers and sisters
  • Santa Claus (voiced by Mike Herrera) is a polar bear
  • Trini Treegoat
  • Finn (voiced by Nicholas Fry) is Brenda's best friend
  • The Dodos (voiced by Deryck Whibley, Forrest Kline, Heather Nova, and Darryl Palumbo)
  • Della Dodo (voiced by Molly Lewis) is a young dodo
  • Meggy, Greggy, Suzette, and Egguardo Dodo are Della's little brothers and sisters

Antagonists

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  • Captain Dilly (voiced by Cory Doran in the US, and Rob Foster in the UK) is a pirate alligator
  • Matilda (voiced by Annick Obonsawin in the US, and Kathryn MacColl in the UK) is Captain Dilly's pirate mate
  • Baddy McBat (voiced by Cory Doran in the US, and Hari Patel in the UK) is a male bat who flies on his jet
  • Betty McBat (voiced by Stacey DePass in the US, and Kathryn MacColl in the UK) is a female bat who drives on her bike
  • Rocco (voiced by Taylor Abrahamse in Seasons 1 to 2) is an alligator who rides on his boat
  • Chomps (voiced by Christian Martyn in Seasons 1 to 2) is a crocodile who dives on his sub
  • Banana Bandits (voiced by Ryan Key, Adam Gontier and Jason Wade) are three monkey bandits
  • Margo the Monkey (voiced by Julie Lemieux) is a female monkey
  • Captain Swabby is Captain Dilly's aunt

Episodes

[edit]
SeasonSegmentsEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
PilotOctober 9, 2015 (2015-10-09)
15126November 6, 2017 (2017-11-06)December 21, 2018 (2018-12-21)
24826March 1, 2019 (2019-03-01)July 2, 2020 (2020-07-02)

Broadcast

[edit]

Top Wing debuted on Nickelodeon internationally in early 2018, outside of Canada.[6][10]

Dubs

[edit]

Top Wing has been translated into French, and this version airs in Canada on Telequebec. The French-language version of the show is available online as part of Telequebec's free streaming service for children's programming called CouCou TV. The characters' names do not change in French, and the school is referred to as Academie Top Wing. The Bangla version was shown on Duronto TV in Bangladesh on 2020-2021.

Merchandising

[edit]

DVD

[edit]

Nickelodeon, and Paramount Home Entertainment released a DVD of the show on March 5, 2019. In France, TF1 Video will publish the series soon on DVD.

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominee Result Ref.
2018 Young Artist Awards Best Performance in a Voice Acting Role — Young Artist Lucas Kalechstein Nominated
YoungStar Awards Best Ensemble Cast — Voiceover Role Lucas Kalechstein, Ethan Pugiotto, Abigail Oliver, Jonah Wineburg Won

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Top Wing is a Canadian computer-animated television series centered on four young bird cadets—Swift, Penny, Rod, and Brody—who train at the Top Wing Academy on Big Swirl Island to become elite rescue pilots. The show follows their adventures as they pilot specialized vehicles, collaborate on missions to assist animals and friends in need, and learn valuable lessons about teamwork, courage, and perseverance. Created by Matthew Fernandes of Industrial Brothers and developed by , with executive production by , the series highlights themes of friendship and problem-solving tailored for young audiences. It premiered on in the United States on November 6, 2017, and on in on January 6, 2018. The series concluded after two seasons comprising 52 episodes, with the finale airing on July 2, 2020. Produced in-house by Industrial Brothers using , Top Wing features vibrant animation and fast-paced action, earning praise for promoting positive social skills in .

Development and production

Concept and development

Top Wing was created by Matthew Fernandes of the animation studio Industrial Brothers, with the series developed under the executive production of , who brought experience from executive producing shows like PAW Patrol. The concept drew inspiration from preschool rescue-themed stories, adapting elements of adventures and collaborative missions to appeal to young children aged 2-5, fostering engagement through high-flying action and relatable characters. This approach positioned the series as an educational tool, emphasizing problem-solving, friendship, and responsibility as the young bird cadets navigate challenges at their training academy. Development progressed with a pilot episode produced in 2015, showcasing early iterations of the bird cadets and their rescue scenarios, which helped refine the core idea of teamwork in aerial operations. The full series received a greenlight from in May 2016, leading to production of 52 eleven-minute segments by in collaboration with Industrial Brothers. The educational goals were integrated from the outset, aiming to build self-confidence and perseverance among viewers by depicting the cadets earning their wings through cooperative problem-solving on Big Swirl Island.

Production process

The production of Top Wing was handled in-house by Industrial Brothers, a Canadian animation studio co-founded by Matthew Fernandes and Arthur Spanos, utilizing (CGI) to create the series' vibrant, action-oriented visuals. The primary production company, Industrial Brothers, collaborated with for additional production and distribution support, ensuring the series reached international audiences through partnerships like . The series comprises 52 episodes across two seasons, with each installment running approximately 22-24 minutes and consisting of two 11-minute segments to accommodate preschool viewing formats, including short segments for engagement. A dedicated team of writers, animators, and directors, led by creator and executive producer Matthew Fernandes, oversaw the episode production, focusing on high-energy sequences that highlight the cadets' missions. The original score, composed to feature upbeat and adventurous themes, complemented the fast-paced animation without overpowering the narrative. Post-production for Top Wing spanned from 2016, following the series' greenlight announcement, through 2020, allowing for refinements in CGI rendering and audio integration before the final episodes aired in 2020. This timeline enabled Industrial Brothers to iterate on technical aspects, such as fluid , while maintaining consistency across the full run.

Series overview

Premise

Top Wing is a centered on four young cadets who train at the Top Wing Academy on Big Swirl Island to become certified rescue pilots, embarking on missions to aid animals and residents in their community. The show follows an episodic format, with each episode featuring self-contained rescue adventures that highlight problem-solving and aviation maneuvers using specialized vehicles. The series explores themes of , , perseverance, and learning skills through fun, high-flying escapades designed for young viewers. It incorporates educational elements on and resilience, blending action, humor, and gentle challenges without intense peril to maintain a lighthearted comedy-adventure tone. Produced as a CGI-animated program, Top Wing emphasizes positive messages suitable for audiences.

Setting

Big Swirl Island forms the central setting of Top Wing, portrayed as a vibrant tropical island community where anthropomorphic birds and other animals reside and interact in a dynamic ecosystem. This lush archipelago encompasses diverse terrains, including sandy beaches, dense forests, rugged mountains, and expansive underwater realms, which serve as the backdrop for training exercises and rescue operations. The island's varied landscapes emphasize its rich natural environment, with missions often underscoring the importance of protecting and preserving the local wildlife and habitats. At the heart of the lies the Top Wing Academy, the primary training facility for aspiring rescue cadets, featuring extensive hangars for vehicle storage, runways for takeoffs and landings, and specialized areas equipped with high-tech gadgets and tools. This hub is designed to simulate real-world rescue scenarios across the island's terrains, from aerial simulations to submerged challenges. The world of Top Wing is built around innovative transportation, with cadets piloting specialized, gadget-filled vehicles adapted for multifaceted rescues, including transformable planes for swift aerial maneuvers, helicopters for precise hovering, and for underwater explorations. These vehicles, such as Swift's sky pilot, Penny's super , Rod's all-terrain rover, and Brody's wave-flying copter, enable through the island's skies, seas, and lands while integrating equipment like winches, scanners, and deployable aids.

Characters

Main characters

The main characters of Top Wing are four young bird cadets training at Top Wing Academy: Swift, Penny, Rod, and Brody. These best friends form Team Top Wing, combining their unique skills to undertake rescue missions and help their community on Big Swirl Island. Swift is a daring and playful who serves as the energetic leader of the team. As the fastest turbo-charged pilot in the sky, he pilots a high-speed known as the Flash Wing, excelling in aerial maneuvers and bold adventures. Swift's confident and adventurous personality drives the group's missions, often taking the initiative in high-stakes situations. He is voiced by Wineberg in season 1 and Mercado in season 2. is a curious penguin and the team's smart, inventive undersea expert, always eager for a challenge. She operates a super submarine called the Lucky Wing, specializing in underwater rescues and problem-solving with her resourceful gadgets. Penny's inquisitive and determined nature makes her the go-to for technical innovations during operations. She is voiced by Abigail Oliver. Rod is an energetic and funny rooster with a kind-hearted demeanor, ready to charge across the island in his all-terrain Road Wing truck. His lively and humorous personality brings levity to the team, while his reliability ensures ground-based support in diverse terrains. Rod is voiced by Ethan Pugiotto. Brody is a laid-back puffin who bravely handles water-based challenges, loving to skim across, over, and on the waves in his Buzz Wing . Though sometimes clumsy in his enthusiasm, his relaxed and easygoing vibe complements the team's dynamics, providing versatile aerial and aquatic assistance. He is voiced by Lucas Kalechstein. Together, the cadets live, learn, and collaborate at Top Wing Academy, where their distinct abilities—Swift's speed, Penny's ingenuity, Rod's steadfastness, and Brody's adaptability—enable them to tackle emergencies as a cohesive unit.

Recurring characters

Speedy serves as the wise bird mentor and headmaster of the Top Wing Academy, providing guidance to the cadets through his calm expertise and role as their primary instructor during missions. He is voiced by Colin Doyle in the US version. Rhonda is a friendly rhino who operates the Lemon Shack, a relaxation spot for the cadets, and frequently assists in rescue operations by offering support and resources from her establishment. She is voiced by Raven Dauda in seasons 1 and 2. Oscar, an inventive and close associate of Rhonda, contributes tech-savvy gadgets and mechanical solutions to aid the team's efforts, often appearing alongside her at the Lemon Shack where he plays keyboard. He is voiced by in seasons 1 and 2. Other recurring allies include Bea, a canary who serves as the chief technician and instructor at Top Wing Academy, working alongside Speedy and occasionally participating in missions, as well as members of the broader animal community on Big Swirl Island who collaborate on team objectives such as navigation and logistical aid. These characters enhance the cadets' teamwork by offering consistent secondary assistance across episodes.

Antagonists

In Top Wing, antagonists are typically portrayed as playful troublemakers rather than malevolent forces, emphasizing themes of problem-solving and cooperation for young audiences. The central figure among them is Baddy McBat, a mischievous who leads the Bad Wings group and causes trouble around Big Swirl Island, often requiring rescues by the Top Wing cadets. Baddy appears in various episodes and is voiced by . Other antagonists include Betty McBat, Baddy's sister and accomplice; the Banana Bandits, a trio of banana-obsessed monkeys (, , and Tad); and Dilly, a pirate who schemes for . These characters, along with occasional environmental hazards or minor cheaters in challenges, create temporary obstacles resolved through teamwork and . The series avoids major recurring evil presences, focusing on positive resolutions and lessons about responsibility, with conflicts always non-violent. Most episodes center on neutral challenges like or everyday predicaments rather than adversarial plots.

Episodes

Overview

Top Wing is a Canadian animated preschool series comprising 52 episodes across two seasons, in addition to a pilot episode produced in 2015. Each full episode typically runs for 22 minutes, consisting of two 11-minute segments that form self-contained stories. The series premiered on on November 6, 2017, and concluded its run with the final episode airing on July 2, 2020, after which no additional seasons were announced. The episode format centers on 2-3 short narratives per installment, focusing on training exercises or rescue missions within the community of Big Swirl Island. Thematically, the episodes progress from foundational training scenarios in early installments to more complex advanced missions in later ones, emphasizing character development and teamwork among the young bird cadets. The ensemble of main characters—Swift, Brody, Penny, and Rod—drives the narratives through their collaborative adventures.

Season 1

The first season of Top Wing consists of 26 episodes and aired on Nick Jr. from November 6, 2017, to December 21, 2018. The season introduces the core premise of the series, following the young bird cadets—Swift, , Rod, and —as they enroll in Top Wing Academy on Big Swirl Island to train as rescue pilots. Throughout the season, the narrative focuses on the cadets' introduction to academy life, where they undergo initial certifications and develop basic skills through hands-on missions. Key thematic arcs emphasize , overcoming personal fears, and learning to operate their specialized , such as Swift's jet or Brody's , in simulated and real emergencies involving island animals. Examples include early missions where the cadets coordinate to retrieve lost items or assist stranded creatures, building their confidence without prior full-team experience. The , "Time to Earn Our Wings," establishes the team dynamics as the four cadets arrive at the and complete their first group challenge under the guidance of their mentors. Other notable episodes highlight individual growth, such as those involving Rod's bravery in high-stakes saves or Penny's underwater rescues, reinforcing the season's educational focus on problem-solving and responsibility. The finale, "Top Wing Rescues Survivor Bear; Timmy Wings It," culminates in advanced coordinated efforts that showcase the cadets' progress toward full certification. Top Wing's first season achieved strong viewership among audiences on Nick Jr., contributing to its renewal for a second season in May 2018 as one of the network's top-ranked programs. The series averaged solid ratings in the 2-5 age demographic, aligning with Nick Jr.'s strategy for engaging animated content that promotes social-emotional learning.

Season 2

Season 2 of Top Wing comprises 26 half-hour episodes, including 22 standard episodes and four double-length specials, which originally aired on Nick Jr. from March 1, 2019, to July 2, 2020. Building on the foundational training from Season 1, the season follows the cadets—Swift, , Rod, and —as they tackle advanced challenges, acquire new certifications, and execute larger-scale rescues across Big Swirl Island and surrounding areas. Key narrative arcs emphasize team dynamics in high-stakes scenarios, such as island-wide events that demand coordinated efforts to avert disasters without compromising safety protocols. Mid-season specials highlight character growth through extended adventures, including holiday-themed stories that explore the cadets' evolving roles and interpersonal bonds. These episodes, such as those involving festive rescues and certification milestones, provide deeper insights into individual strengths while reinforcing collective teamwork. The season concludes with the cadets achieving full certification as Top Wing rescue birds, marking their transition from trainees to proficient guardians of the island community.

Broadcast and release

Original broadcast

Top Wing premiered in the United States on and the on November 6, , as part of the network's programming block. The series aired weekday mornings, targeting young audiences with episodes featuring the adventures of bird cadets training as . New episodes premiered on through May 31, 2019, after which they shifted exclusively to , with the full original run concluding on July 2, 2020, followed by reruns extending into 2021. In , the series debuted on on January 6, 2018, shortly after its U.S. launch, and followed a similar scheduling pattern in weekday morning slots for viewers. As of November 2025, episodes of Top Wing are available for streaming on Paramount+, including both seasons, though no new content has been produced since the original run ended.

International distribution

Top Wing's international distribution was managed by 9 Story International Distribution in partnership with Viacom Media Networks (now ), enabling broadcasts on and Nick Jr. channels outside starting in 2018. The series was distributed globally through licensing deals, focusing on audiences in key markets. In the , Top Wing premiered on Nick Jr. UK and on May 7, 2018, at 5:30 p.m., featuring a localized dub that replaced the original Canadian voice cast with British actors to appeal to local viewers. followed with a debut on Nick Jr. on June 4, 2018, at 5:00 p.m., airing new episodes daily thereafter. Other regions included premieres on Nick Jr. in , , and on May 14, 2018; in Arabia on June 24, 2018; and in on June 25, 2018. The series featured dubs in French on Nickelodeon Junior starting in 2019 and on TF1's Tfou! block, as well as a Bengali dub broadcast on Duronto TV in . Additional localizations included versions in various languages, such as , Bulgarian, and Croatian, distributed via regional Nick Jr. feeds and partners like MBC in the . These adaptations primarily involved voice dubs or subtitles without significant changes to the core content, preserving the show's emphasis on and missions. As of 2025, Top Wing continues in reruns on Nick Jr. channels across and , with no new episodes or major international releases announced; it remains available on streaming platforms like Paramount+ in regions including .

Reception

Critical reception

Top Wing received generally positive reviews from family-oriented media outlets, with awarding it a 4 out of 5 star rating in a review by Emily Ashby, commending the series for its positive messages on , diversity among the bird cadets, and learning from mistakes without feeling preachy. The review highlighted the show's engaging and relatable characters as key strengths that appeal to preschoolers, while emphasizing its educational value in promoting like communication and . User-generated feedback was more mixed, as evidenced by an IMDb average rating of 4.8 out of 10 from 275 reviews, where viewers appreciated the lighthearted episodes, character chemistry, and unique vehicle designs but noted similarities to other rescue-themed shows like Paw Patrol. Critics and parents alike praised the series for its wholesome themes of resilience and , with parental reviews on describing it as a fun way to teach forgiveness and practice without heavy-handed lessons. However, some criticisms focused on the formulaic plots and shallow character development, which limited its appeal for older children beyond the target audience. Parents noted occasional stereotypes in character portrayals and a lack of originality compared to similar programs, though many found the short, easy-to-follow episodes well-suited to young viewers' attention spans. The series proved popular among preschoolers for its empowering themes of young birds earning their wings through and problem-solving, contributing to strong viewership during its initial run; in , it ranked 21st among series with an average of 791,000 viewers per episode.

Awards and nominations

Top Wing and its voice cast have received several nominations and awards from industry organizations recognizing excellence in and performance. In 2018, the series was nominated at the Young Entertainer Awards in the category of Best Ensemble Cast – Voice Over Role for the ensemble of Lucas Kalechstein, Jonah Wineberg, Ethan Pugiotto, and Abigail Oliver. The series earned recognition from the Parents' Choice Foundation, receiving a Recommended Seal for its educational value and entertainment quality in 2019. At the Awards, voice actress won the 2019 Outstanding Performance – Female Voice award for her role as Shirley Squirrley in the episode "Shirley's Sleepover Adventure." In 2020, was nominated in the same category for her performance as Margo Monkey in the episode "Big Banana Break-In." By 2020, Top Wing had accumulated a total of five nominations and two wins across various awards bodies.

Merchandising

Home media

The home media for Top Wing consists of DVD compilations featuring select episodes from the first season, released by in partnership with , as well as digital availability on major streaming and purchase platforms. The debut DVD release, titled Top Wing, arrived on October 2, 2018, and includes seven episodes centered on the cadets' initial training missions, such as "Time to Earn Our Wings" and "Rod's Big Jump." This Region 1 disc runs approximately 88 minutes and targets preschool audiences with its focus on teamwork and adventure. A follow-up volume, Top Wing: Eggcellent Missions, was issued on March 5, 2019, compiling eight episodes involving rescues like saving eggs and retrieving vehicles, including "Top Wing's Eggcellent " and "Rod Proves He's a Rooster." Like its predecessor, it is formatted for Region 1 playback, with a runtime of about 97 minutes. Episodes from both seasons also appear in Nick Jr. compilation DVDs, such as Big Birthday Bash (released June 4, 2019), which features the Top Wing episode "Birthday Bandits!" alongside content from other series. As of November 2025, full seasons of Top Wing are available for streaming on Paramount+, with episodes also offered for digital purchase and download on platforms including Apple TV (via ) and , though availability may vary by region and include partial season options on some services.

Toys and other merchandise

In 2018, entered a global licensing agreement with to develop a range of consumer products based on Top Wing, including toys produced under the brand. This partnership focused on preschool-oriented items that mirrored the series' themes of missions and , featuring the bird cadets Swift, Rod, , and . The toy line emphasized interactive and transformable elements to engage young children. Key products included poseable 3-inch figures of the main characters, often bundled in collector packs such as the Top Wing Academy Collector Pack, which came with five figures—Swift, Rod, Penny, Brody, and Bea—along with accessories like the baby birds Cheep and . Vehicles were designed as mission-ready gliders and racers that transformed for play, exemplified by Swift's low-flying glider and Rod's helicopter, allowing kids to recreate academy adventures. Interactive playsets, like the Top Wing Academy Playset, incorporated lights, sounds, and show-specific phrases to simulate training scenarios at the cadets' headquarters. Beyond core toys, the merchandise extended to apparel, books, and . Clothing items included character-themed T-shirts for children, such as those featuring , Swift, or the full Top Wing Squad, available in short-sleeve crew-neck styles. Books comprised activity and coloring titles, including the Nickelodeon Top Wing Jumbo Coloring & Activity Book: Flock Together, which offered puzzles and illustrations tied to the show's episodes, as well as simple storybooks like Team Top Wing! for early readers. Digital extensions featured preschool-oriented online games through the Nick Jr. platform, such as the 2018 release Virtual Training Missions, where players guided the cadets on action-packed challenges to "earn their wings." Licensed products were distributed through major retailers, including and Target, where they appeared in toy aisles alongside other properties. Collectibles rounded out the lineup with plush versions of the cadets, such as soft-stuffed Swift and dolls for cuddling during play, and episode-inspired playsets that expanded on specific rescue themes from the series. Following the conclusion of the show's production in 2019, no new merchandise lines have been announced or released, with available items now limited to remaining stock or secondary markets.

References

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