This four part Disney+ series is set between Inside Out and Inside Out 2. The usual emotions - Joy and her crew - feature, but only as background characters, as this time we're inside the part of Riley's mind where her dreams are created - day dreams, night dreams, nightmares and even brain farts. The series centres around acclaimed director Paula Persimmon (voiced by Paula Pell) who has pulled off a string of hit dreams for Riley over the years. But now, her signature recipe of old time favourite Rainbow Unicorn and lots of glitter, isn't working anymore, as Riley has hit the tricky tweens and her interests and needs are shifting.
The series is a mockumentary, which takes place on a big Hollywood-style production set, where Riley's dreams are pulled together like a movie. Paula is under pressure to create a dream powerful enough for Riley to remember when she wakes, as these dreams have a real-life impact, helping to guide Riley's decision making in a positive way.
To make matters more stressful for Paula, her boss forces her to team up with Xeni (voice by Richard Ayoade), an overly confident daydream director looking for his big break. They have completely different visions of what will make Riley's dreams successful, but can they pull together to make the next big tween-dream hit?
In many ways, Paula represents parents, and that pain of having to let go of parts of your child as they grow older. For years, you've known all their interests - the toys and characters and little things that make them excited and happy. As they grow older, and their interests change, it can almost be harder for the parent than it is for the child to let go of these things. They must accept that their child is moving on and changing as a person. But as they try their best to help their child navigate this next stage in life, they may feel out of their depth and make mistakes along the way.
Dream Productions is layered with themes, and has a lot to say about acceptance and the importance of balancing the old with the new. But in typical Inside Out style, the weighty psychological and emotional stuff is blended with great humour, wonderful animation and lots of action and fun. Each episode of Dream Productions lasts about 20 minutes. But get ready to watch it all in one sitting. It's not festive in theme, but it's a great series for adults and kids alike, making it perfect for Christmas family TV viewing. So, fetch the popcorn, grab a blanket and settle down for some of the best telly you'll watch with the kids this festive season. Dream Productions is streaming now on Disney+.
More to watch with the kids on Disney+ this Christmas
Finding activities to keep the kids occupied over the winter months can be challenging. But luckily, there's plenty on the telly to keep them entertained during the Christmas school holidays...
Nutcrackers
In this comedy-drama Mike (Ben Stiller) is pulled away from his bachelor life in the big city to a farm in rural Ohio to take care of his recently orphaned nephews. But what he thought was going to be a quick trip, turns into an unexpected adventure. Streaming now.
An Almost Christmas Story
Moon, a curious young owl find himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl, named Luna. Together they embark on a heartwarming adventure as they journey back home to their parents. Streaming now.
Marvel Animation's What If...?
The Watcher continues the journey as our guide through the multiverse, introducing brand new and familiar faces throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The animated anthology series questions, revisits and twists classic Marvel Cinematic moments with a voice cast of stars reprising their iconic roles. Streaming from 22 Dec.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
Skeleton Crew tells the story of four kids searching for their home planet after getting lost in the Star Wars galaxy, and the strange aliens and dangerous places they encounter on their adventure. Streaming now.
Christmas Movie classics
Alongside a host of new movies and series, you can also catch lots of Christmas movie classics on Disney+ including The Nightmare Before Christmas, A Muppets Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, and all instalments of the Home Alone, Die Hard and The Santa Clause franchise.