I was around eight years old when TRANSFORMERS (aka “Generation One” or G1) first hit the scene in 1984. I can’t recall which came first for me – the cartoon or the Hasbro Toys, but they went hand-in-hand, and I have vivid memories of watching the show and then bringing the adventure into my home with the action figures and vehicles, many of which have special stories of their own, like when I recalled getting JetFire back in this feature from last year. They were truly “More Than Meets the Eye,” and it’s been a joy to share their stories with my own kids. One of the unique things about TRANSFORMERS is how it’s evolved to reach children of all ages, starting with the preschool-aimed TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS, which airs regularly on the Hub Network, and into the realm of TRANSFORMERS PRIME, BEAST HUNTERS and, of course, the live-action films from Michael Bay. One place to catch a lot of those shows at any time is Netflix (yes, I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team – “disclosure” and all, plus I’m actually their June Member of the Month!), so for my June Stream Team Spotlight, I’m highlighting all the Autobot Vs. Decepticon action that Netflix currently has to offer!
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TRANSFORMERS: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE (1984-1987)
Where it all began!
Four million years after crash-landing on an unfamiliar planet, sentient robots with the ability to disguise themselves as common vehicles awaken on present-day Earth. Engaged in a crucial race to find a new energy source for their home planet of Cybertron, Optimus Prime and the heroic Autobots must defend the innocent people of Earth against their archnemeses, Megatron and the power-hungry Decepticons.
TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS (Current)
Meet the Rescue Bots! Chase, Heatwave, Blades, and Boulder are given an important mission by Optimus Prime: Protect and learn about mankind. Stationed undercover on a technologically advanced island, they team up with a family of first responders, including a police chief, fire fighter, helicopter pilot, and engineer. With help from Cody, the family’s youngest, the Rescue Bots keep the peace and keep people safe while they learn what it really means to be a hero.
TRANSFORMERS PRIME (2010-2013)
Roll out with Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Arcee, Ratchet, Bulkhead and the rest of the heroic Autobots as they battle the evil Decepticons. Now that Megatron has returned with a mysterious and dangerous element, Team Prime must prepare for an epic battle. But that’s not so easy when they have to guard Jack, Miko, and Raf — three normal kids who’ve discovered the Autobots. Get ready for drama and intense heavy metal action as they work to defend Earth from destruction.
TRANSFORMERS PRIME: BEAST HUNTERS (2013)
The feature-length sequel to TRANSFORMERS PRIME…
A resurrected UNICRON has taken over the now-lifeless body of MEGATRON to seek vengeance on the AUTOBOTS and ultimately, the destruction of Cybertron. This formidable enemy forces an unlikely alliance between the AUTOBOTS, DECEPTICONS, PREDAKING and two new Predacons, who come together in an epic battle to help protect their newly restored planet!
BEAST WARS: TRANSFORMERS (1996-1999)
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This one… I don’t really get excited about. It’s my least favorite of all the TRANSFORMERS ever made. Aside from the Dinobots and some of the original G1 TRANSFORMERS that had animalistic and/or insect-based modes, I’m not big on non-vehicle TRANSFORMERS – though I eventually made an exception with BEAST HUNTERS. Doesn’t interest me personally, though BEAST WARS is highly regarded by many as an excellent series. “Optimus Primal” – an ape? Still not into it.
