Superbook is a Christian animated series that sends two kids and a robot through a mysterious portal into Biblical times. It ran for five seasons, 68 episodes, and lasted from September 1, 2011 to April 4, 2021. The premise is simple: Chris, Joy, and Gizmo find themselves in the past whenever they need help, solving problems by drawing on stories from the Old and New Testaments.
The show is a reboot of an earlier series of the same name, made with animation studios across Asia-Pacific alongside local partners like Tokyo MX and Word of Life Press Ministries in Japan. It aired on Tokyo MX in Japan, ABC Family/Freeform, Daystar, and Smile on the Trinity Broadcasting Network in the United States.
Trailer, via Superbook.
Chris, Joy, and Gizmo
Chris Quantum and Joy Pepper are the main pair. Their robot companion, Gizmo, rounds out the trio. The voice cast includes Sam Vincent as Chris Quantum, Shannon Chan-Kent as Joy Pepper, Cathy Weseluck as Gizmo, and Colin Murdock as Superbook.
The trio’s dynamic holds the show together. Chris and Joy argue, joke, and learn together, while Gizmo offers comic relief and technical know-how.
The Portal and the Bible Stories
The portal is the engine of the series. When Chris and Joy face a problem, they step through it and land in a Biblical setting. The show draws on both the Old and New Testaments for its adventures.
This approach means each episode comes with a clear moral lesson, wrapped in an animated adventure. The storytelling leans on familiar Biblical narratives, presented as historical accounts rather than fantasy.
Where It Aired
Superbook ran on multiple networks across the globe. Its reach included Tokyo MX in Japan, ABC Family/Freeform, Daystar, and Smile on the Trinity Broadcasting Network in the United States. That mix of markets shows the scale of its production and distribution.
Today, the series streams for free on Prime Video, the Superbook Kid’s Bible App, the Superbook YouTube channel run by CBN, and Yippee TV, a Christian subscription streaming service.
Reception and Legacy
Together, the series is considered among the most successful animated collaborative Japanese and American media franchises. That recognition comes from its reach across the networks mentioned above.
| Network | Role |
|---|---|
| Tokyo MX | Japanese broadcast partner |
| ABC Family/Freeform | U.S. cable partner |
| Daystar | U.S. religious network |
| Smile | TBN’s children’s programming |
The show’s success is tied to its dual identity. It operates as a faith-driven property while also reaching general audiences through mainstream channels.
Our Verdict
Superbook succeeds because it balances faith content with solid entertainment. The portal device gives the writers room to explore history without preaching. Chris and Joy are likable leads, and Gizmo provides a steady presence.
The series does not pretend to be secular entertainment. It is upfront about its purpose as an educational tool for families of faith. That honesty is part of its appeal.
Not every episode lands with equal force, and some of the lessons feel heavy-handed. But the core idea — learning from the past — holds up across all 68 episodes.
Superbook earns an 8.6 out of 10.
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