When Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA), first aired on Nickelodeon, I was eight-years-old. With the eyes of a fantasy-obsessed child, Avatar seemed like a pretty standard anime. It was a world in which people could manipulate the classic elements (benders), and a chosen one (Aang) must stop the world from impending doom. I sat, content, on my couch on a Saturday morning and indulged in tales of the fire nation, flying bison, and Sokka’s stomach.

Fifteen years later, and with the help of Netflix, I find myself doing the same thing. Torn between reliving my childhood or rewatching Game of Thrones, I chose the less distressing of the two. After a couple episodes of reminiscing and nostalgia, I found myself completely captivated in a TV show meant for children. Since ATLA quickly claimed the number 1 spot on Netflix after its release in May, I know I wasn’t the only one asking:

How the hell is a kid’s show this good?

I’m two seasons deep into my rewatch now. I’ve laughed, I've cried, and I've canceled social engagements to hang out with Aang and the gang. After many hours spent in the four nations, I’ve decided on the key reasons for ATLA’s continued excellence.

First, we have the animation. It is crisp, colorful, and detailed. From Kyoshi Warrior clothing to world-altering elemental battles, you will be hard-pressed to find a children’s animation that is so visually dynamic. I also enjoy the visual elements that pay homage to Studio Ghibli (Appa and Totoro– anyone?), and the mix of East Asain styles within the animation.

Then we have the actual story. ATLA has a highly developed universe. Each region (Earth, Air, Water, and Fire) has its own lores, customs, strengths, and weaknesses– and within regions are individualized cities and tribes that offer their own independent microclimate. In terms of world-building, it gives Lord of the Rings a run for its money. With an expansive universe, political and spiritual ideologies are often tested, making for a much more adult viewing experience. With each season, the show matures, villains become complex and the line between good and evil is not so clear.