The Garden (animated series)
| The Garden | |
|---|---|
| Genre | |
| Created by | Butch Hartman |
| Directed by | Butch Hartman |
| Voices of |
|
| Theme music composer | Moon People Soundtracks |
| Opening theme | "In The Garden" |
| Production | |
| Producers |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | |
| Release | January 1, 2023 – present |
The Garden is a Christian animated web series created in 2019 by Butch Hartman, who co-produced it with his wife Julieann. Released on January 1, 2023 on Pure Flix, the series centers around a duo of anthropomorphic animals composed of a lion named Lenny and a lamb named Lucy, who receive advice from the Boss, a disembodied voice that is represented as a rainbow.
Cast and characters
- Cristina M. Medina as Lucy the Lamb, Joy, Clarice, Benny, Queen Bee, Ellie
- James Arnold Taylor as Lenny the Lion,[1][2] Randy, Batmane, Porcupine
- Brian Stivale as The Boss, Captain Snappy
- Katie Leigh as Grace[‡ 1]
- Butch Hartman as Delivery Man, Mr. Toothacher, Cuckoo Charlie, Various Animals[3][4]
Production and release
After creating The Garden in 2019, Hartman planned to produce at least two seasons, launch a subscription-based app for the series in late 2022, create a VBS curriculum for churches, and illustrate a children's Bible published by Thomas Nelson titled The Garden Children's Bible, which was scheduled to release in 2023.[5][‡ 2][‡ 3] The series premiered on Pure Flix on January 1, 2023.[‡ 4]
Films
The first film adaptation of The Garden, A Garden Cartoon Movie: The Greatest Thing Ever!, had a home release set for July 2025.[1][‡ 5] Angel Studios partnered with Butch Hartman to produce The Christmas King! A Garden Cartoon Movie, which was released later that year.[2][‡ 6]
Reception
Critical reception
Jose Solís of Common Sense Media said, "It's hard to resist an animated film that truly wants to entertain without talking down to its audience. In A Garden Cartoon Movie: The Greatest Thing Ever!, the filmmakers strike a smart balance between catchy songs, quirky humor, and simple life lessons."[6]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Voice Arts Awards | Outstanding Animation Character - Film or TV - Best Voiceover | Cristina M. Medina as Lucy | Nominated | [7] |
| 2025 | Faith in Film Festival | Best Animation | The Garden Cartoon, "Shear Happiness" | Nominated | [8] |
| 2026 | International Christian Film & Music Festival | Best Animated Film | The Greatest Thing Ever: A Garden Cartoon Movie | Pending | [9] |
References
- ^ a b Milligan, Mercedes (June 24, 2025). "Butch Hartman's Faith-Based 'The Greatest Thing Ever: A Garden Cartoon Movie' Sets July Home Release".
- ^ a b Taylor, Drew (November 24, 2025). "Angel Studios Partners With Butch Hartman for 'The Christmas King: A Garden Cartoon Holiday Movie' Exclusive".
- ^ "Butch Hartman | GospelTruth.TV On Demand". GospelTruth.TV. Archived from the original on July 6, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
- ^ "TV & Streaming Bytes: 'The Croods: Family Tree' S6, 'Sealook' Makes a Splash, Butch Hartman Plants 'The Garden' & More". www.animationmagazine.net. March 21, 2023. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (May 25, 2022). "Butch Hartman Launching Pre-K Bible Toon 'The Garden'". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on November 24, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
- ^ "A Garden Cartoon Movie: The Greatest Thing Ever! Movie Review | Common Sense Media". www.commonsensemedia.org. Retrieved 2026-03-18.
- ^ "2023 Nominees – Sovas". Retrieved 2026-03-18.
- ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2026-03-18.
- ^ "International Christian Film & Music Festival". ICFF. Retrieved 2026-03-18.
Primary sources
In the text, these references are preceded by a double dagger (‡):
- ^ "The Garden Cartoon".
- ^ "The Garden website". Archived from the original on November 24, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
- ^ Nelson, Thomas (March 7, 2023). ICB, The Garden Children's Bible, Hardcover: International Children's Bible. Thomas Nelson. ISBN 978-0785241812.
- ^ Butch Hartman [@butchhartman]; (January 1, 2023). "My new Christian cartoon "THE GARDEN" just dropped on @pureflix TODAY!". Retrieved January 2, 2023 – via Instagram.
- ^ Kalmar, Nick; Picher, Stephen, A Garden Cartoon Movie, the Greatest Thing Ever! (Animation), James Arnold Taylor, Cristina Milizia, Katie Leigh, Garden Productions, retrieved 2025-01-27
- ^ Fawesome. Watch The Christmas King! A Garden Cartoon Movie Full Movie Free Online - Fawesome TV. Retrieved 2025-11-15 – via fawesome.tv.