America Young
Barbie "Malibu" Roberts
Overview
Barbie "Malibu" Roberts and Barbie "Brooklyn" Roberts chase their dreams of musical stardom.
Cast
Reviews
5 min read AI-generated editorial review
Two Barbies, One Dream, and the Quiet Rebellion of a Plastic World
I’ll admit it: I didn’t expect to care about Barbie: It Takes Two. Not because it’s a kids’ show—some of the most subversive storytelling happens in animation aimed at the youngest audiences—but because the Barbie franchise has spent decades oscillating between empowerment slogans and plastic perfection, often in the same breath. Yet here, in this brightly colored, CGI-lit series about two Barbies (one from Malibu, one from Brooklyn) chasing musical stardom, there’s something quietly radical at work. It’s not the kind of rebellion that burns down cities; it’s the kind that happens when a character looks at the script she’s been handed and decides to rewrite it, one note at a time.
The premise is simple, almost aggressively so: Barbie "Malibu" Roberts and Barbie "Brooklyn" Roberts are best friends with a shared dream of becoming pop stars. They’re not sisters, not rivals, not even particularly different in any way that would matter in the real world—just two iterations of the same doll, dropped into slightly different aesthetics. Malibu Barbie is all sun-bleached optimism, her world a pastel paradise of beachside bungalows and convertible cars. Brooklyn Barbie, by contrast, is a little grittier, her palette sharper, her edges defined by the kind of confidence that comes from navigating a city that never slows down. The show leans into these contrasts, but not in the way you’d expect. There’s no "fish out of water" arc, no culture-clash humor. Instead, the two Barbies move through their worlds as if they’ve always belonged in both, their differences more like complementary instruments in a band than opposing forces.
This, I think, is where It Takes Two does something quietly brilliant. The Barbie franchise has long been criticized for its homogenizing effect—one doll, one ideal, one narrow definition of beauty and success. But here, the show doesn’t just pay lip service to diversity; it bakes multiplicity into its DNA. The two Barbies aren’t competing visions of femininity; they’re coexisting ones. Malibu Barbie isn’t "better" than Brooklyn Barbie, and vice versa. They’re just different, and the show treats that difference as a strength, not a problem to solve. It’s a small shift, but in a world where even progressive children’s media often falls back on binaries (the girly girl vs. the tomboy, the dreamer vs. the realist), it feels like a breath of fresh air.
I’ll admit it: I didn’t expect to care about Barbie: It Takes Two. Not because it’s a kids’ show—some of the most subversive storytelling happens in animation aimed at the youngest audiences—but because the Barbie franchise has spent decades oscillating between empowerment slogans and plastic perfection, often in the same breath. Yet here, in this brightly colored, CGI-lit series about two Barbies (one from Malibu, one from Brooklyn) chasing musical stardom, there’s something quietly radical at work. It’s not the kind of rebellion that burns down cities; it’s the kind that happens when a character looks at the script she’s been handed and decides to rewrite it, one note at a time.
The premise is simple, almost aggressively so: Barbie "Malibu" Roberts and Barbie "Brooklyn" Roberts are best friends with a shared dream of becoming pop stars. They’re not sisters, not rivals, not even particularly different in any way that would matter in the real world—just two iterations of the same doll, dropped into slightly different aesthetics. Malibu Barbie is all sun-bleached optimism, her world a pastel paradise of beachside bungalows and convertible cars. Brooklyn Barbie, by contrast, is a little grittier, her palette sharper, her edges defined by the kind of confidence that comes from navigating a city that never slows down. The show leans into these contrasts, but not in the way you’d expect. There’s no "fish out of water" arc, no culture-clash humor. Instead, the two Barbies move through their worlds as if they’ve always belonged in both, their differences more like complementary instruments in a band than opposing forces.
This, I think, is where It Takes Two does something quietly brilliant. The Barbie franchise has long been criticized for its homogenizing effect—one doll, one ideal, one narrow definition of beauty and success. But here, the show doesn’t just pay lip service to diversity; it bakes multiplicity into its DNA. The two Barbies aren’t competing visions of femininity; they’re coexisting ones. Malibu Barbie isn’t "better" than Brooklyn Barbie, and vice versa. They’re just different, and the show treats that difference as a strength, not a problem to solve. It’s a small shift, but in a world where even progressive children’s media often falls back on binaries (the girly girl vs. the tomboy, the dreamer vs. the realist), it feels like a breath of fresh air.
Audience Opinions
AI summary of viewer review patterns
Audience 6.5/10 AI
"A lighthearted and colorful animated series that appeals to its target audience but lacks depth for older viewers."
The series is praised for its vibrant animation and fun, family-friendly storytelling, making it enjoyable for younger audiences. However, some viewers find the plotlines predictable and the humor too simplistic, limiting its appeal beyond its core demographic.
What viewers praise
- Vibrant animation The colorful and lively animation style is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, making the series visually engaging for kids.
- Family-friendly fun The lighthearted and wholesome tone is well-received by parents and children, offering a fun viewing experience for families.
- Engaging for young audiences Younger viewers enjoy the simple, relatable storylines and characters, making it a hit with its target demographic.
Common complaints
- Predictable plots Some viewers note that the storylines follow familiar patterns, which can make the series feel repetitive or unoriginal.
- Limited appeal for older viewers The humor and themes are seen as too simplistic for older children or adults, narrowing its audience.
- Thin character development Supporting characters and even some leads lack depth, which can make the series feel less immersive.
Recommended for
Young children Family viewing Fans of animated adventures Barbie franchise enthusiasts
Buzz & Rumors
Public reports AI-researched entertainment notes
Barbie: It Takes Two – The Animated Spin-Off That Doubled the Fun
Netflix’s Barbie: It Takes Two (2022) brought a fresh twist to the iconic doll’s universe, blending computer animation with a premise that leaned into duality—literally. The series, produced by Mainframe Studios and Mattel Television, followed Barbie "Malibu" Roberts as she navigates life with her long-lost twin sister, Chelsea. With 26 episodes across two seasons, the show premiered internationally on Netflix on March 4, 2022, marking a bold step for the franchise into serialized storytelling 
.
A Twin Sister Twist
The show’s central hook—Barbie discovering she has a twin—was a departure from the standalone Barbie films of the past. Chelsea, previously a supporting character in earlier movies, was elevated to co-lead, giving the series a built-in dynamic of sibling rivalry and teamwork. The premise was simple but effective: two sisters, one glamorous and poised, the other rebellious and free-spirited, learning to coexist. Voice actors America Young and Tatiana Varria brought the characters to life, with Nicolas Roye and Gabe Kunda rounding out the cast in supporting roles [1].
While the series didn’t reinvent the wheel for Barbie storytelling, it leaned into the brand’s signature optimism and pastel aesthetics. The animation style was sleek and modern, aligning with Mattel’s push to keep the franchise relevant in the streaming era. The show’s release on Netflix—rather than a traditional TV network—reflected the company’s strategy to meet young audiences where they already were [1].
Season 2: A Quick Return
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVM2omWlzqA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImE1cynVgK0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbMkMkFwZNc
The first season’s success led to a swift follow-up. A trailer for Barbie: It Takes Two Season 2 dropped in mid-2022, teasing new adventures and conflicts between the sisters. The second season arrived on Netflix on October 1, 2022, just seven months after the premiere, suggesting strong demand or a pre-planned rollout [2][5][7]. The rapid turnaround was notable for an animated series, which often face longer production timelines.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G21vlxFEU9E
Beyond the screen, the show spawned a line of tie-in dolls, a common move for Barbie properties. Videos like "Let’s Take a Look at Barbie It Takes Two Dolls" highlighted the merchandise, giving fans a tangible way to engage with the characters [6]. The dolls mirrored the show’s designs, reinforcing the brand’s synergy between content and consumer products.
Behind the Scenes: What We Don’t Know
Despite its visibility, Barbie: It Takes Two remains light on behind-the-scenes details. Unlike live-action productions, animated series often fly under the radar when it comes to gossip or production drama. There’s no public record of creative conflicts, casting controversies, or on-set antics—just the polished final product.
The show’s director and writers also remain uncredited in the available evidence, leaving questions about who shaped its tone and narrative. Rumors about potential spin-offs or a third season are unconfirmed, though the franchise’s history of sequels and reboots makes it a possibility [1].
A Quiet but Strategic Win
Barbie: It Takes Two may not have generated the same buzz as live-action Barbie projects, but it served a clear purpose: keeping the brand alive in the streaming landscape. By introducing a twin sister dynamic, the series refreshed the formula without alienating longtime fans. The quick Season 2 release and merchandise tie-ins suggest Mattel saw it as a low-risk, high-reward venture—one that delivered exactly what it promised: double the Barbie, double the fun.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
Series
Similar Series
Related series ranked by rating and popularity.
BEASTARS
2019 • Series
SAINT SEIYA: Knights of the Zodiac
2019 • Series
W.I.T.C.H.
2004 • Series
Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai
2023 • Series
So Little Time
2001 • Series
Women Wearing Shoulder Pads
2025 • Series
If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die
2020 • Series
Mundo Ripilica: As Aventuras de Lilica, a Coala
2017 • Series
Ella the Elephant
2013 • Series
Wissper
2015 • Series
Back as Immortal Lord
2025 • Series
Tomb of Fallen Gods
2022 • Series