These days, most people know Disney Channel as the channel that airs live action sitcoms. But, there has recently been a show that has stirred up many fans, and is critically acclaimed for returning to Disney’s roots of animation.This show is known as Gravity Falls.

Debuting on June 15, 2012, Gravity Falls is an animated show, created by Alex Hirsch. The show stars Mabel and Dipper Pines, twins who have been sent off to the small town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. There, they work at their Grunkle (Great Uncle) Stan’s tourist trap, The Mystery Shack. However, after finding a mysterious journal in the woods, Dipper finds out that this town isn’t what it seems. Despite all of Grunkle Stan’s fake anomalies created to scam tourists, it seems that the supernatural actually does have a place in this town. Along with his sister Mabel, and other characters such as his crush Wendy, Handyman Soos, and child psychic Lil’ Gideon, he sets out to uncover the strange secrets of Gravity Falls.

The first season of Gravity Falls acts as an introduction to the characters and setting. We become familiar with the supernatural beings that live in this town, such as gnomes, “manotaurs”, and even time travelers–many of these episodes are what you would consider “one shot” episodes, meaning that they don’t contribute to the main storyline very much. While they definitely won’t have you on the edge of your seat like season two, these episodes are still very fun to watch.

However, season two is definitely when things get serious. The majority of the episodes contribute to one gripping, action filled, mysterious storyline. This season even had me crying at some points, which was not something I would ever expect from a Disney show. It’s very hard to talk about season two without giving away major spoilers, so if you’d like to know more, I’d highly suggest watching it yourself.

Many of the students at CVMS enjoy watching Gravity Falls for several reasons. One of the biggest is because of the interesting characters. “It isn’t just a stereotypical animated cartoon with stereotypical characters,” says eighth grader Katya Lopez. “The characters are all unique, and it makes you actually care about them.” Each character has his or her own unique quirks and strengths, and an internal conflict that they’re struggling with. Combine that with just the right voice actors, like Kristen Schaal for Mabel, or Alex Hirsch as the wisecracking Grunkle Stan, and you’ve got lovable, memorable, kookie characters.

Another aspect of the show that many fans adore is the strange storyline. Many cartoons have also featured the supernatural, but the unique twists Hirsch puts on them is what makes this cartoon so fresh. However, it isn’t just showing off a new monster every episode. Many of the characters have their own personal storyline and struggles, which all eventually lead up to one epic finale.

Even though Gravity Falls was short lived compared to most other cartoons of its quality, that doesn’t mean it isn’t as good as the others. When asked in an interview why he decided to end the series after just two seasons, Hirsch answered, “I always designed Gravity Falls to be a finite series about one epic summer–a series with a beginning, middle, and end. There are so many shows that go on endlessly until they lose their original spark, or mysteries that are cancelled before they ever get a chance to payoff.”

Gravity Falls is a treasure that has claimed its place in the Disney library. It is a must watch for everyone of all ages, and if you don’t watch just because it’s a “kids show,” then you’re missing out. It has a perfect blend of humor, interactive mystery solving, and gripping action that make it fun for all ages. So go on, explore the mysteries of Gravity Falls.