Naughty or knights: a K.O.G. review

In youth, many of us cling to the idea of “Disney magic.” To go to Disneyland is to reach nirvana, and to meet Cinderella is to shake hands with God. However, as we age, this illusion of magic denatures. It is not that the films lose their value, nor is it that the stories fail to resonate. Rather, we begin to notice subtle nuances within the media. We realize that Disney magic is shrouded in corporate undertones, and that stories—rather than serve as works of art—become means of which to gain economic prowess. 

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All images via Glitch + Youtube

Knights of Guinevere (KOG), an animated pilot released in the September of 2025, beautifully encapsulates this reality. Not only is it able to accurately portray the illusion of Disney magic,  but blatantly underlines the cost of this illusion: the price of maintaining such an effortful facade. Written by Dana Terrace, known for her previous work on Disney’s The Owl House, KOG has the privilege of understanding the inner workings of corporations like Disney. For this reason, it is able to hit producers where it hurts, not only serving as a means of artistic expression, but also as a kind of exposé. 

Through its exceptional artwork, KOG not only portrays the horrors of the entertainment industry, but also exemplifies what it could have been. Through the eyes of Frankie, one of the main protagonists, we come to understand media beyond its faults. Corporate control, despite its apparent pitfalls, has the unique ability to shape the ways in which we interact with our world. KOG acknowledges that, though this influence is often oppressive, it can also inspire feelings of purpose. It demonstrates—both in content and in nature—that art is a form of passion, and that the pursuit of art can go one of two ways: abuse or ardor. 

For viewers less concerned with dissecting the KOG’s latent meaning, the series—even without critical analysis—can still serve as a worthwhile viewing experience. The art is astounding, and despite originating from YouTube, the series looks as if it came from a professional studio. It is both beautiful and grotesque, above all else being fun to watch. If you are an artist seeking references, I would highly recommend this series. The character design is immaculate, each model being crafted with a visible degree of thought and care. Furthermore, the backdrops—simultaneously apocalyptic and fantastical—are simply breathtaking, serving as a merit to the story’s surreal quality. 

Story-wise, the series is rich with potential. It examines issues of wealth and artistic liberty, all the while blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. The characters are interesting, their motives are relatable, and their interactions yield a significant level of introspection. Unlike many pilot episodes, KOG actually leaves you wanting more. And not in a passive, on and off type of way. It leaves you with an obsession. You watch it 3-5 times only to watch it again immediately after, hoping and praying that more episodes will launch while you still have the time to enjoy them. 

In answering the question: “Is Knights of Guinevere worth watching,” I can say with full confidence that if you enjoy thoughtful, intentional media, that yes—this series is the one for you.