BYUtv is not known for making well-written, well acted films or series.. Usually corny stuff that's difficult to watch for more than a few minutes, but this one is not that. It is actually really well done. I'm still doubtful that BYUtv actually produced it because they are not known for well made content like this.
8 Reviews
Great All Around Family Fare!
Toominator14 September 2022
In our current storm of worldwide issues, for anyone who needs a break from the stresses of the day, this is the perfect remedy! The young actors, the simple magical episodes, and the wish fulfillment, all blend into a suite of simply comforting entertainment.
Every episode presents more backstory of the characters, discerning the episodes from that of the formulaic, and helping audience acquaintance develop.
Some may find it cheesy, or overly 'nice', but others will embrace the good natured small town flavor.
With 2 seasons in the hopper, we hope that they continue following the adventures of these folks into season 3 and beyond!
Every episode presents more backstory of the characters, discerning the episodes from that of the formulaic, and helping audience acquaintance develop.
Some may find it cheesy, or overly 'nice', but others will embrace the good natured small town flavor.
With 2 seasons in the hopper, we hope that they continue following the adventures of these folks into season 3 and beyond!
BYU-TV At Its Best
vinterrace30 March 2022
As an author of over 50 books on television I have seen the best and worst of what television has to offer. BYU-TV's "Ruby and the Well" is among the very best! But be forewarned: there is no sex, no violence, no foul language, no nudity, no mayhem and no gore or blood. It is simply a completely entertaining, heartwarming fantasy program that is geared for both children and adults. It is set in the small town of Emerald where teenage newcomer Ruby O'Reilley (Zoe Wiesenthal) finds herself becoming "The Keeper of the Well" to an ancient wishing well that stores the wishes of people and selects a keeper to grant them. A flashing light summons Ruby to the well where, upon touching the outer stones, she receives an image of someone's wish and with her friends, Mina (Lina Sennia) and Sam (Dylan Kingwell), sets about to find that person and somehow grant the wish. The atmosphere of small town life has been captured with excellent photography and writing and Ruby, Sam and Mina appear as ordinary kids; just like real kids you may know. Adding an extra touch of charm to the series is Clayton, a mouse that seems to appear from out of nowhere as a sign for Ruby that someone's wish needs to be granted. Ruby's mother, Summer, was a children's book author and in one of her books, "Mice Who Think Twice," her mouse character was named Clayton; when Ruby first notices the mouse she names him Clayton, as a memory of her late mother. Ruby and the Well runs 45 minutes (there are no commercials) and BYU-TV should be extra proud of the fact that they produced a series that is not only entertaining but heartwarming as well; too bad the Emmy Awards will not even recognize this show.
For those not familiar with BYU-TV programming, they have other programs that fall into the same category as "Ruby and the Well," the most notable being "Holly Hobbie" (with Ruby Jay) and two foreign series, "Malory Towers" (with Ella Bright) and "Hetty Feather"(with Isabel Clifton). For family friendly shows (that also include "Heartland" and "Highway to Heaven") do check out-and enjoy-BYU-TV. You won't be disappointed.
For those not familiar with BYU-TV programming, they have other programs that fall into the same category as "Ruby and the Well," the most notable being "Holly Hobbie" (with Ruby Jay) and two foreign series, "Malory Towers" (with Ella Bright) and "Hetty Feather"(with Isabel Clifton). For family friendly shows (that also include "Heartland" and "Highway to Heaven") do check out-and enjoy-BYU-TV. You won't be disappointed.
Best Pick-Me-Up Show
justinecho7 March 2022
So glad KBYUtv has picked up so many CBC productions!
margaretsedwards20 June 2022
I have seen every episode they list for Ruby and the Well, Malory Towers, Heartland, Dwight In Shining Armor and I am looking for more! I just finished season 1 of Ruby, and the production values are amazing, the scripts are not patronizing, the actors are top notch, .and I can't believe Zoe is 18! She does a perfect 14! It's a show that works for those family evenings that everyone from my 7 year old granddaughter to her 89 year old grandpa watch...even her teenage brothers. Thank you Brian and LeeAnne Adams, for creating such a special show. And please send us more seasons!
Great uplifting show to watch with your kids.
dmqw-3286519 August 2022
Feel Good Stories for Children
strawberry-5810610 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
After watching the first two episodes: Ruby and the Well has a decent production quality and fits its intended audience (children ages 8-15).
Premise of the show: A magic well is the device for addressing issues in the lives of the community and is a family heirloom, and the protagonist as keeper of the well becomes the instigator in the episodes' plots.
Primary weakness in the first two episodes is that the "family" feel is forced, too forced. As the show is intended for children I do not expect a gritty, real-world take on family life, but the script seems a bit too clean and too idealized.
Put another way: this world, the town of Emerald, and the main characters don't feel real. The dilemmas presented are too quickly and easily resolved, and the people too easy to accept suggestions and directions.
The genre is fantasy of a sort and that comes off decently, but anyone past their middle teenage years will find the human interaction a bit simple.
The stories have morals and the religious organization's influence is easy to pick up, if not too over the top.
Conclusion: fine for pre-teens but the show does not stand out.
Premise of the show: A magic well is the device for addressing issues in the lives of the community and is a family heirloom, and the protagonist as keeper of the well becomes the instigator in the episodes' plots.
Primary weakness in the first two episodes is that the "family" feel is forced, too forced. As the show is intended for children I do not expect a gritty, real-world take on family life, but the script seems a bit too clean and too idealized.
Put another way: this world, the town of Emerald, and the main characters don't feel real. The dilemmas presented are too quickly and easily resolved, and the people too easy to accept suggestions and directions.
The genre is fantasy of a sort and that comes off decently, but anyone past their middle teenage years will find the human interaction a bit simple.
The stories have morals and the religious organization's influence is easy to pick up, if not too over the top.
Conclusion: fine for pre-teens but the show does not stand out.
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