The Healing Powers of Dude

Noah, an 11-year-old boy with social anxiety disorder, has to start middle school, he turns to a mutt named Dude, a sarcastic emotional support dog who might need Noah as much as Noah needs him.

The Healing Powers of Dude (2020) is a single-season American family comedy-drama created by Erica Spates and Sam Littenberg-Weisberg for Netflix. Eleven-year-old Noah Ferris, played by Jace Chapman, struggles with social anxiety as he starts middle school, and his lifeline is Dude, a sarcastic mutt who works as his emotional support dog. Larisa Oleynik plays Karen Ferris, Noah's mother, and Gabrielle Quinn, Sophie Kim, and Mauricio Lara fill out the young cast of classmates and friends around him. The engine of the show is Noah's effort to get through each school day, with its awkward encounters, social pressure, and small victories, while Dude's deadpan commentary keeps the mood light. Each of the eight half-hour episodes handles a fresh school-life situation within a single continuing arc, making it an easy, self-contained watch. The setting is a contemporary American town and its middle school. The tone is gentle, warm, and funny, with a sincere look at friendship and anxiety. Fans of Bluey, Andi Mack, and The Thundermans will find a similar mix of family humor and heart.

Audiences find the show a warm, gentle family comedy-drama whose heart lies in the bond between a socially anxious boy and his dog.

• Blueygentle family comedy-drama about a young boy's anxiety and an animal companion
• Andi Mackkid-focused comedy-drama with heartfelt friendship and school life themes
• The Thundermanswarm coming-of-age comedy about an awkward middle schooler finding his footing

Created by

Erica Spates, Sam Littenberg-Weisberg

Release Date

2020-01-13

Episode runtime

30 min

Rating

6.6 / 10 (349)

What is The Healing Powers of Dude about?

An 11-year-old with social anxiety starts middle school with the help of Dude, a sarcastic mutt serving as his emotional support dog.

What is The Healing Powers of Dude like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Healing Powers of Dude as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is The Healing Powers of Dude violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Healing Powers of Dude.

What did critics think of The Healing Powers of Dude?

Audiences find the show a warm, gentle family comedy-drama whose heart lies in the bond between a socially anxious boy and his dog.

Which shows are like The Healing Powers of Dude?

Shows with a similar feel include Bluey, Andi Mack, and The Thundermans.

How long is The Healing Powers of Dude?

The Healing Powers of Dude: 1 season, 8 episodes.

Is The Healing Powers of Dude still running?

No, The Healing Powers of Dude has ended.

Where can I watch The Healing Powers of Dude?

In United States, The Healing Powers of Dude streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.