City of Ghosts - Venice (S1E2)

Storyline

In this episode, the Ghost Club heads to Venice Beach after Thomas learns about a young skateboarder named Sam who claims to have encountered a ghost at the local skate park. The team meets John, who works at a Venice skate shop and has been keeping an eye on Sam. Sam, an eight-year-old girl with impressive skateboarding skills, tells the Ghost Club about her mysterious friend who appears at the park and seems to understand what it's like to feel different or out of place.

As the Ghost Club investigates, they discover that the ghost Sam has been spending time with has a connection to Venice's skateboarding history and culture. Through conversations with Sam and observations at the skate park, the team works to understand why this particular spirit has remained in Venice and what unfinished business might be keeping them there. The episode explores themes of friendship, belonging, and finding your community, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Venice Beach's iconic skateboarding scene.

What parents say

Parents have praised "City of Ghosts" for its gentle approach to introducing supernatural themes without any scary or frightening elements. Many appreciate that the show presents ghosts as friendly, misunderstood spirits rather than something to fear, making it accessible for younger viewers who might be sensitive to spooky content. The series has been commended for its documentary-style format that blends animation with real Los Angeles locations and culture.

Parents note that the Venice episode specifically offers positive representation, with Sam serving as an example of a confident young girl excelling in a traditionally male-dominated activity like skateboarding. Reviewers on Common Sense Media have highlighted the show's educational value in teaching children about Los Angeles history and diverse communities while promoting empathy and understanding. Some parents particularly appreciate how the show normalizes asking questions and seeking to understand those who seem different, whether they're ghosts or living people from unfamiliar backgrounds.

What kids learn

Children learn about the importance of empathy and taking time to understand others who might seem different at first. Through the Ghost Club's investigation of Sam's ghostly friend, young viewers see how asking questions, listening carefully, and withholding judgment can reveal that those who appear unusual or out of place often have meaningful stories and valid reasons for their behavior. The episode demonstrates that friendship can cross unexpected boundaries when we approach others with openness and curiosity.

The Venice setting teaches children about skateboarding culture and the value of finding a community where you belong. Sam's confidence and skill on her skateboard show that kids can pursue their passions regardless of whether those activities are traditionally associated with their gender. Her relationship with the ghost illustrates how shared interests and understanding can create connections between unlikely friends.

Kids also learn about perseverance and the courage it takes to be yourself. Both Sam and the ghost she befriends represent individuals who have found their place in a community that accepts them. The episode encourages children to seek out spaces and people where they feel welcomed and understood, while also showing them how to be welcoming to others who might be searching for that same sense of belonging.