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Synopsis: Thoughtful sci-fi cartoon with monsters is best for tweens. Age: 11+ Rating: * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this sci-fi/adventure cartoon is better suited for tweens than it is for kids due to a good deal of violence (guns, knives, and large explosions, for instance) with little real-world consequence and plenty of monsters of all shapes and sizes. What’s more, the intricacies of Rex’s struggles with his own identity and good decision-making are too weighty for kids to grasp. That said, the show is a rare find for tweens, blending a mature storyline about a teen’s inner battle between his sense of responsibility and his very different personal desires with an enticing plot of mystery and adventure. - Common Sense Media (Photo: Cartoon Network) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Best Cartoons fo...After the preschool years, kids still like cartoons, but they want something more complex than straight forward messages about friendship and sharing -- they like a bit of conflict, some bad guys (that aren't too scary), other-worldy characters like superheroes, aliens, and dragons. These picks feature all this, plus the positive messages and hidden learning that parents will appreciate. - Common Sense Media (Photo: PBS Kids) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
‘Arthur’Synopsis: A thoughtful cartoon for kids to grow up on. Age: 5+ Rating: * * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that despite the fun, lighthearted nature of this series, its social lessons (which cover a wide range of situations) are more complex and original than you'll find in most cartoons. Children of any age can watch alone, but those 5 and over will understand the stories best. The show explores the challenges of sibling relationships through Arthur and his sister DW. It's worth noting that sometimes their arguments can be a little too true-to-life (i.e., loud and whiny). - Common Sense Media (Photo: PBS Kids) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
‘Maya & Miguel’Synopsis: Engaging cartoon teaches cultural diversity. Age: 5+ Rating: * * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know the series is well-written, funny, and full of upbeat charm. The program focuses on a set of Spanish language vocabulary words that are repeated throughout the episode. Kids will find the animated twins a delight. - Common Sense Media (Photo: PBS Kids) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
‘WordGirl’Synopsis: Brainy heroine uses vocab to outwit bad guys. Age: 5+ Rating: * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this entertaining animated series introduces grade-schoolers to the pronunciations and definitions of advanced vocabulary words like "temptation," "gigantic," and "vegetarian." There's a little bit of cartoon violence, but that pales in comparison to the fact that kid viewers will unknowingly expand their literary repertoire while enjoying the empowered young superheroine's adventures. - Common Sense Media (Photo: PBS Kids) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
‘Atomic Betty’Synopsis: Spunky space-travelling heroine is positive model for kids. Age: 6+ Rating: * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this action-adventure cartoon centers on a smart, self-assured tween girl who’s more concerned with saving the world from evil domination than she is with stereotypical pursuits like popularity and fashion. Betty rises above the influence of a superficial mother and a self-absorbed classmate to devote her time to preserving galactic peace, which she does with the help of two loyal friends. The battles between good and evil do include some violence, but it's fairly mild (a few laser guns, some kicks and scrapes) and very short-lived. In other words, as cartoons go, this is a surprisingly well-rounded option for kids. - Common Sense Media (Photo: Atomic Cartoons) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Wild Kratts'Synopsis: Zoologist brothers get animated in fun, kid-friendly series. Age: 6+ Rating: * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this fun animated series introduces kids to a variety of wild animal species and teaches them about science concepts like animal behavior, habitats, and adaptation. Real-life zoologists Chris and Martin Kratt voice their animated counterparts, and the show is brimming with the brothers' trademark humor and sense of adventure, so there’s plenty to keep kids’ interest while they learn. Because the show’s focus is on wildlife and the content often refers to endangerment or threats to animal habitats, there’s good opportunity to follow up with kids via discussions about current environmental issues and conservation. - Common Sense Media (Photo: PBS Kids) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
‘Cosmic Quantum ...Synopsis: Fun animated sci-fi cleverly incorporates physics lessons. Age: 6+ Rating: * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this clever animated comedy is designed to educate kids on the wonders of science and physics. Topics such as Einstein's famous E=MC2 equation and how the body transforms healthy foods into energy are demonstrated in the show's plots, then explained outside the action by the characters. There's a fair amount of cartoon violence, but it's meant solely for comedic effect. - Common Sense Media (Photo: The Hub) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Jane and the Dr...Synopsis: Medieval adventure is a soaring delight. Age: 6+ Rating: * * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this excellent computer-animated series is set in medieval England. Although the main character is supposed to become a lady-in-waiting, she decides that she wants to be a knight instead and befriends a dragon. Jane is a strong, independent female role model, and the show's themes of friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness make it great for young grade-schoolers. - Common Sense Media (Photo: Qubo) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Rated A for Awe...Synopsis: Zany fun and positive social messages are great for kids. Age: 7+ Rating: * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this Disney short-form show blends wacky, kid-friendly comedy with strong social messages about being a good friend, being comfortable with who you are, and working as a team. Although the characters solve their problems on an unrealistically large scale (building a water park in their backyard when their sprinkler won't work, for instance), there's merit in their ability to identify and collectively take on an issue. Expect plenty of exaggerated content (their pet monkey is a key part of their plans, and parents aren't in the picture) as well as some mild bathroom humor (a visible butt crack and talk of pooping, for instance) to further lighten the mood, none of which interferes with the show's positive takeaways. - Common Sense Media (Photo: Disney XD) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Green Lantern: ...Synopsis: Sharp take on comics hero has fighting, angry bad guys. Age: 8+ Rating: * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this animated adventure series is carved from the traditional superheroic mold, with plenty of imaginative storytelling and swashbuckling fisticuffs. The series' villains -- a rage-fueled group bent on vengeance, death, and destruction -- are slightly darker than typical criminals. But there are strong positive messages about helping others and working together. The heroes use green power rings that can summon any object they can imagine, leading to some creative moments that encourage imagination play -- though they're also put to use in battle situations. - Common Sense Media (Photo: Cartoon Network) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Sym-Bionic Tita...Synopsis: Action, adventure, and positive messages for tweens. Age: 8+ Rating: * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that there's plenty of cartoon violence in this animated series, including gun use, bombs, and use of fire to destry entire city blocks. While the main characters can join forces and transform into a robot-like being that's mostly immune to enemy onslaughts, since the battles often take place in an urban setting, human casualties are presumed (but they're not shown). Violence aside, the show does have some notable positives, mostly associated with Ilana, the role model-worthy main female character. Her desire to assimilate among her human counterparts -- and to protect and unify them -- offers some strong messages about respecting others and considering their needs ahead of your own. - Common Sense Media (Photo: Cartoon Network) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Transformers Pr...Synopsis: Action and violence don't overshadow good messages for kids. Age: 8+ Rating: * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that violence is the main concern in this latest addition to the Transformers franchise. Clashes between the Decepticons and the Autobots are explosive and include gunfire, crashes, and dismemberment (of robots, that is), and a few humans are involved enough that their lives are in danger. A main character dies early in the series, and the loss of their teammate motivates the Autobots even more. Expect kids’ interest in the show to encourage their desire for the multitude of products that also sport the Transformers name. That said, as action series go, there's a fair amount of positive content here related to the Autobots’ unselfish willingness to put themselves in harm’s way to protect humankind. - Common Sense Media (Photo: The Hub) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Young Justice'Synopsis: Former sidekicks battle villains in action-packed cartoon. Age: 8+ Rating: * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this animated series based on DC Comics characters packs in a great deal of superhero action, likely to be imitated by any "little heroes" who become fans of the series. Punching, kicking, and jumping (and a few weapons, including bow and arrow and sharp spinning blades) is the order of the day for this action-driven cartoon, which otherwise provides traditional superhero storytelling along with positive messages about personal responsibility that are bound to entertain adventure-hungry kids. - Common Sense Media (Photo: Cartoon Network) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Generator Rex'Synopsis: Thoughtful sci-fi cartoon with monsters is best for tweens. Age: 11+ Rating: * * * * What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this sci-fi/adventure cartoon is better suited for tweens than it is for kids due to a good deal of violence (guns, knives, and large explosions, for instance) with little real-world consequence and plenty of monsters of all shapes and sizes. What’s more, the intricacies of Rex’s struggles with his own identity and good decision-making are too weighty for kids to grasp. That said, the show is a rare find for tweens, blending a mature storyline about a teen’s inner battle between his sense of responsibility and his very different personal desires with an enticing plot of mystery and adventure. - Common Sense Media (Photo: Cartoon Network) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
