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Hey Arnold!

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Strong storytelling and characters -- kids OK.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Arnold's attitude makes him a good role model, but Helga can be a bully -- her actions are meant to hide her crush on Arnold, but that doesn't excuse them. Some mild name-calling ("football head").

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Occasional use of words like "freakin" and "crapola."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Hey Arnold! was written by Sarah Wenk

Parents need to know that the situations in this series are zany, but the characters' responses are realistic and consistent. The main character is mellow, accepting, and cheerful -- making him a good role model. Another character has a big crush on him and tries to hide it with bullying behavior. Some mild language -- "crap," "football head."

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the reality of the show. Do your kids think Arnold is a good role model? Does he handle situations like they do?
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More on Hey Arnold!

What’s the Story?

The central character in the aptly named HEY ARNOLD! is a big-city fourth-grader with a head shaped like a football who has to deal with life's ups and downs. He lives with his grandparents in a rundown boarding house but has a fantastic room -- a perfect getaway from the house's odd residents. His best friends include the eternally cool Gerald and tough cookie Helga -- who often bullies Arnold to hide her crush on him.

Is It Any Good?

Arnold's own personality is cool and relaxed, which is a nice change from the near-hysterical characters in much children's programming. The show is well-written, with simple stories that make valuable points. At the end of each episode, there's a real sense that viewers have gotten to know the characters in a meaningful way.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

  2. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Hey Arnold!

    IT was and IT is a good show. Love it.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Alright for little kids, perfect for tweens

    I like this show, and it will keep kids young and older entertained.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    the one nicktoon that can teach anybody

    this is one of the best cause arnold aways looks on the bright side and stay postive on diffrent situtions and he also teaches to help people in need

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