See more TV reviews

101 Dalmatians (Toon Disney)

common sense media says

Lots of pups, but not as good as the movie.

parents & educators say
See 1 review | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this animated series is based on the 1961 animated Disney classic 101 Dalmatians. The series focuses primarily on the puppies and their adventures at their new farm home, where they learn life lessons about friendship, what it means to be a good sibling, and cooperating with others.

Positive messages: These pups stick together no matter what, learning lessons about friendship, cooperation, and more.
Violence & scariness: Cruella is always after the puppies, and she can be a bit scary.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Cruella de Vil likes her smokes.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on 101 Dalmatians

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the responsibilities of raising a pet (the popularity of the movie created a high demand for Dalmatian puppies among kids). Do kids think they would be able to maintain enthusiasm for their pet? Would they be responsible for feeding, brushing, playing and walking it? What kind of commitment is it to raise a pet, particularly a dog?

What's the story?

What's the story?
101 DALMATIANS is a continuation of Disney's well-loved 1961 animated classic (itself based on the book by Dodie Smith). Roger and Anita Dearly (voiced by Jeff Bennett and Kath Soucie) leave London behind to move to the country so that their puppies will have enough room to grow and play. Most episodes are centered on the escapades of just three of the puppies: leader Lucky (Pamela Adlon), big eater Rolly (Soucie again), and tough cookie Cadpig (also Soucie). Together with their worry-wart chicken friend Spot (Tara Strong), the pups seek out adventures and try to foil the plans of the wicked Cruella de Vil (April Winchell), who wants to take over the farm and destroy the puppies.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

While 101 Dalmatians retains some of the charm of the original film, and the storylines are entertaining enough, the animation style has been updated, most likely to appeal to younger, hipper viewers. That's a shame, really, because the original film appealed to many different ages, and the style change is not only unnecessary, but distracting as well. Plus, the new character of Spot seems annoyingly out of place.

Overall, 101 Dalmatians is better than other Disney spin-off series -- it's cute and entertaining enough for younger kids. But fans of the film would be much better re-watching the original (and perhaps the live-action version, too) to get their speckled-puppy fill.

TV themes & details

Themes
friendship
TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: Toon Disney
Cast: April Winchell, Kath Soucie, Pamela Adlon, Tara Strong
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Toon Disney
This review was written by Andrea Graham
 
 

Review It

 

Review 101 Dalmatians

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

manay_4511
teen, 14 years old
2
 
Kids of all ages should watch this before its cancelled!
This was not as good as the movie though. But it should be a remake of the 101 dalmatians. But in this show, it's always gotta be positive messages of friendship for some reason.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see 101 Dalmatians?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more TV
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines