Arthur - TV-Y
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: PBS
Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
Available on: 
DVDDownload
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that despite this series' fun, lighthearted nature, 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).
Families can discuss sibling struggles. How can brothers and sisters work out their differences? Do Arthur and DW have a good relationship? How is it like your kids' relationship with their siblings? How is it different?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Betsy Wallace
The 8-year-old title character of the animated series ARTHUR is a sweet, curious kid with more than his share of self-consciousness. He shares insecurities, adventures, and the spotlight with a varied cast of friends and family members. Although technically Arthur is an aardvark and his friends are other kinds of animals, they act just like real people.
Arthur viewers will find demonstrations of solving problems creatively, appreciating differences, and other lessons on display. But just as Arthur is a studious boy with a lot of playful energy, the show is both educational and lighthearted, weaving themes in gracefully so that they seem to result from -- rather than instigate -- the story.
Situations resolve creatively rather than predictably. In one episode, Arthur's smart friend Brain refuses to go to a birthday party at a water park, and the kids get mad and accuse him of being stuck up. Arthur is torn between sticking by his friend and sticking with the group. Rather than choosing sides, he investigates and figures out that Brain has a fear of water. Brain doesn't get over his fear of water -- instead, the episode helps viewers see that it's okay to be afraid of something and admit to your fears.
Based on the book series by Marc Brown, Arthur premiered in 1996 and is a recipient of the George Foster Peabody Award and multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children's Animated Program.
Other excellent cartoons for this age group include Postcards from Buster (based on an Arthur spin-off character) and Maya & Miguel.
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Social BehaviorKids can act selfish or bossy at times. The characters don't always model perfect behavior because they are all still growing up and learning. Girls and boys are represented equally and often break gender stereotypes. |
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