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Bob the Builder

(Rated TV-Y, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Kate Harbour, Rob Rackstraw, Neil Morrissey, Where to watch: PBS, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 3; suggested age 3.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Kid-friendly Bob is on the job.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 3 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Wendy, Bob's wife, is just as handy as Bob is. Plus the cast is a multi-cultural group.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Anyone who's walked through a preschool in the past five years has seen Bob the Builder's logo on everything from lunchboxes to pajamas.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Bob the Builder

Parents need to know that there is nothing objectionable in this show. That said, while the series is primarily about the can-do attitude that Bob and his building crew demonstrate while facing tough assignments, some of the adult details won't interest preschoolers. How much do 3-year-olds want to know about "paperwork" and "raising money"? Not all episodes are abstract in this manner, but enough stress to "get things done" colors the program to make adults feel a little guilty for sitting in front of the tube with their little one.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the challenges Bob and his crew face. How did Bob come up with the right solution? Could he have completed the job without the others' help? Why is it important to cooperate?

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Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Bob the Builder?
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See all 108 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

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

    Bob teaches teamwork!

    Bob is one of the best kid shows on TV. The "working together to get the job done" message is REALLY hammered in but it is worth it. Our son even says things like, "We need to do teamwork, like Bob!"

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Iffy for a 2 year old? C'MON!

    Oh come on common sense, is there anything thats not iffy for any age? This show is suited towards 2-7 year olds, but how is it iffy for the 2 year old age group??? I am appauled

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 0.0

  4. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title off for age 5 and give it 0.0

    I hated this!

    I don't like this show. I am not saying it is bad, but I don't like it.

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