My only concern is the sterotypes ... poor Mr. Sabatini has the worst Italian accent I've ever heard. Just have to point out - Wendy is not Bob's wife (although i think she has a secret crush on him). Also, if you hadn't noticed, it's British and dubbed with American accents.
Bob the Builder
(Rated TV-Y, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Kate Harbour, Rob Rackstraw, Neil Morrissey, Where to watch: PBS, DVD)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Kid-friendly Bob is on the job.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 3 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Bob the Builder was written by Joly Herman
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.
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 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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More on Bob the Builder
What’s the Story?
For the youngest fixer-upper, BOB THE BUILDER has all kinds of ideas. Sometimes Bob's wife Wendy has to repair a water pipe in the local library, or Bob needs to make a new shed for a neighbor. All of the trucks and machines pitch in with enthusiasm, chiming in ahead of their task the mantra: "Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!"
Is It Any Good?
The most effective aspect of Bob the Builder is the characters' ability to identify a problem, make a plan that aims to solve it, and then delegate the crew to get the job done. On the other hand, this type of organizational structuring would be more suitable for viewers over the age of 5, who have been exposed to the dynamics of a large group and who understand the need for order. The youngest viewers should really learn basics like vocabulary and counting before they're asked to consider the complex problems simplified in this program.
Yes, the animated trucks are fun to watch, and the gracious nature of Bob and his un-stereotypically handy wife are indeed decent role models, but making the assumption that this program should replace the fun of actually playing with actual toy trucks in the actual back yard would be a mistake. So try this: Give the 3-year-old viewers the trucks and sand for building, and observe the situations that they create to see whether they think like adults, or are still children after all.
Our Members Say
See all 109 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 3 and give it
- My highlights are:
er, well, I think so...
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
- 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!"
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
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
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Can we watch it? Yes we can!
Bob the Builder is the only option out there for construction obsessed kids. The characters are a mismash of construction equipment, people and even a scarecrow. The lessons are good and generally focus on making mistakes and getting help. Becuase 2.5+ can relate to the making lots of mistakes message, this show is endearing. Overall, a simple show for preschoolers.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Yes!
very encouraging show for young children. A+ in my book and it's one that i can actually watch too =)
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
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