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Caillou

(Rated TV-Y, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Ellen David, Graeme Jokic, Annie Bovaird, Where to watch: PBS, DVD, Online)
  • 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?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Kids can relate to this sweet, curious explorer.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 3 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The program is full of diverse characters who exhibit positive behavior.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Caillou

Parents need to know that the main character is a sweet, curious child who loves to explore the world. The program sometimes deals with intense emotions such as fear, anger, loneliness, anxiety, and empathy, but they're presented in a straightforward manner that will help kids, not frighten them. The character sometimes exhibits realistic behavior typical of a 4-year-old.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the series' various themes: welcoming a new sibling, learning how to make and keep friends, the importance of caring for pets and the environment, and so on. Young kids might see similarities between their actions and Caillou's. How do kids feel about the way the character behaves? What section of the show does your child respond to the most?

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Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Caillou?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

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  •  Any concerns?

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  • or to post a review
See all 65 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    EVIL

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

    Its a must here.

    Ahhhh, Caillou. My 5 year olds addiction with Caillou started at about 2, as has my sons. I have a DVR flooded with Caillou episodes, we generally record from PBS as Sprout has commercials. Caillou often has a whiney attitude, but there is always a great message. My husband has mentioned that it isnt realistic as the parents never seem to work, though there are a few episodes they do. The messages are always close to age and play out pretty true. The parents always seem upbeat and have great answers to Caillou and Rosies questions. The only parts my kids both never enjoyed is the non-cartoon Gilbert scenes. I think for the parents who have reviewed saying that it is too whiney and has too many fits or behavior issues either hasnt been around many kids in the 2-5 age range or has perfect kids. I have seen alot of the same things play out in real life in my local library, store and park. At least Caillou shows the kiddos watching an angle they can take to get through it, or learn that it is bad behavior.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 3 and give it 2.0

    "Caillou" is very grinding on everyone over the age of six.

  4. I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    A good show but Ciallou whines to much and his little sister rosie is scared of everything!

    caillou is a mostly a good rolemodel but at times he cant be. His feelings are hert easily and sometimes it takes a lot for him to forgive anybody. and he whines...A LOT. he's always saying "no i want to go now" or "it's my turn"! but besides these things Caillou is a lovible cartoon who is sweet nice and shares. His sister rosie on the other hand cries a lot. when Caillou dressed up like a clown she cried because she was scared of clowns and she creis when she dosent get what she wants. So there are good and bad rolemodels in this show but nothing to bad for a 3 year old to see.

  5. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    Too whiney and disrespectful

    First of all, my daughter loves Caillou. I haven't watched many of the shows because I put it on for her while she has her play time and I am cleaning the house. One thing that really bothers me about this is I will be cleaning and I can hear Caillou in the background and all that ever comes out of his mouth is WHINING over silly things. He also has a bit of an attitude and a lack of respect. Thankfully she has not picked up on his behavioral issues.

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