Fetch! - TV-Y

Reality/game show for kids is fun and educational.

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Common Sense rates it
4
Seen the show?
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details
  • TV Rating: TV-Y
  • Network: PBS Kids
  • Cast: Jim Conroy
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • >Available On: Download

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that although this series has elements of a reality show and is billed as "part reality TV," it definitely shouldn't be viewed in the same negative light as many of the reality shows currently airing. In this series, smart kids compete against each another in challenges that involve answering questions or solving problems having to do with science -- so it's educational as well as entertaining.

Families can talk about each episode's assignment or challenge. Which of the contestants were sent on the assignment? What were some of the places they had to go? What were some of the obstacles they encountered? Which area of science was explored? How do you think the contestants did? Was there anything you would have done differently? Did you learn some things you didn't know before -- and, if so, what? Do you think you'd enjoy participating in a game like this? Why or why not?

Message

Social Behavior:

The six contestants are a culturally diverse group. The challenges emphasize teamwork and problem-solving.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Sex

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Larisa Wiseman

In FETCH!, six tween contestants are given challenges and quizzes and sent on mystery assignments (similar to The Amazing Race) that test their knowledge of science as well as their determination, creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to work as a team. Each episode follows one or more of the contestants as they try to complete their challenges as quickly as possible in order to win the maximum number of points. In one episode, for example, three of the kids team up to decipher clues -- as in a scavenger or treasure hunt -- and then head to certain locations (such as museums or libraries) to look for a display that contains information about the planets of our solar system; at each location or display, they find another clue. The contestants who aren't participating in the challenge watch the team's progress via live video, and then get quizzed regarding the information the other team learns -- this way, they, too, have a chance to rack up points. At the end of each episode, the teams are awarded points and a daily individual winner is announced; the contestant with the most points at the end of the season gets a fabulous prize.

Is it any good?

4

This entertaining PBS series combines the comedy of a cartoon, the challenge of a game show, and the excitement of reality TV. The star of the show is slightly high-strung but lovable cartoon canine Ruff Ruffman, who presides over the activities from his state-of-the-art "headquarters" -- aka his doghouse -- which is equipped with the high-tech FETCH 3000 computer. Ruff communicates with the contestants either by video or phone, doling out assignments, monitoring the contestants' progress, and throwing occasional twists in the works to make the assignments more challenging. Every so often, Ruff will have a minor -- and rather amusing -- nervous breakdown as he pretends he's cracking under the pressure of producing and starring in the show.

The challenges are interesting and engaging -- as well as enlightening -- and the young contestants (real kids, not actors) are bright and enthusiastic. This is no mindless reality or game show; some of the clues are quite difficult, and the kids have to use real-world science knowledge to conduct experiments and complete tasks. It's a great way to add an educational twist to the excitement and competitive aspect of a game show, and the cartoon segments featuring the funny, neurotic Ruff add a whole new wacky dimension. Fetch! is a truly original series that's great fun to watch -- especially for young viewers interested in science or anyone who loves a good scavenger hunt.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 16 reviews.

5


Posted on 11/27/08 by Heatblast227 Kid contributor, age 9

Reality/game show for kids is fun and educational or THE BEST SHOW ON PBS!!!

Ruff Ruffman is very funny, and there IS a lot to learn. And I love the prizes!!!!!!!!
5


Posted on 07/28/08 by Meg_Mraz_fan Kid contributor, age 13

It ia awesome for kids

this show is something me and my siblings can all watch and like even though we have an age difference and we are all entertained
5


Posted on 06/29/08 by spotter Adult contributor

fun and engaging

reality, toons, learning. good show.
5


Posted on 06/24/08 by jenny151 Kid contributor, age 7

i love it

i love fetch i think briget is hot
5


Posted on 06/18/08 by treybunney Kid contributor, age 13

omg i love this show

im one of the people tht hates pbs. But this show is totaly cool. its an educational appropriate reality show. you dont find those easy. its good for 14 and under. It will even put a smile on the adults faces.
5


Posted on 06/08/08 by dmnc Kid contributor, age 11

Fetch rocks the house

This show is great for kids my age it puts kids in some difficult sitoation or plain fun tasks like Disney World to design a rollar coaster
5

Posted on 03/12/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

I like it as much as the kids do.

I like the humor in this show, and my kids are learning a lot from it. I rode on a roller coaster with my five-year-old, and he just kept shouting "Gravity!" and explained to me how there are no engines on roller coasters and how gravity makes them work. This is a fun show that kids learn a lot from.
5


Posted on 02/18/08 by qtnn Adult contributor
2

Posted on 11/20/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 16

GIVES ME A HEADACHE!

This show is ok, for its good science tips and all, but i suppose it's just preparing grade-schoolers to begin watching those horrible and stupid reality tv shows on MTV. I don't care much for this show, because it's almost a waste of time. It gives me a headache, because whoever was the moron camera man must had problems holding the freaking camera still! In season two, a young girl who is a contestant wears tight tanktops and I mean, TIGHT, along with short shorts and seems to be a very "prissy" kind of girl that annoys me. Do kids need to see a 11 or 12 year old dressed up that way? Also, Ruff seems to have crushes on female dogs. That's somewhat disturbing. But otherwise, I guess this show is ok, it has good science tips.
5


Posted on 10/11/07 by Abracadebra Adult contributor

A big thumbs up!

My daughter says this show is "cool and fun because kids get to go on adventures and try new things." I agree strongly. The kids participating in the show engage in a friendly competition and learn a lot about themselves and the world around them in the process.

See all 16 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 8 reviews.

5


Posted on 06/29/08 by spotter Adult contributor

fun and engaging

reality, toons, learning. good show.
5

Posted on 03/12/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

I like it as much as the kids do.

I like the humor in this show, and my kids are learning a lot from it. I rode on a roller coaster with my five-year-old, and he just kept shouting "Gravity!" and explained to me how there are no engines on roller coasters and how gravity makes them work. This is a fun show that kids learn a lot from.
5


Posted on 02/18/08 by qtnn Adult contributor
5


Posted on 10/11/07 by Abracadebra Adult contributor

A big thumbs up!

My daughter says this show is "cool and fun because kids get to go on adventures and try new things." I agree strongly. The kids participating in the show engage in a friendly competition and learn a lot about themselves and the world around them in the process.
5

Posted on 03/11/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor

My 7 yr old rushed in to see this every day!

This was a fantastic show! My daughter didn't quite get all the parts (she's 4) but my 7 yr old so LOVED it. He learned from the challenges and thought about how he'd do it. He thought the kids were great and really liked that they were just kids like him. He really loved the wacky intros of the kids each day. The problems with the Fetch 3000 were always good for a laugh too. The best part was that all the kids shared the winner's prize. It was great to watch as a family together and I can't wait for season 2!
5


Posted on 12/12/06 by obionemama Adult contributor

I can't wait to watch it again!

There are lots of shows for the preschool agegroup, but as my girls are getting older, It was getting more and more difficult to find a show that doesnt just skip the 5-9 agegroup and go directly boy and makeup crazy tween shows. Fetch! is great! it keeps my kids attention, is age appropriate, and they enjoy turning off the TV when it is over and acting out what they just watched! I highly recomend this for everyone with 1st and 2nd graders.
4

Posted on 07/11/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

entertaining & educational

the show is great for kids even as young as 5. older children ages 7-13 (including mine) also enjoy the competition in this show. my kids love it.
4


Posted on 06/24/06 by lisadoc1 Adult contributor

My son calls this "Survivor for Kids!"

We have been using our DVR to catch "Fetch with Ruff Ruffman" every day. My son loves the challenges and can clearly relate to the activities. His favorite contestant is Kalil! It's a fun afternoon show.
See all 8 adult reviews>

Kids Reviews

There are 8 reviews.

5


Posted on 11/27/08 by Heatblast227 Kid contributor, age 9

Reality/game show for kids is fun and educational or THE BEST SHOW ON PBS!!!

Ruff Ruffman is very funny, and there IS a lot to learn. And I love the prizes!!!!!!!!
5


Posted on 07/28/08 by Meg_Mraz_fan Kid contributor, age 13

It ia awesome for kids

this show is something me and my siblings can all watch and like even though we have an age difference and we are all entertained
5


Posted on 06/24/08 by jenny151 Kid contributor, age 7

i love it

i love fetch i think briget is hot
5


Posted on 06/18/08 by treybunney Kid contributor, age 13

omg i love this show

im one of the people tht hates pbs. But this show is totaly cool. its an educational appropriate reality show. you dont find those easy. its good for 14 and under. It will even put a smile on the adults faces.
5


Posted on 06/08/08 by dmnc Kid contributor, age 11

Fetch rocks the house

This show is great for kids my age it puts kids in some difficult sitoation or plain fun tasks like Disney World to design a rollar coaster
2

Posted on 11/20/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 16

GIVES ME A HEADACHE!

This show is ok, for its good science tips and all, but i suppose it's just preparing grade-schoolers to begin watching those horrible and stupid reality tv shows on MTV. I don't care much for this show, because it's almost a waste of time. It gives me a headache, because whoever was the moron camera man must had problems holding the freaking camera still! In season two, a young girl who is a contestant wears tight tanktops and I mean, TIGHT, along with short shorts and seems to be a very "prissy" kind of girl that annoys me. Do kids need to see a 11 or 12 year old dressed up that way? Also, Ruff seems to have crushes on female dogs. That's somewhat disturbing. But otherwise, I guess this show is ok, it has good science tips.
5


Posted on 08/19/07 by linseylohan Kid contributor, age 10
4

Posted on 06/14/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 12

Good show, but I miss Zoom

So far, I have only watched one episode of this show and it is very good. The kids are all diverse and they work together as a team. Little kids will love this show, but older kids might miss Zoom. I know I do. All in all, I reccomend this for kids 5-13. I know it sounds weird for a 13 year old to watch it but it combines science and teamwork together and the tasks are challanging. Kids can play along at home.
See all 8 kids reviews >
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