My brother and I love it.
Fireman Sam
(Rated TV-G, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring John Alderton, John Sparkes, Sarah Hadland, Where to watch: Sprout, DVD)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Charming Welsh show teaches preschoolers safety.
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 Fireman Sam was written by Pam Gelman
Parents need to know that this appealing series teaches fire safety to preschoolers. Sam is a colorful Welsh firefighter who's also a responsive member of his community and a loving uncle to his niece and nephew. Young viewers will be delighted by the stop-motion animation (which creates soft visuals), the colorful backdrops of the charming Welsh village, and the funny dialogue. Storylines focus on situations that require the firefighters' help, such as someone's pet dog getting stuck in a fence or a child accidentally knocking over a lit jack-o'-lantern and starting a fire. Sensitive viewers may need a parent nearby to help them understand that all of the characters are safe in the end.
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 specific fire safety rules: the danger of playing with matches, why you shouldn't reach for hot objects in the kitchen, staying safe around fireplaces and camp fires, and so on. This discussion can branch out, too, covering everything from water safety to learning how to dial 911. Parents can also talk about the safety mistakes made by the children in the show and what their own kids should do if they see the same things happening in real life. The series' charming Welsh community, accents, and expressions may also prompt discussion about other countries and parts of the world.
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More on Fireman Sam
What’s the Story?
Created by two UK firefighters, FIREMAN SAM has been helping kids learn about fire safety since first airing on the BBC in the mid 1980s. Brave to the core -- as well as the hero next door (as described in the opening song, that is) -- Fireman Sam (voiced by John Sparkes) is just the person to help out in a crisis. Calm and cool when the pressure's on, Sam is tender-hearted around the children who look up to him, and a bit of an eccentric thanks to the oddball inventions he creates on the side. Each episode includes two stories featuring characters from the picturesque town of Pontypandy (the name is a hybrid of two real South Wales place names -- Pontypridd and Tonypandy). Viewers will meet Elvis Cridlington, another colorful firefighter; Penny Morris, a female firefighter and mechanic; Dilys Price, the gossipy town grocer; Norman Price, the resident mischievous kid; Sarah and James, Sam's twin niece and nephew; and Bella Lasagne, the town café owner.
Is It Any Good?
The distinctly Welsh characters, community, accents, and expressions may pose some minor comprehension problems for kids on this side of the pond, but overall it's good exposure to another part of the world. And when it comes down to it, the show's main premise is easy to ascertain, even for a 3-year old. With its fun cast of friends and engaging adventures, the show may remind parents of Bob the Builder -- albeit with a Welsh accent and a focus on fire safety instead of construction.
Fireman Sam's storylines are simple, but they do involve crises, some of which may frighten the youngest viewers if characters' safety is threatened. But never fear -- everyone always winds up safe in the end thanks to the gallant efforts of Fireman Sam.
Our Members Say
See all 9 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Okay
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Perfect for your little fire fighter. 2+
My 2 sons LOVE Fireman Sam. We never miss it.
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Teaches kids to respect fire and be careful!
I disagree with another reviewer about this being inappropriate for a two year old. Each story is about the dangers of fire and the importance of being careful in many situations. Nowhere did I find an episode where the characters didn't learn a lesson, or that was presented in a manner that encouraged kids to seek out fire, rather than respect it's power. All the episodes deal with safety and I know my child knows more about firemen and safety now because of it.
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I rate this title off for age 8 and give it
Not for 3 year olds
This show is probably one of the worst cartoons that I have ever seen. Why on earth would you let a 3 year old watch a show where another child is constantly starting fires and or trouble. It's obvious that Norman does not learn his lesson since he does something bad in every episode. When I was 3 I'm quite sure I did not know this much about fires. Yes a fireman (a real person) came to our school to show us what to do in the event of a fire but never have a child in a cartoon starting them. This is probably worse then Max & Ruby on Nickoldeon that I no longer allow my son to watch. Children at age 3 should be learning their ABC's not how to start fires.
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give itGreat for 3 year olds obssesed with fire fighting!
This is a very sweet cartoon on PBS with messages that aren't too heavy handed. The action is dramatic for my 3 year old but not scary. He loves the focus on the fire engine and the rescue helicopter.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say it's educational |
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