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George and Martha (HBO Family)

common sense media says

Hip hippos inspire lots of laughs.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that despite being part of HBO's preschool programming block, this series is better suited for slightly older kids. It's all about celebrating friendship: In every episode, the main characters are faced with a little issue in their friendship that's always settled with compassion and compromise.

Positive messages: George and Martha illustrate what it takes to make a great friendship.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on George and Martha

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what friendship means and what it takes to be a good friend. Why are apology and forgiveness an important part of friendship? How can we express how we feel to friends? Topics like sharing, honesty, and forgiveness are illustrated within the slapstick antics of these silly hippos, and there are some good lessons to be learned amongst the giggles.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Based on the hilarious book series by James Marshall that has enjoyed more than 20 years of success, GEORGE AND MARTHA is ready to be loved by a whole new generation. Hilarious hippo duo George and Martha are magnets for mix ups. As best friends are wont to do, George and Martha do everything together, including sharing meals, hanging out, and helping (sometimes with mixed results) each other when they're in trouble. The ups and downs and ins and outs of friendship are the central themes of the series, which offers kids a chance to reflect on their own friendships.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

George and Martha will no doubt bring a smile and a giggle to a child's day. The characters' earnest attempts to be a good friend sometimes backfire, but watching George and Martha mend their messes is a lot of fun. The educational content isn't strong, but the show does illustrate many different pro-social elements that even older children can benefit from. The only potential negative aspect is that George and Martha are sometimes laughed at because of the trouble they get into (like getting stuck in a door) due to their size.

Overall, George and Martha is a strong choice for kids. While it's not necessarily a preschool program, children 4 and up will certainly love these silly, endearing beasts. As long as parents explain that laughing at someone's size can be hurtful, this show will both entertain kids and reinforce what it means to be a good friend.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: HBO Family
Cast: Andrea Martin, Nathan Lane, Sean Cullen
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: HBO Family
This review was written by Andrea Graham
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines