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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Sarah Wenk

The central character in the aptly named HEY ARNOLD! is a big-city fourth-grader with a head shaped like a football who has to deal with life's ups and downs. He lives with his grandparents in a rundown boarding house but has a fantastic room -- a perfect getaway from the house's odd residents. His best friends include the eternally cool Gerald and tough cookie Helga -- who often bullies Arnold to hide her crush on him.

Is It Any Good?

4

Arnold's own personality is cool and relaxed, which is a nice change from the near-hysterical characters in much children's programming. The show is well-written, with simple stories that make valuable points. At the end of each episode, there's a real sense that viewers have gotten to know the characters in a meaningful way.

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