Tools for this page
Print

Martha Speaks

(Rated TV-Y, Educational, Starring Tabitha St. Germain, Madeline Peters, Vanessa Tomasino, Where to watch: PBS Kids)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 0; suggested age 4.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Chatty canine's vocab lessons are fun for kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series expands kids' vocabulary by introducing new words and incorporating their definitions into dialogue. It also promotes positive messages about qualities like friendliness, kindness, and self-esteem.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    The show is based on a series of children's books by Susan Meddaugh.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Martha Speaks

Parents need to know that this animated series based on books by Susan Meddaugh expands preschoolers' vocabulary by introducing complex words ("remedy," "opinion," and "deserted," to name a few) and incorporating the words' meanings into the characters' dialogue. Since the show centers on a pet dog who gains the ability to speak after she's accidentally fed alphabet soup, kids may need to be reminded that it's not a good idea to give human food to pets in real life.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about communication. Before Martha could speak, how did she communicate her needs to her family? Do you think they were able to understand her? How would you communicate if you couldn't talk? Have you ever gotten into trouble because of something you've said? What did you learn from the situation? What does Martha learn about when to share her opinions? Can you think of a time when it might be better to not give your opinion?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Martha Speaks?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 9 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 2.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    Martha Speaks is funny but at the same time is incredibly stupid and it is just too happy. Martha even told her grandfather that she hoped he'd die. This show is very unrealistic too because there is a crazy ol' hag that needs to be put into the psycho house but instead she sounds off fake alarms in hospitals. Martha also talks due to alphabet soup going up into her brain. No offense, but wouldn't this make her, well, retarded? Bottom line, this show is harmless just very stupid. Nothing special. I wish my siblings didn't watch it as much as they do.

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

  3. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    doesn't understand but still likes it

    My son doesn't understand much of this but he likes to watch it.

  4. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    i love when she dreams of becomeig a firehous dog

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Good.

    Yeah, I like it! My sister likes to watch it every weekday morning! But I ignore it because I eat tater tots for breakfast.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Must See TV

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Game of the Week

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name