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The Spectacular Spider-Man

(Rated TV-Y7-FV, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Lacey Chabert, Josh Keaton, Daran Norris, Where to watch: CW, Disney XD, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Web-slinger's early years lots of fun for kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    There's a strong undertone about the importance of family connections, ranging from Peter's very loving connection with his Aunt May to Peter's pal Harry, who's clearly bothered by his strained relationship with a cold, domineering father. Peter is also frustrated, at times, by the need to maintain his secret identity. He's also respectful, responsible, and a good student.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Plenty of cartoon fighting, though there's no blood or gore, and nobody seems to get seriously injured. Spidey keeps a running patter going as he takes down the bad guys, which make the fights feel even less serious. Spider-Man uses fists and webs, supervillains use other unusual weapons, and some of the bad guys use guns.
  • Sexy stuff:

    No sex or nudity, though Peter does have a major crush on one of his classmates.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    There are lots of Spidey products out there...
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Spectacular Spider-Man

Parents need to know that Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man) may be the teenage son that every parent wishes for. He's loving, family oriented, respectful, responsible (though he sometimes gets home after curfew), and does well in school. Even when he's beating up bad guys -- which happens pretty frequently, this being a superhero cartoon -- his constant quips make it seem more like a game than a dangerous battle. All of this makes him a pretty good role model for young kids. That said, the show may seem a bit one-dimensional to older Spidey fans.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about responsibility. Between school, work, helping Aunt May, and his secret Spidey duties, Peter has a busy life -- but he never seems to even consider shirking any of his tasks. Why do Spider-Man, and so many other superheroes, seem to instinctively realize that they have a duty to use their abilities to protect society? Do you believe that with power comes responsibility? If you had a secret power, what would it be, and what would you do with it? Also, what does this version of Spider-Man have in common with other shows and movies? How is it different?

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Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Spectacular Spider-Man?
  •  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 8 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 3 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Really great show the story arcs are fantastic and it really brings the comics to life in a realistic fashion (you can trust me on that). One of the reviews said that "violence immediately caught my attention" which is ridiculus. Peter sacrifises most of his personal life to help save lives. I haven't seen any die. As with most of the Spider-Man franchize it teachs a powerful message that with Great Power Comes Great Responsibility.

  2. I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Alot of Action

    My 4 year old loves spider-man. He loves this show, but I find it quite violent... Yes of course, there is no blood of anything like that, but my son really get waaaaaay to much exited after watching this...

  3. I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Perfect for all ages.

    This show is an amazing family favorite.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    good show

    he does be scarcasume a whole lot mary jane calls him tiger some violence some shows like this i am not allowed to watch like american dad

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