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Thundarr the Barbarian

(Rated TV-Y7-FV, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Henry Corden, Robert Ridgely, Nellie Bellflower, Where to watch: Boomerang, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    80s action 'toon offers kid-friendly adventures.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Hero characters attempt to protect their world without hurting others -- even evil, bad, naughty others. Princess Ariel is a smart, capable role model for girls.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Thundarr's role is to protect humans from mutants and men gone bad, which he does with both his sword and his fists. But he never injures or kills anyone -- a point that's made very clear (he even saves his enemies from harm). The destruction of civilization is shown in the show's credits and might be frightening if it were better animated -- but it's not.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Princess Ariel wears a very impractical swimsuit, but there's no sex or inuendo.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Thundarr the Barbarian

Parents need to know that although this '80s cartoon has lots of action, it's all very simplistically animated, and Thundarr and his team go to great lengths to avoid harming anyone -- both of which help make the show age-appropriate for younger viewers. Plus, even though she never wears anything but a strapless, Wonder Woman-style bathing suit, Princess Ariel is one of the best princess role models out there. She's smarter than Thundarr, she's the one character in the show who can read, and she knows, apparently, everything.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what sets Thundarr and his friends apart from other action cartoon heroes. Why is it important to them not to hurt anyone, even bad guys? Can you think of any other cartoon characters who feel the same way? Families can also discuss why so many action cartoons seem to be set in different times or on different planets. What does that allow the people who create the show to do?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 5 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Perfect for young children, but not for veterans

    Think about it like this. Its a show about men and beast who come together to fight the evil wizard Vandar. This might be okay for children, but war veterans will shurely be terrifed by the scenes of violence, as it will remind them of their own times in war.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0

    i saw it once

    it has awesomeness!

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