People claimed this would be the next Pokemon. It actually never once exceeded Pokemon in popularity. Now that Kazuki Takahashi is gutting the franchise and killing off its remaining fanbase, the only joy I find is in the YouTube abridged version by LittleKuriboh.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
(Rated TV-Y7, Children, cartoons, & animation, Where to watch: WB)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Card game-turned-TV show for gradeschoolers.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 7–10
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Yu-Gi-Oh! was written by Betsy Wallace
Parents need to know that although kids in the show play "Duel Monsters," the monsters don't engage in much hand-to-hand combat, fighting instead in a virtual, video game style with fire and laser effects. Some of the creatures shown could frighten viewers 5 and under. The series' universe is surreal -- even adults collect cards and "duel."
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about how this show is connected to its companion card game. Do you think there would be a show without the game, and vice versa? Do you have to know how to play the game to enjoy the show? Parents may also want to point out that the series' take on Egyptian history is total make-believe.
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Yu-Gi-Oh!
What’s the Story?
The Pokémon genre gets a millennium-style update in YU-GI-OH! The card-hunting kids in this popular WB cartoon are clean-living urban youths with attitude and hip hairdos. Yu-Gi-Oh! is also a superhero story of sorts: The main character, Yugi, was just a puny high school freshman until he solved the millennium puzzle his grandfather gave him and bonded with the spirit inside. Now he can be Yami Yugi -- confident, brave, and a master card player.
Is It Any Good?
When they play Duel Monsters, characters spend much time explaining the rationale of every move and the function of every card. The narrative becomes even more complicated as characters' thoughts are revealed in voice over. Constant -- and often simplistic and repetitive -- dialogue transitioning to internal commentary pushes the limits of how much exposition a show can handle and how many layers kids can follow. But as the point-of-view shifts around revealing each character's uncertainties, fears, and motives, the show taps into teenage self-consciousness. Young viewers can relate to the struggles that go on inside as they grow up and try to act bravely in the world.
And in Yu-Gi-Oh!, we're talking fantasy world. Few parental figures are present; instead, close friendships and sibling relationships take center stage. Evil forces sometimes threaten the lives kids' lives. But many episodes emphasize loyalty and honorable behavior, partly offsetting the violence at the core of the show.
Our Members Say
See all 31 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
This show's time has come and gone.
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Take it From a Japanese Major-To-Be... This Show is Praiseworthy!
I personally disagree with every review this show currently has other than own. They simply don't do the series justice as they act with prejudice and intolerance towards another nation's culture. I am majoring in Japanese, and I am completely disgusted with people who think this is just some display of commercialism for the nation of Japan. It's a good, action-packed, educational program that teaches kids how to think deeply, how to be a good friend, and even how to do simple math. It may be a bit violent, but with the way it is dubbed and edited in America, there isn't anything like blood or death to worry about. Everyone who reviewed this show before me is absolutely absurd and myopic. They know nothing of the beautiful and intriguing Japanese culture and do not deserve an account if they can't have tolerance for other cultures and their unique pop culture. This show is absolutely astounding and I suggest that everyone from age two to two hundred give it a good watching. PS - To the user who said it's an 'iffy' show because there are some "Asian names"... Open your eyes and smell the sweet aroma of diversity, you nearsighted dope.
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I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The series was excellent and awesome and should have gone to the End.
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I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The series was excellent and awesome and should have gone to the End.
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I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Excessive consumerism
I only watched this show because I was five and I was bored.
This was a really stupid show. Apparently we now have the technology to make trading cards real. And, the cards have internal organs! Annoying, boring, copyricht infringement of Pokemon. Watch the original before you see the fake.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it's educational |
| 50% | of parents say it's too violent |
Have you seen it?
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