| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that cartoon-style crashes and spills are the most worrisome aspect of this funny Canadian cartoon about a bunch of underwear-clad animals. Characters tumble down cliffs, get squashed by cars, and withstand balls of fire, all without major injury (very young kids without a firm grasp on the line between fantasy and reality might have trouble with the content). Female animals' breasts protrude through their undershirts, but it's not intended to be sexual. For older kids, the show is a hilarious blend of offbeat characters and ridiculous predicaments, and there's enough wit that parents might find themselves entertained, too. While lessons are hardly central to the show's intent, there are some teachable moments to be found in the characters' attempts to overcome their differences and coexist with their unusual neighbors.
ALMOST NAKED ANIMALS is a Canadian cartoon that tells the story of the offbeat adventures of a group of underwear-clad mammals, sea creatures, reptiles, and insects that migrates to the beachfront Banana Cabana hotel. Run by Howie the dog (voiced Robert Tinkler), the Banana Cabana is a haven for the unique personalities of its staff and guests, from the lounge-singing baritone Narwhal (Sean Cullen) to the sweet-talking activities planner, Bunny (Emilie-Claire Barlow). There's never a dull moment at this beachfront paradise, where boxers and briefs are the code of dress and hilarity is the name of the game.
Let's be honest. There's something undeniably funny about seeing animals in underwear, and this laugh-out-loud cartoon will further tickle viewers' funny bones with its wacky characters and witty humor. Kids will love the exaggerated animation style of the animals' ridiculous appearances, which complement their crazy personalities and unlikely predicaments. Sloths, butterflies, pigs, cows, and even a timid octopus inhabit this unusual beachfront hotel, and it's all that fearless leader Howie can do to keep the walls from caving in, especially since he's usually at the heart of the mayhem.
The show's style and content cater to elementary-aged kids; preschoolers may have trouble distinguishing between reality and the gag-style violence (long-distance falls, car accidents, fire, and electrocution, all without realistic injury) that abounds in each episode. Parents might take issue with the female characters' breasts protruding through their undershirts, but it's clear they’re not intended to be of a sexual nature. The show's writing is smart enough that adults will get some laughs right alongside their kids, so if you do watch with them, be sure to point out instances in which the characters' diversity encourages respect for differences and requires them to find common ground.
Families can talk about relating to others. What qualities set these characters apart from each other? How do their differences make it hard for them to get along? How do they overcome these challenges?
Kids: What are some of your unique characteristics? What can you do better than other kids you know? How do these talents make you feel? Why is it important to respect people's differences?
Do you like this show’s animation style? How does having the characters walk around in their underwear add to the show? Does it make it funnier, or is it a distraction? How might you have drawn the characters differently?
| Topics: | ocean creatures, wild animals |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7-FV |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | Emilie-Claire Barlow, Robert Tinkler, Sean Cullen |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |