 | 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. |
The Banana Splits and Friends Show
- Boomerang
- Genre: Kids Musical TV
Common Sense Media says
Classic kids' show mixes cartoons and music.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this fun, zany classic kids' series doesn't pretend to have any educational objectives -- it's all about entertainment. Overall, the characters are enjoyable, and there's not really any offensive content, but the show lacks structure.
What's the story?
THE BANANA SPLITS AND FRIENDS SHOW is a very '60s mix of live action and animation. During their original TV run from 1968-1970, the four wacky Splits -- Fleegle, a beagle (voiced by Paul Winchell); Bingo, a gorilla (Daws Butler); Drooper, a lion (Allan Melvin); and Snorky, an elephant (Don Messick) -- were considered The Beatles (or maybe The Monkees...) of kids' TV, with hits like "The Tra La La Song," "Wait Till Tomorrow," and "Long Live Love." When the Splits aren't singing, they're often driving around in go-carts and challenging their rivals, The Sour Grapes. They also take breaks to show some cartoons -- popular segments included Danger Island and The Arabian Nights.
Is it any good?
This series is no Baby Einstein, but it's a lot of fun, and it does expose kids to music -- which is always a good thing. In fact, one of the show's most endearing elements is its music. All of the songs are optimistic; many are about love. Kids will want to jam to the bubblegum pop, and parents will appreciate the late-'60s hippie flavor. It's worth noting that the show does have a rather psychedelic backdrop, and the influences of the late '60 are very evident.
Since it has so many different segments, the show changes gears all the time, which sometimes makes it feel a little unstructured. And the energy level is extremely high -- great for pumping a kid up before a soccer game, but less-than-ideal for pre-nap viewing.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about being silly and enjoying life. Why is it important to laugh and be silly sometimes? Do the Banana Splits enjoy life? Why is having fun such an important part of life?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
the storm is right for dull and dim just like this
so stupid
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AGE
I watched it a few times when I was bored.
Big mistake.
I don't like it. (Probably because it's meant for four year olds.)
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AGE
Mindless fun
This is just clean, mindless fun for youngsters. There are live action skits between the cartoons and kids will love it. I watched it when I was a kid and now my kids watch it and they range in age from 2 to 13. Sid and Marty Kroft had their hands in this and any child of the '70s know those folks. This is much better than some of the stuff being pumped out today.
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AGE
it's a good show,sometimes.
it's a good show because at the middle,they always put a cartoon,even in the 2nd season which started in 1970!In 1972,they made a special about the hocus pocus park and then they turn animated,sound stupid now?I can keep on going all night if I have to.They are a good show because Boomerang haven't canceled the show yet,it was on in 5:30p.m. today and yesterday.
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AGE
?
nascar, you talk how great the show is,but you gave it 1 star!
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| Topics: | music and sing-along, puppets |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Boomerang |
| Cast: | Allan Melvin, Daws Butler, Paul Winchell |
| Genre: | Kids Musical TV |
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