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Barney & Friends (PBS)

common sense media says

Love him or hate him, Barney is a hit with preschoolers.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this long-running, very kid-friendly program promotes creative problem solving, civic participation, group cooperation, and active play. Music encourages children to join the characters in song and dance. Preschoolers will benefit from its pro-social themes and emphasis on active play.

Educational value: Kids will learn important social lessos about topics like working together and understanding each other. They'll probably pick up some song lyrics, too.
Positive messages: The show promotes strong positive messages about teamwork, cultural appreciation, and problem solving. It also emphasizes active play.
Positive role models: Barney is upbeat, friendly, and inclusive, and his music and songs help encourage kids to be active.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Lots of tie-in products out there.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Barney & Friends

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about the importance of empathizing with others' needs in order to encourage children to play and cooperate with others and to appreciate others' differences.

  • Certain episodes (such as one about a missing cat) can help promote discussion about individual responsibility, coping with loss, and the importance of community service.

What's the story?

What's the story?

BARNEY & FRIENDS is a well-loved veteran in children's television. In fact, you'd probably be hard-pressed to find a child who doesn't know the Barney theme song. Barney's world is set in a community playground where he and his friends dance, play, and learn about helping others in their neighborhood. While the show's set and cast of children have changed over the years, the core themes of the series remain.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Younger children will love Barney's colorful musical world. Every episode is filled with song and dance, and Barney really encourages little ones to get up and boogie along. Barney and his friends also love crafting and will likely inspire your child's creative side. Among all the fun, each episode is based on a pro-social theme such as respect, teamwork, and courtesy for others.

While Barney & Friends does offer quality entertainment for kids, parents should know that the show's songs have been criticized for being overly infectious and may wind up stuck in your head. And while preschoolers will love watching Barney's adventures, older kids may find the program's happy, sappy style a little too much. Nonetheless, Barney & Friends is a well-loved classic and will likely continue to delight preschoolers for years to come.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: PBS
Cast: David Joyner
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: PBS
This review was written by Andrea Graham
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6

Most useful reviews by all members

imoldgregg
adult
15
 
bad
Honestly, a scary naked purple pedophile is not a very good role model
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gamerlord
kid, 11 years old
2
 
i hate barney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
barney is so annoying just remember, it's ok to hate barney wether your a boy or a girl
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cheacky3
teen, 15 years old
2
 
2+
You won't belive it. But did you know Demi and Salena were in barney. So embarassing!! LOL!
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sanban6
teen, 14 years old
2
 
This show is great, but in my opinion definitely not for ten year olds. It is so educational! At a glance, you'd probably figure, "Oh, it's all about being a good person", but it's that and SO MUCH MORE. Kids can learn so much educational stuff from this, too! It teaches ABC's, 123's, colors, shapes, body parts, colors, etc. Plus manners and how to be a friend and share and care! My little brother loves it, and I watched it too as a baby. I feel it's not for ten-year-olds because when I was five and in Kindergarden(in 2002), people made fun of me for watching Barney.
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Michelleisawesome
parent of 11 year old
7
 
Barney is a big purple dinosaur, he often where's revealing or more often than not no clothes at all. He can also be very frightening with his happy yet unrealistic songs. He also kisses kids who are like 5. Since he is a dinosaur he is also like a 20 million years old. He also got fired once for swearing at a kid. He also probably takes little sips from a flask in between takes, how could anyone be that happy if he didn't.? He also gives unrealistic outlooks on life and I think kids should know early on that life isn't all hugs and puppies and friendship. You can have enimies and there is war and famine. It disgusts me. Plus there is no real plot.
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Bazzi 432
kid, 12 years old
2
 
k lol
k lol
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Marvawrightfan
kid, 13 years old
2
 
Barney is the best!
Barney is the best! I used to have all his shows! But, the ones who don't like him be quiet! Don't watch his show then if you don't like it, because that does not make any sense! If you don't like it watch something else! And don't tell people don't let them watch Barney because it's there choose! Just mind your own bussiness and just change the channel!"And I'm sorry I said that way.
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splashgirl
kid, 10 years old
2
 
Barney is AWESOME!
Barney is an awesome show. People who say it has smoking or violence in it are liars. Barney is an educationaI TV show that everyone can enjoy. I still watch it and I think it's meant for kids 1- adult. Adults can still enjoy it because it doesn't matter how old you are watch what you want!
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rebma97
teen, 14 years old
3
 
It's not innapropriate
Some people really need to stop lying about Barney. Someone said he sweared at a kid and a bunch of other innapropriate stuff that doesn't really happen in this show. And there's no reason to rate if off just because you don't like it. I personally think its alright. It's educational because it teaches kids about friendships, kindness, etc.
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Baseballfan67
adult
2
 
Stupid Show
I hate this show. Me and my friend made up a song, "Barney is a dinosaur with no imagination, stepped into a doctors office and had a vaccination"
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2lame2name
adult
17
 
A horrible show
Oh, PLEASE keep your kids away from this. It is a bad example for kids of all ages. I am concerned abut the one show were barney shows ANTONIO, a character in the show, how to use the G11 assualt rifle. After that, antonio and barney go smoke a joint, then the show ends. My 4 year old wanted to know what weed was after he saw this. I keep him away from this show at all times.
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undergurl
kid, 12 years old
2
 
I used to love barney, it was such a great T.V> show I hope they haven't changed anything about it.
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esams
parent of 10 , 13 , and 17 year old
3
 
preschoolers show
i love barney my sdaughter loves it but my 2 sons hate barney my youngest hates barney the most and dosent want barney on there he whishes theyre wasent a show called barney and its educational and has positive messages and good role models and will be for kids 3 and up and is a purple dinosaur with manners besides my youngest son prefers TV-Y7-VL second youngest TV-PG-L and oldest TV-14-SVL and great for preschoolers barney has been on for 18 years now and has 14 seasons and my son olny wanted 1 season with 1 episode but my daughter wanted 30 seasons for 40 years i let all my kids watch it but 2 out of the 3 dont want to now bye
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chillin
kid, 13 years old
 
Barney is the devil, satan, and the antichrist!!!!!!!
So, many of ya'll people say it's a good show with no cuss words or any thing satanic? Think again!!! Get a recorder. Record the theme song, play it backwards, and listen to it. It has a subliminal message about SATAN!!! I also believe Barney is Satan because the Bible talks about a RED PURPLE beast dragon being the DEVIL. That's BARNEY!!! So, if you want to watch Satan on TV, this is the place to start!!!
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cutie86248
teen, 14 years old
7
 
Just wrong
All i have to say is i thought dinosours were exctinct.
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GoodParenting
parent
17
 
Funny- for 17+
Funny show adults, but too mature and violent for my children.
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AnEpicKid
kid, 10 years old
 
WORST SHOW EVER, thanks for hating.
They do drugs, kick, say f--k, etc. and they SMOKE. worst show ever. Thanks for hating.
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Swit Swat
kid, 12 years old
2
 
A very nice show for the little ones!
Ahh, memories! This takes me back so long ago. I am sure babies and toddlers will love this show! And even though I do not watch it anymore (obviously) I still think it is a great show that parents should watch with their little ones.
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ilovecookiez
teen, 14 years old
2
 
I love you, You love me :)
This was my favorite show when I was little! I'd always beg to watch this! Little kids should love this! Kids will think it's a "Baby show" Teenager will say it's cute and it will bring good memories (well mature teenagers) It's boring for me now but it still brings good memories so 5 stars!
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Hedgieguy11
parent of 13 year old
2
 
Scary dinos!!!
Dinosaur=scary. Period
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