The Berenstain Bears (PBS)

common sense media says

Kids are welcome in bear country.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that while Brother and Sister Bear are 10 and 8, respectively, and the show revolves around their school-age experiences, the series' tone and pace may only appeal to much younger kids. Whatever their ages, if your kids enjoy the show, by all means introduce them to the books, which are easy to find at libraries and bookstores.

Educational value: No specifically educational content, but lots of clear social lessons about sharing, manners, rules, etc.
Positive messages: Stories always have a recognizable theme with strong values, reflecting family ties, friendship, helpfulness, generosity, manners, and so on. Traditional gender roles are on display within the Bear family home (Mama tends to the house while Papa works, etc.), but some stories make a point to cross those, as when Mama started a quilting business or Papa took over the chores while Mama was sick.
Positive role models: Mama and Papa are always ready to help kids make thoughtful decisions that reflect the family's values. They encourage their kids to work hard, obey the rules, and engage in healthy activities and friendships. Brother and Sister don't always get things right on the first try, but they recognize their mistakes and do what they can to make things right.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on The Berenstain Bears

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the lessons learned in each episode. How do Brother and Sister Bear learn from their mistakes? How is your family like the Bear family? How is it different?

What's the story?

What's the story?

THE BERENSTAIN BEARS, based on the best-selling children's book series by Jan and Stan Berenstain, is geared around learning experiences and straightforward, literal lessons. Mama, Papa, Sister, and Brother live in a tree house, but otherwise live and act like humans.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The TV show succeeds in capturing the books' fun-loving spirit. Delightful character and scene animation makes bear country a charming place to hang out, even if the books' subtle wit doesn't quite come through on the screen. At first glance, the show seems to take "traditional family values" to the extreme. Mama wears a housecoat, gardens, and quilts, while Papa wears overalls, fishes, and eats too much of Ma's great country cooking.

Some viewers, even kids, might get annoyed at these unimaginative portrayals, but now and again the show branches out. Ma turned her quilting skills into a business, and one episode featured Sister going out for baseball and doing better than her big brother. Brother had to learn to accept the fact that Sister was just as talented as he was. The series doesn't ignore sibling rivalry, but for the most part paints the siblings as loving and supportive of one another.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: PBS
Cast: Camilla Scott, Michael Cera, Tajja Isen
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: PBS

This review was written by Betsy Wallace
 
 

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What parents & educators say

3

Most useful reviews by all members

nikilj
parent of 12 year old
 
Love 'em!
How could you not love the Berenstain Bears!

 
Sister Bear's Voice...
Sister Bear's Voice-it's Taiji Isen (A.K.A. the voice of Atomic Betty)! Weird, very weird. HOLY CANNOLI!!!

donna3
kid, 9 years old
 
IT IS JUST FINE
I watch it on sprout at 6pm. Age 2 iffy Age 3 and up on.

Little One!
kid, 1 year old
 
Another High Quality Show on PBS!
This is a Great Show!

Erock23432
kid, 12 years old
 
Cute. But 80's has a Few Themes that might be scary for young viewers.
There are some Scary Theme in the 80's series. For Example, Mama Bear stomps real hard when going up yo Sister and Brother Bears Room.

KawaiiPanda
teen, 14 years old
 
Perfect for everyone!
It shows stuff about pollution, being patient, the characters are sweet and even Too-tall has a soft side. I am 13 years old and I ADORE this show! It has things I can relate to such as failing grades and more.

mkalv
teen, 17 years old
 
Kds will like it. It will bore older kids, though.
Eh, this show is alright. Its just kinda boring sometimes. Little kids will probably love it, though.

drama movie fan
teen, 14 years old
 
An amazing show for kids 2-8
This show is awsome!!!! But there is some iffy stuff for a2 year old but besides that the show is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
Good-hearted fun
My 5-year-old daughter loves to watch this show & I like that it give good messages on how to deal with everyday life.

guitarman
teen, 16 years old
 
very good
this a good show but its annoying the way mama always wear a night gown and the worst part is that papa is a fool who learns from the cubs witch is just not right other than that the show is very good exept all the giggling ahh!

vacation 101
teen, 14 years old
 
great!!!!
This show is fantastic!!!!! The show has good role models, good messages, and it's VERY educational!!!!!!!!!!!!! But there is very very very mild IFFY stuff for a 2-3 year old. LIKE: there is some mild scaryness in SOME episodes. and for language there is a very very rare use of the word stupid. And for sex well i wouldent exactly call it that but in one episode when brother was trying to tell his parents why he isnt doing his homework sister buts in and says "i know why brother can't do his homework because he's to busy with girls". Then brother trys to say otherwise. If you ask me i don't think that joke was needed in a preschool show.

love2
parent of 19 year old
 
great show
i luv this show! it has good rolemodels, positive messages and all of the above!

hsm3
kid, 11 years old
 
educational
i love this show! And so do some of my other friends. Its entertaining and educational.

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ON: Content is 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