Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
The Bratz dolls have their own TV show. Beware.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Based on 34 kid reviews
Kids say this show perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards, with characters who are overly obsessed with fashion and boys, which some argue can lead to body image issues and unhealthy behaviors. However, others find it entertaining and empowering, emphasizing themes of friendship, self-expression, and individuality, while disagreeing with the negative critiques about its content or portrayal of young girls.
- unrealistic beauty standards
- friendship themes
- body image issues
- entertaining value
- self-expression
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
BRATZ is based on the Bratz doll line. The Bratz in the show are best friends who tell each other "I am so here for you!" and "Tell me what's wrong, Pretty Princess." They attend Stiles High School and work on a fashion magazine outside of school.
Is It Any Good?
Bratz are the modern-day Barbie dolls whose vampy appearance has upset many parents seeking healthy role models for their daughters. Mind you, these dolls are marketed to tween girls, whose notions of womanhood are still being formed. But it gets worse. The TV show computer-animates these dolls, providing them with voice, a theme song, and a world where parents are absent and teens make all the rules. They wear so much makeup that they look like they loaded up on too many samples at the cosmetics counter.
In one episode, the Bratz are expected to put on a fashion show for their fashion class. The boys of the show contribute by singing a hip-hop song about hanging out and checking out "all the girls." The Bratz then triumphantly appear decked out in high boots and mini-skirts so skimpy that a faulty camera angle would make Janet Jackson's Super Bowl exposure seem innocent. Parents will absolutely want to screen this program to see if it's appropriate for their kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what fashion means. How much emphasis should be put on clothing? What's the difference between a healthy self image and an unhealthy obsession with appearance? Do the bodies of the Bratz girls look like the bodies of real girls?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 10, 2005
- Cast : Greg Ellis , Kaley Cuoco , Lacey Chabert
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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