Chuggington (Disney Channel)

common sense media says

Young "trainees" teach preschoolers important social skills.


parents & educators say
  • 83% say there are positive role models
  • 83% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there's nothing to worry about in this train-centric preschool series, which illustrates life lessons like honesty, patience, and being a good listener. Kids will relate to the young characters' eagerness to tackle new challenges and learn from the minor mistakes they make along the way.

Educational value: Each story enforces early skills like colors, direction, and retaining verbal instruction.
Positive messages: The show promotes important social skills like paying attention, being a good friend, and believing in yourself.
Positive role models: The characters set good examples of friendship, dedication, and industriousness. The young "trainees" approach each new challenge with a determination to succeed, and when they make mistakes, they're sure to learn from them. Older, more experienced trains and workers are always willing to lend a hand or dole out advice.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The show is tied to a product line of toys, games, and clothing for kids.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Chuggington

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about how the trainees solve the problems they encounter. What types of challenges do Brewster, Wilson, and Koko experience? How do the locomotives use their knowledge to help them out of jams?

  • Kids: Who do you turn to for help when you're struggling with something? How do parents, teachers, and other role models help you work through problems? What problems have you faced lately that required others' help?

  • Kids: What do you want to be when you grow up? What special skills do you think you’ll need to do your job? How will you get those skills? What do you think you'll like about that job? 

What's the story?

What's the story?

At the heart of the bustling town of CHUGGINGTON is a train depot that's home to Wilson (voiced by Morgan Overton), Brewster (Charlie George), and Koko (Brigid Harringon): three young locomotives learning the ropes of riding the town's rails. The "chuggers," as they're known, have a lot to learn about their trade, but with the gentle guidance of the railroad workers and experienced locomotives and their own eager determination, these three "trainees" are sure to earn their stripes in no time.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Chuggington caters to preschoolers with age-appropriate stories and appealing CGI animation. Kids will easily relate to what the characters go through to master new skills, and the show even goes so far as to assign Wilson, Brewster, and Koko individual learning styles and challenges, reminding kids that while not everyone absorbs information the same way, we’re all capable of conquering new tasks with a little determination.

The show's dedication to social and emotional development is underscored by stories that celebrate the importance of good listening practices, patience, honesty, and friendship. Add to that pre-reading skills like colors and direction, and this series is a sure-fire winner for preschoolers.

TV themes & details

Themes
TV Details
TV Rating: NR
Network: Disney Channel
Cast: Brigid Harrington, Charlie George, Morgan Overton
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Disney Channel

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

2
Based on 6 parent & educator reviews:
  • 83% say there are positive role models
  • 83% say there are positive messages
  • 50% say it's educational

Most useful reviews by all members


kid, 12 years old
 
A great, new show that's fun for us all to watch.


teen, 14 years old
 
A great, new show that's fun for us all to watch.


kid, 11 years old
 
A great, new show that's fun for us all to watch.

momof2dd
parent of 4 year old
 
a don't miss for little ones
We love it. The chuggers learn lessons from cooperation to colors. It's colorful and lively. The message is positive. Mom and dad like it too.

Miranda ...
kid, 11 years old
 
Very educational!
This show is just as educational as Roary the racing car and Thomas the tank engine! I like this show. If this teaches kids about early skills like colors, direction, and retaining verbal instruction. That's educational, anybody who actually hates this show is stupid and crazy! This show is wonderful!

NMetzger
parent of 3 and 7 year old
 
Why aren't the Storylines better??
As a parent I really can't sit and watch this show with my kids, it really is truely for kids. They love the Trains and the Theme song. This show is pretty much the same every episode. One train is never listening, or doing what it should, or feeling picked on, and the ending never really teaches about responsibility. The trains are very colorful and perfect, it really could have been a hit, if the storylines were better. My kids love Thomas the Train (and prefer it to Chuggington), and the storylines are far superior. But, overall, the trains make this show at least enjoyable for my kids even if it doesn't teach them anything.

xraymom
parent of 3 year old
 
perfect for two and up~ especially little train obsessed boys!
Absolutely love it! My son is in love with trains. This and Thomas the Train are his two favorites. They both teach great lessons.

Gloria721
parent of 2 and 4 year old
 
Perfect for toddlers, preschool, even early grade school
Chuggington is one of the few shows my 2 and soon to be 5 year old can actually agree on... It has the visual stimulation and action my toddler enjoys, along with storyline, lessons and visual stimulation my almost kindergartener enjoys!!! I have them all recorded on my DVR!

mom and teacher
parent of 3 and 5 year old
 
Gret show, even if they're not obsessed with trains.
Both of my boys love this show despite not having a general obsession with trains. They teach great lessons on each show, ranging from fire safety to cooperation and respecting others.

dalwoman
educator and parent of 1 and 5 year old
 
Perfect for Thomas the Train lovers!!
My 3 year loves Thomas the Train but it is never really on TV that much so when this show came on a few weeks ago, he was so excited. The trains display good character and teach young ones how they should interact with others. This is a very good and appropriate for even the youngest of watchers.

Abigail Belting
kid, 11 years old
 
ITS GRAET U NEED TO WACH IT
i wach it i love it its GRAET i RELLY WACH it on disney jr

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About our rating system
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