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Class of 3000 (Cartoon Network)

common sense media says

OutKast star inspires music students in fun 'toon.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this cartoon -- which was created by Grammy winner Andre "3000" Benjamin of OutKast -- features a racially and socio-economically diverse cast of kids. The main character is a worldwide music superstar who's searching for the fulfillment that fame hasn't brought him; his work with the kids both excites them and inspires him. The show is full of positive messages about creativity, self-respect, friendship, and the importance of a well-rounded education. While it's mostly devoid of iffy content, occasional cartoon violence and some scary characters (ghost-like creatures with snake tongues, for example) might be too much for very young viewers.

Positive messages: The show features a cast of racially and socio-economically diverse characters who, despite their differences, bond through their love of music. The main adult character is an unlikely teacher whom the students respect and who offers nuggets of wisdom based on his personal experiences in the real world.
Violence & scariness: Some cartoon rough-and-tumble with long falls, explosions, and lots of flashy crash-bang scenes -- which never lead to injury.
Sexy stuff: Adult characters occasionally engage in very mild flirting.
Language: Name-calling (like "idiot") is as bad as it gets, and even that's rare.
Consumerism: Each episode includes a new song from the show's Grammy-winning creator, so kids will probably ask for the soundtrack.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Class of 3000

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about music and the arts. Why is it important to study the arts? Kids: How does music make you feel? What are your favorite instruments or songs? Parents can take this opportunity to encourage an interest in music by exposing their kids to concerts and musicals. Families can also talk about friendship. How do people become friends? What is it about your kids' friends that they like? How do friends resolve differences?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Created by Grammy-winning musician Andre "3000" Benjamin of OutKast, CLASS OF 3000 centers on a group of musical prodigies whose lives change when an international superstar takes over as their music teacher. Haunted by an inexplicable emptiness, famous musician Sunny Bridges (voiced by Benjamin) returns to his hometown of Atlanta and takes a teaching job at his alma mater, the Westley School for the Performing Arts. Laid-back Sunny really connects with his students, inspiring their creativity in new ways and giving them real-world advice. In no time, Li'l D (Small Fire), Tamika (Crystal Scales), Eddie (Tom Kenny), and the others are playing to a new beat; through their excitement, Sunny finds renewed inspiration for his own music.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Class of 3000 offers a rich cast of diverse characters, colorful animation, and fun (if sometimes somewhat far-fetched) storylines. Young viewers will be hard pressed to miss the many positive messages about friendship, education, and self-confidence that jump out of each episode.

In addition to his creative responsibilities, Benjamin also contributes original songs and music videos to each episode (a tie-in album is available) -- the entire package may just leave your kids with a renewed interest in music.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y7
Network: Cartoon Network
Cast: Andre Benjamin, Crystal Scales, Small Fire
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Cartoon Network
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Mojo
teen, 15 years old
 
Saw it
This is the best cartoonnetwork show ever!(It's the only good one.)All of th eare shows are just plain (beep).
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votelover
teen, 15 years old
 
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SMOKEMNHALO2001
adult
 
A GREAT AND INNOVATIVE SHOW
WHO SAYS THERE'S NO ORIGINALITY IN AMERICAN CARTOONS? CLASS OF 3000 IS A GREAT NEW SHOW CREATED BY ANDRE 3000 FROM THE GROUP OUTKAST. THOUGH SOME PARENTS MAY BE TURNED OFF ABOUT A KIDS SHOW WITH MUSIC BEING MADE B A HIP-HOP MEMBER, BUT THERE'S NO SWEARING OR SEXUAL INNUENDOS IN THE MUSIC. AT TIMES THE SHOW WILL ACTUALLY TEACH LESSONS THROUGH IT'S MUSIC. FOR EXAMPLE, A SONG CALLED "THE CRAYON SONG" TEACHES THAT ALL RACES "COLOR" THE WORLD (OR AS ANDRE PUT IT "THE COLORING BOOK). IT'S A FUN AND ODDLY INTERESTING SHOW. IT'S WORTH A WATCH, WATCH IT WITH YOUR KIDS AND TALK ABOUT THE LESSONS THE SONGS TEACH AND HOW THEY BLENDED INTO THE ACTUAL SHOW.
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HTF RULES
teen, 15 years old
 
Wonderful new show!
omg its soooo cool (especially eddie)
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viktoria004
adult
 
great
i thought it was funny and racially diverse. Great show for fighting off racism.
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dan555
adult
 
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Cartoonaholic_ ...
adult
 
Finally, a Cartoon that uses REAL Music!!!
Class of 3000 had to be one of the most unique cartoons I have ever seen!!! Why did I call it unique? My answer, it uses REAL music!!! Thank god for Andre 3000 Benjamin (Sunny Bridges) for making this cartoon!!! P.S.: In the very first episode, I spotted a clip from Quick Draw McGraw (good classic cartoon) in there. P.S.S.: Sunny Bridges looks a whole lot like Andre 3000 Benjamin!!!
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arizparent
adult
 
Social Significance?
Sorry, but I watched the ad for this show and asked my kids: "who is the guy in the hat standing next to the car that looks like a cadillac while sexy women shake their butts nearby?" To me, this show looks like an episode of Starsky and Hutch featuring Huggy Bear and his "girls." My kids are not allowed to watch.
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danielthomas11
teen, 15 years old
2
 
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saftynetj
kid, 12 years old
2
 
good for all ages
I love it
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chele
adult
 
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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
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