Clifford the Big Red Dog (PBS)

common sense media says

Kids will love this big dog with lots of smarts.


parents & educators say
  • 30% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that kids are often magnetically drawn to stories about Clifford because he's the magical pet every child wishes for. The program is chock-full of positive lessons and likable characters -- and may remind parents of their own childhood fascination with Clifford. The series is full of educational messages on social, emotional, and physical matters.

Positive messages: The town of Birdwell Island is full of diverse people who all model good behavior.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Clifford the Big Red Dog

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the issues that Clifford and his friends have to deal with, including jealousy, honesty, and friendship. Are Clifford and his pals good role models? What lessons do your kids learn from watching the show? What are some of Clifford's "big ideas"?

What's the story?

What's the story?

The magic of CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG is that it puts an extraordinary spin on a normal situation. On the surface, it's a cartoon about a girl and her dog. But the dog happens to be bigger than most houses in town and carries on intelligent conversations with other animal friends. The series follows a cast of animal and human characters through everyday experiences. In each episode, a main character is exposed to or creates some kind of conflict, and then the character resolves the problem and becomes a better person (or pet) as a result.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Norman Bridwell's Clifford the Big Red Dog series of books dates back to 1963, so most parents with young children probably remember reading the stories themselves. The reason the intrigue spans generations is quite simple: Everybody who loves dogs wishes they had one like Clifford. He's gigantic, playful, and loving, and he's an unfailing friend to owner Emily Elizabeth.

The lessons of each show play out in an uncomplicated, formulaic manner that's easy for young minds to grasp. Sometimes, the lessons are learned by Clifford and his canine pals T-Bone and Cleo. Other times, Emily Elizabeth and her human friends do the growing. Themes have included how to be a good houseguest, why it's important to avoid prejudging others, and taking responsibility for one's actions. As with spin-off series Clifford's Puppy Days, this program's content is based on ten "Big Ideas" that provide the backbone of the show's moral messages. Some of the Big Ideas include helping others, showing respect, playing fair, and sharing -- universal values that kids should be exposed to in the preschool years.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: PBS
Cast: Grey DeLisle, John Ritter, Kel Mitchell
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: PBS

This review was written by Tara Swords
 
 

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What parents & educators say

9
Based on 10 parent & educator reviews:
  • 30% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

SSburk
adult
 
Elizabeth is Lucky!
My daughter loves this show in every way! She wishes she was Elizabeth and I bet there are a few others that do too. There is always a lesson to be learned and playing together means a lot. This is always one of my first picks for her.

rebma97
teen, 14 years old
 
a cute doggie show
Clifford is a fun show for little kids, and kids who love dogs would be charmed with this series/ I have to admit that I myself can watch this show! There are good messgaes, and the role models are postive, but Jetta can be snooby at times. But little kids probably won't notice it

sdhday
kid, 13 years old
 
i like it
I think this is a pretty good show. Good for kids 3+.

csbfairy
kid, 9 years old
 

JustBeYourself
parent of and 2 , 7 , 10 , 13 , 13 , 15 year old
 

manay_4511
teen, 14 years old
 
Very cute, and friendly show to watch!
Kids will love this big red dog, it has alot of education to be seen!

super movie ...
teen, 15 years old
 
fun kid friendly show i used to love.
i used to love this show when i was a youngster. it teaches lessons in a very fun way. Kids will love this big red lovible dog!

love2
parent of 19 year old
 
a great show
a great show for all kids 2 and up.

krypto fan
parent of 18 year old
 
i love it when the dogs dream my fave is the food for thought dream form clifford

 
great show
Clifford is by far my favorite morning show for my kids... my girls love the variety between the kids and the animal shows. My girls really pay attention, and I've seen some of the lessons taught in the show rub off on them already..

Bean Bean Dou
teen, 14 years old
 
I. LOVE. THIS. SHOW. CLIFFORD IS BEAST.

mkalv
teen, 17 years old
 
A little boring!
It may be a big dog, but it sure is boring. It may not be kiddy, like Barney, but not as good as Arthur.

 
cute!
Who can pass up Clifford? My dd (4) loves the books and the show. Teaches manners, how to treat others and has great life lessons.

Little One!
kid, 1 year old
 
I Love Clifford The Big Red Dog!
I Love this Show! It's a very Fun show. I Love every Episode of the Series! I've always Loved Clifford and I Still do! Very Funny, Upbeat, & Kid Friendly.

Ashleyboo
kid, 12 years old
 
Clifford!
I think Clifford is a show that teaches kids how to hadle social conflicts.

 
great show...great lessons

Oh yeah99
parent
 
SDFFFFFFFFF
BAD WORDS OH NO NOT EDUCATIONAL STUPID SHUT UP LOSEERS

 
What?
I actually thought it was funny when the average parent thinks you should be 10 to watch this.

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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