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Courage the Cowardly Dog

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Cult fave 'toon plays over-the-top violence for laughs.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 9–12

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    "Courage" apparently has very little, although he always fights his cowardice and comes through for his owner. Another main character regularly tries to harm Courage, and all characters except two are prone to cruel remarks and behavior toward one another (to say the least).
  • Violence:

    All of the characters are subjected to extremely gross, graphic animated violence, including exploding organs, weapons of all sorts, growing extra limbs, turning inside out -- you name it. It's intended to be so over the top that it's funny, but it's still very strong for a cartoon.
  • Sex:

    Very occasional references, such as "this is one of those naughty men's clubs, isn't it?" when a character is tied up.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Courage the Cowardly Dog

Parents need to know that this show isn't appropriate for any child young enough to believe in the reality of a cartoon character on any level. Every episode begins with Courage's owner's husband behaving in a nasty, abusive way to his wife and dog, and overall the show is about as violent and gross as it's possible for animation to be (and not in the Bugs Bunny way that many parents feel is funny even to young kids). That said, it's all so extreme -- characters grow extra arms, turn inside out, etc. -- that it's next to impossible to take it seriously, even though it's also hard not to wince if you've got a young kid in front of the television when it comes on.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the level and type of violence in this show. Is it so over the top that it's funny, or is it just outrageous? Why do we find it funny to watch a cartoon dog turn inside out? Is there more to the show than that? Overall, what makes you want to watch -- the gross-out humor or the fact that you can count on Courage winning out in spite of himself?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Courage the Cowardly Dog?
  •  I think this show is

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See all 10 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Off 7- Iffy 8-9 On 10+

    It's pretty stupid, & there is always a freaky, evil character & lots of violence. Do not recommend for under 8.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Amazing Kid Show

    Parents need to know that this show can be scary for young kids....older kids will love it though.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    I watched only two episodes of this show when I was bored. I'm fourteen and it creeped me out. Is it just me, or does this show has some serious problems? I wouldn't recomend watching it.

  4. I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    courage... alright

    extreme cartoon violence saves this cartoon from getting a thumbs down.

  5. I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    a great show just a little bit scary

    I loved to watch this cartoon when i was 4-6 years old but i do remember being quite scared at some points but i do not believe that it is grossly over the top violent so that's why i'm rating it iffy for 6+

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