Cyberchase (PBS)

common sense media says

Problem-solving cyber-adventures for kids.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this adventure cartoon mixes fantasy with practical problem-solving. The adventures aren't scary, violent, or sexually inappropriate. Rather, they require fortitude and brain power. When the main characters cooperate, their smarts overpower any struggle.

Educational value: Demonstrates great problem solving with actual math skills at work. The "real life" segment reinforces the lessons by showing live-action kids using math and reasoning skills to solve practical problems.
Positive messages: Diverse characters take turns leading and solving problems.
Positive role models: The kids are all smart and positive and are working to protect Mother Board and all that's good in the world. They cooperate and use different skill sets to solve problems. The only downside is that they're pretty flat characters without much realism.
Violence & scariness: Some cartoon pratfalls.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Cyberchase

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about trial and error. Dis the kids figure out the problem right away? Or did they try out a few different strategies before they got it right? How do you deal with trial and error in real life?

  • Who are the "good guys" and who are the "bad guys" in this show? What is the bad guy's motivation?

What's the story?

What's the story?

CYBERCHASE takes place inside that quasi-fantastical world we call Cyberspace. The show revolves around three kids who get drawn into Cyberspace through a portal and are asked to help protect Mother Board from a malevolent bad guy named Hacker, who intends to take over all of the existing systems for his own benefit. In each episode, a real-life skill is introduced, such as how to read a map or how to do inverse operation problem-solving. The adventures hinge on the characters' abilities to problem solve, while the show's pacing invites kids to figure the problem out for themselves.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The only downside to adventures in Cyberspace is the fact that many characters are glued to computer screens all day and have a limited sense of what goes on in the "real world." Apparently the show's producers considered this paradox and have provided a 5-minute scenario after the cartoon called "For Real," which shows a real person solving problems using the skills taught in the show -- in the real world.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: PBS
Cast: Annick Obonsawin, Jacqueline Pillon, Novie Edwards
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: PBS

This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

3

Most useful reviews by all members

SI Dad
adult
 
Brainpower Wins!
The kids in the show use their brainpower to conquer the villain. The show models logical thinking and problem solving. It is also well produced and a joy to watch.

bieber_fever55
teen, 18 years old
 
GREAT SHOW!
Oh my goodness I used to be in love with this show!! :) It's really good for younger kids and teaches them the value of teamwork and problem solving. However some episodes review vocabulary and that sort of thing, so kids under 5 may not comprehend.

Bwahaha
kid, 12 years old
 
Really educational!!!
I loved this show when I was in kinder-3rd grade!! It taught me so much about math!! I thank this show teaching me so much when I was that young. It really helps you down the road.

CHRIS102259
kid, 8 years old
 
like

theshiroiningyo
kid, 12 years old
 

 
Math solving
It is a fun show. It's Funny when hacker calls his crew names. It is sci-fi without the violence.

NoseStuckInABook
teen, 15 years old
 
One of my favorite shows at five
I absolutely loved this show. There's nothing wrong with it and it helps teach kids about math.

anijoni
educator and parent of 4 and 9 year old
 
Kids love it
My 7 and 2 year olds love this show. I do not know why it is rated "iffy" for 2 year olds except that they may not understand the all of the content. That may make it a waste of time that could be better spent reading or doing something else, but it does not make it "iffy". It is never scary, violent, or inappropriate. It is s a show that these two age groups can enjoy together and you can feel good about having them watch. If you are going to allow your children to watch tv this is a great choice!

rebma97
teen, 14 years old
 
An action show for younger kids
Thiis show is educational because it teaches you some things about math and problem-solving. Not to mention this show is entertaining. Maybe okay for 5+ but they might not understand what's going on

 
Good thinking Skills !
My daughter is only 5 but has been enjoying this show since she was 4. She is just starting to get the problem solving with some help from me. I think it's one of the best!

CountryMom27
parent of 5 and 7 year old
 
Good educational show for 3+
My kids love the show - they're 3 & 5 - I'm not crazy about one of the character's voices (like fingernails on a chalkboard to me!) but I've watched it and it's a good, solid, educational show focused on science and doing good by helping others

mwulf
adult
 
Love it
This is the only show my daughter ask to watch. She is only 4 but she loves the ides that come up in the show

mkalv
teen, 17 years old
 
Not bad.
Finnaly! A PBS show that can be considered Sci-Fi! Unfortunately, I detest math!

Mimi9496
parent of 15 and 16 year old
 
Awesome Learning Tool
This show goes over a lot of stuff that the kids learn in school and reinforces it through a fun cartoon program. My kids are hooked watching this show and learn a lot from it!

schmuzzies
teen, 14 years old
 
It's alright
it's fine

cheacky3
teen, 15 years old
 
I use to watch this.
I'm guessing i use to watch this from ages 6-8. Even though i'm 13,This is pretty cute. I would say 4+.

CSM Screen ...
teen, 17 years old
 
TOTTALY STUPID
The show is soo werid. I have to watch it when I babysit this 4 year old, LOgan. It is the strangest show ever. I way perfer Gilmore Girls.

 
educational
I watch PBSkids with my sons all day, Our whole family loves cyberchase, it helps my son to problem solve and it has even taught me a thing or two.

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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