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Dave the Barbarian (Disney Channel)

common sense media says

All muscle, no depth; OK, but kids can do better.

parents & educators say
See all 12 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the title character is a barbarian who has bulging muscles but is afraid of his own shadow. The female characters are stereotyped as self-absorbed and vicious. The entire series is filled with awkward jokes, chaotic plotlines, and unoriginal animation.

Positive messages: Dave's sisters get involved in all the action, but it's always Dave who saves the day.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Dave the Barbarian

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what their kids think about the mixed message the show sends -- that settling disputes with discussion is better than using violence, all the while portraying Dave as a wimp for not fighting. Are the female characters role models in any way?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Despite his foreboding bod, DAVE THE BARBARIAN (voiced by Danny Cooksey) prefers to settle disputes with discussion, do origami and perfect his gourmet cooking. Dave is portrayed as wimpy because of his preference for talking over fighting and for his fear of monsters, rampaging giant muffins, and Chuckles the Pig (Dave's arch enemy). He and his sisters, Candy (Erica Luttrell) and Fang (Tress MacNeille), are left in charge of their Middle Ages castle while their parents are off battling evil. Princess Candy, the oldest and therefore crowned princess, would much rather hang out at the mall or chase a prince from a nearby kingdom. Fang is the youngest sister, who is continually compared to a monkey and finds great pleasure in smashing things. Other characters include the sorcerer Uncle Oswidge (Kevin Michael Richardson), enchanted sword Lula (Estelle Harris), and pet dragon Faffy (Frank Welker).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The medieval backdrop carries its own mystique and offers a chance for interesting storylines and characters. But unfortunately, Dave the Barbarian is nonsensical and chaotic. The animation jumps around quickly, making it hard for kids to think twice about what's happening. There are certainly better quality choices for kids to relax, have some down time, and share a giggle.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: Disney Channel
Cast: Danny Cooksy, Erica Luttrell, Tress MacNeille
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Disney Channel
This review was written by Pam Gelman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10

Most useful reviews by all members

tiedyegirl
teen, 16 years old
 
i am glad its gone
i hate this show i am glad its gone
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Maddys_Wooden_sox
adult
 
This show is Great.
Dave the barbarian is just Great. It moves away from the obvious humour of most children's shows and gives intelligent children a bit more credit; with its different, random style of humour. Like Monty Python for kids. I love it, and as a selective school student I am around a lot of intelligent kids who also love it. It's definately not your average kids' show; in a good way.
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crazdmblond
adult
 
weird show
I thought the first time that i watched this show that it was stupid and that i could never happen and that i would never watch it again and i haven't.
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icefire22
teen, 18 years old
 
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mightymouse_66
adult
 
Awsome Show!
I love this show it's absolutely hillarious!
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nduns
adult
 
Okay, the people at CS are being idiots again
This is one of the only good shows Disney Channel has left because it's funny. It's a very interesting take on Barbarians with the main character as a coward and the characters are so silly and stupid, they're just lovable. The plots are stupid, everything is stupid, but that's because the show is supposed to be stupid! People need to realize that, and it's one of the more original ideas Disney ever had.
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mictamali
adult
 
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valerie1299
adult
 
waste of time
My son (8) and I watched this one day and couldn't even get through the entire show. What a waste of time and brain cells! No educational value at all!
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phantomphan
teen, 18 years old
 
I love this show!
I see a lot of reveiws saying "This is pointless. It's not educational at all." You need to realize it is not supposed to be educational. It is a CARTOON and is not inappropriate, just silly! It often makes little sense, but is VERY FUNNY!
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afdtyfsyfgey
parent of 10 year old
10
 
this shhow is so boring and they fight a lot of times.
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nemosaurus_rex ...
teen, 15 years old
17
 
Dave is awesome!
I love it, i used to watch it all the time!!! :DD!!! ((: i'm 13! ;DD
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A.lineup
teen, 15 years old
4
 
Okay,
I have to say this show is funny.At least the way I remember it. Its way better then all the new shows that are coming on these days.
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