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Dive Olly Dive (Sprout)

common sense media says

Underwater fun with positive social messages.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this cartoon series for young children is filled with positive messages about kindness, respect for others, honesty, and responsibility. Preschoolers will easily relate to the troubles that Olly and his friends face, and they'll benefit from seeing how communication helps the group resolve problems and improve their social behavior. In some scenes, predatory sea creatures like sharp-toothed barracudas chase the little subs, but overall the tone is light and shouldn't frighten youngsters.

Positive messages: Olly and his friends often make mistakes, but that's how they learn valuable lessons about things like cooperation, honesty, and respect. When they're faced with a task they can't do themselves, the group relies on members' individual talents to work it out. The show's setting may stir kids' interest in learning about sea life.
Violence & scariness: In some scenes, sea creatures chase or snap at Olly and his friends, but the overall tone is light.
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 Dive Olly Dive

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about responsibility and doing a job well. What jobs do Olly, Beth, and Skid do for Diver Doug? How do they use their individual talents to get the jobs done? What might happen if they didn't do their work? Why is it important to do what we're asked to do? Kids: What responsibilities do you have? What would happen if you didn't live up to them? Families can also discuss the issues raised by the show -- including honesty, forgiveness, and self-confidence -- and relate the stories to kids' own experiences.

What's the story?

What's the story?
DIVE OLLY DIVE follows the oceanic escapades of Olly (voiced by Robbie E. Harrison), a young submarine-in-training who works under the direction of Diver Doug (Gibson Nolte) at the Special Underwater Research Facility -- SURF for short. Olly and his best friend, Beth (Allisyn Arm), help Diver Doug maintain the ocean floor for the creatures and watercraft that call it home. When they're not on the job, the subs head off for adventure in their underwater wonderland with friends like transport vehicle Skid (Julie McGregor) and Brandt (Shane Withington), a hermit crab who aspires to be a pirate.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This engaging series is sure to delight preschoolers with its colorful characters and crisp animation, which will help open kids' eyes to the world's diversity and perhaps pique their curiosity to learn more about the real-life versions of the characters. Kids will easily relate to the issues that Olly and his friends face in their relationships with each other and their underwater exploration, and they're well served by the strong positive messages about values like helpfulness, respect, cooperation, and honesty.

Very sensitive youngsters may need a little reassurance during scenes in which predatory creatures chase or intimidate the little subs, but overall there's nothing to worry about in sharing this vibrant, enjoyable series with your preschoolers.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: NR
Network: Sprout
Cast: Allisyn Arm, Robbie E. Harrison, Shane Withington
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Sprout
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

NoBalogne
parent of 10 year old
3
 
Great fun for young ones
LOVE IT BEST SHOW EVER!!!
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haddad fan
kid, 12 years old
14
 
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Elizabeth homas
adult
2
 
One of the very best
Dive Olly Dive is our children's favorite show on PBS Sprout. It looks so vibrant it makes other shows on this network look old hat. Bath time never passes these days without the cry "Dive Olly Dive" ringing out. This must also be one of the best written pre-school shows on television with relatable storylines; genuinely exciting adventures and the voice actors also actually act rather than shout as in Dora the Explorer. I completely agree with your reviewer except we would award five stars to this show.
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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
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
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