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Dora the Explorer (Nickelodeon)

common sense media says

Preschoolers will love Dora's ongoing adventures.

parents & educators say
See all 167 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Dora is a bilingual communicator who can speak with all of the critters and humans in her vicinity. Some of the language lessons may rub off on kids -- but other viewers might get bored. Since phrases are constantly repeated, parents may want to consider whether they want their kids to be repeating the same episodes all day. The series offers good exposure to language, culture, and creativity.

Educational value: Dora, who's bilingual, translates Spanish phrases into English and vice-versa. With all of the repetition, kids are bound to pick some of it up. Kids will also learn about culture.
Positive messages: The show focuses on cooperation and working together with others to achieve goals.
Positive role models: Dora is a spunky, determined girl who approaches problems with a can-do attitude.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The Dora franchise boasts a decade's worth of marketing, resulting in a recognizable brand name and a bunch of toys, books, games, videos, and clothing.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Dora the Explorer

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about the program's repetition -- is it a good learning tool, or does it make the program seem like virtual brainwashing?

  • What do kids think about the show's lessons about language and culture?

  • Is Dora a good role model?

What's the story?

What's the story?

DORA THE EXPLORER is about a young girl and her companion, a monkey named Boots, who are always on the go. They travel over rivers and mountains to reach whatever goal has been set for a particular episode. Dora gets help from her trusty talking backpack full of necessary items and her map, which illustrates the obstacles between Dora and her goal. When Dora reaches her destination, she and Boots break out in song and dance, exclaiming "We did it, we did it!"

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

On one hand, Dora is an admirable character with a can-do attitude. On the other hand, the show can seem simplistic -- even for young viewers. Challenges are often similar, which may get a bit monotonous.

Still, the bilingual and cultural aspects of the show are right on target, featuring music, holidays, and plants and animals relevant to Central and South American culture. And Dora often decides to "stop and think" about a problem when she can't immediately solve it, proving her to be a thoughtful, patient heroine.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: Nickelodeon
Cast: Caitlin Sanchez, Harrison Chad, Kathleen Herles, Marc Weiner
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Nickelodeon
This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6

Most useful reviews by all members

Beliefs-Wonder
teen, 15 years old
2
 
Stop bullying this poor child!
Well, I don't mind it, although I wish Dora wouldn't make the kids to all the work ( like where's Swiper and she don't even help look ) I have to defend the show though, cuz I mean why do 'older' kids judge it, its for 'little' kids. LITTLE kids. So relax guys it isn't like you're forced to watch it. Also, my little brother that. . lost his fight with cancer loved this show - and somehow I feel I must defend it. So people, just relax, its a show for 1 grade and younger.
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moviega
kid, 9 years old
17
 
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Scarkahn
kid, 13 years old
2
 
WORST SHOW!!!
THIS IS THE WORST SHOW ON TV!!!
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coconutcat
teen, 14 years old
2
 
horrible!
Dora is not the best thing for any one 1.her shirt is to small so her belly is always sticking out. 2.what they call"funny"(banana pants)i call "O COME ON! 3.they steal every thing!if they see a boat,they take it without asking 4.they get chased by bears,alligators'ect 5.one time,dora was in a boat and she said"come on!ROW RU RU RU!RU RU!ROOOWW RU RU RU RU RU! 6.THEY SELL WAY TO MUCH STUFF!IF I HAD ONE OF EACH DORA TOY OR WHAT EVER I WOULD HAVE SPENT LIKE 1'444 DOLLARS! Please do not watch this!
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Bruce Wayne
kid, 12 years old
5
 
Stop it Dora! We've had ENOUGH!
Dora- do you have any idea how mad Indiana Jones is? He's been in a sour mood each day for TEN WHOLE STINKING YEARS! Indiana Jones is the original adventurer- the one you can't replace (If you could replace him it would be hard). Dora is just an Indiana Jones wannabe. Here are five reasons why Indiana Jones is better than this pathetic "adventurer." 5. He doesn't speak Spanish on cue (which is very annoying- way more annoying than the Annoying Orange). 4. Indy has a satchel instead of a wimpy little backpack. 3. No talking animals in Indiana Jones. 2. Sidekicks are way better (Short Round could kick Boots' butt) 1. A LOT MORE ACTION! There's Nazis, Thuggees, Russian assassins, crystal skulls, guns, and hearts being ripped out of people's bodies. Bottom line- Shut this garbage off and go back to Indiana Jones (older kids) and Barney (younger kids)
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Weather900
kid, 9 years old
7
 
Worst Show Ever!
I NEVER WOULD WATCH THIS SHOW! EVERYONE ABOVE 6 OR 7 GETS SO ANNOYED OF IT!!!! Even though you must admit like most kids liked this show when you were 2 or 3!
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CN_Fan
kid, 10 years old
6
 
Once kids are 6, they will start to hate Dora, but perfect for 2-5 year olds! Nice animation for babies, but sometimes Swiper steals stuff, which is innapropriate. Second, going on an adventure without asking mom? Wow...Should have been canceled after the 2nd episode.
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jfreighgiuhg
teen, 17 years old
2
 
Dora should explore a new career
Why are most of her obstacles either crossing rivers or climbing walls? Is the show trying to tell me something about latinos? Also, I do not think you need a life vest for two foot deep water. Dora always seems to talk to trees, walls, animals, and vehicles. I like talking to my toaster in the morning. "Make me a POP-TART!" Finally, why can't dora have any human friends? I guess a blue monkey will have to do.
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خر
kid, 1 year old
7
 
i watched it since 0,1,2,3 or 4 prolly 5. maybe
i don't think dora the explorer is appropriate for kids under 14.
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tvfreak101
kid, 12 years old
6
 
boring
snoresville usa population dora
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shamrockgrl74
parent of 4 and 5 year old
 
I will not let my 3 year old watch this show. There are much better educational shows on TV. Dora has horrible manners - Yelling, telling others what to do. SHe knows of Dora thru all the items in the stores. You can't get away from it, but she has never seen a show.
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jolson123
parent
17
 
i hate it because this show is too annoying,too much educational and childish themes,my kid does not watch it
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squishy723
adult
 
DORA IS AWESOME
EVERYONE NEEDS TO WATCH DORA!!!! AHHH ITS SO AWESOME!
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mattballew
adult
 
I lost six brain cells watching this!
This show is really annoying, and when reading the review about it, i see what they mean! I have a 5 year old at home, just turned 5, And she LOVES dora, She is constantly Repeating her self. More than any usual 5 year old. Its momma, momma, momma, MOMMA!!! (because dora tells you to "YELL LOUDER") Also not a good show, because my dad is a 3rd shifter and dora not only encourages you to yell louder but to stand up and jump up and down, This is in the Daily Programming!
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degrassi108
teen, 16 years old
2
 
Dora; Not So Good After All
This show is way too inapropriate for any humanbeing.
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GeodeGem
teen, 15 years old
2
 
Dora Excellente'!
I think its cute, for instance, my little brother that had cancer loved it, so now, I feel I must defend the show. The things that do bother me is, she constantly asks the kids to look around for Swiper or something, when she can easily move her head and look herself! She reminds me of Tom Soyer sometimes, cuz making people do the work for her sometimes. . . I use to watch the show as a kid, and I pretty much loved it. . . pretty much.. not 100% I think its a good learning show for kids, sometimes I do question why little kids always need to learn something- example Spanish, then again, the world seems to need to speak English just to trade with us. . . so. . . yeah.
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Movie Lover 4Ever
kid, 13 years old
2
 
I think dora is a great show for kids ages 3-7. Now that I'm twelve she bores me to death, but little kids will love her. When I was little, she was all I'd ever talk about. But make sure your kids realize not all the Dora products have to be bought.
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october1985
adult
17
 
LAME
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coweater
adult
17
 
ugh
dora is a rude, obnoxious, and terrible citizen (not to mention a girl of questionable intelligence). She is always talking to her backpack and map. I suspect she might have some mental disease because she seams to always be halucinating and saying random things at random times. Her loud mouth and bad language make me feel it would be extremely hard to recomend this TV show for anyone older than 18 years of age
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LightningFast4
teen, 16 years old
 
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