 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Doug
- Nickelodeon
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Low-key '90s cartoon has good lessons for grade-schoolers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this '90s cartoon has great messages for grade-schoolers about managing relationships, staying true to your ideals, and overcoming life's daily challenges. The protagonist is an average kid with relatable troubles, and he relies on his family, his friends, and his vivid imagination to help him chart his path. The show's simple style gives it a dated feel that might not appeal to kids at first glance, but if they give it a chance, they'll find that the colorful characters more than make up for the visual blandness. Watch out for some bullying by means of teasing and name-calling ("loser" and "moron," for starters), which probably rules it out for young kids who like to repeat everything they hear on TV.
What's the story?
DOUG is a '90s cartoon that centers on the misadventures of an average 11-year-old boy named Doug Funnie (Billy West, later Tom McHugh), who lives in a nondescript burg called Bluffington with his parents and older sister, Judy (Becca Lish). Doug relates the ups and downs of his life through the narration of his journal and his imaginative escapades as a variety of heroic characters. Whether it's trouble with the class bully, Roger (West again), or a new development in his relationship with his crush, Patti (Constance Shulman), Doug always has a lot to say about his experiences.
Is it any good?
Doug was one of Nickelodeon's first original cartoons, airing on Nick for three years in the early '90s before moving to Disney and enduring some character, plot, and title changes. The show's simple animation style makes it easy to overlook -- especially amid the bolder, flashier versions that vie for kids' attention these days -- but the stories are rich with teaching moments that center on issues grade-schoolers will understand, like having a crush on a classmate, being teased at school, and coping with uncomfortable social situations.
Kids will like the show's quirky characters, from Doug's loyal, green-skinned best friend, Skeeter (Fred Newman), to his dramatic big sister, for whom the whole world's a stage. It's a sure bet that they'll find something in Doug's life that reflects their own, so there is some value in their seeing how he identifies problems and seeks out solutions based on his personal moral code, not to mention how he turns to journaling as a constructive outlet for his emotions.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about bullying. In what ways is Roger a bully to Doug? Have you had experiences with someone like that? What other forms can bullying take besides schoolyard teasing? How can you cope with it if you ever face it?
Kids: What outlets do you have for when you're frustrated or overwhelmed? What hobbies help you cope with the pressures of everyday life? How does journaling help Doug cope? To whom do you turn when you need to talk?
Kids: Do you like this show's animation style? How does it differ from that of other shows you watch? Do you think this series shows its age? If so, how? Are the stories still relatable, though? What do you think is the intention of the show?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Fairly good.
I think it's pretty good. Thought it's not as fast paced as most cartoons today, if kids give it a chance they will probably be entertained. I would have to say, though, that some times it can get pretty weird, but nothing compared to OTHER shows...*coughcoughfanboyandchumchumcoughcough* Ther also are some pretty good messages throughout, and sometimes it even is pretty funny!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Loved as a kid, Adore as an adult.
I love Doug. It is easy to relate to Doug's character. Doug is in middle school, so younger children may not be able to relate to Doug as well as older children. It may be a little boring to anyone under 7. Still, the show is entertaining and cute.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Doug's Review Is No Funnie Business
Not a very good Nick show, but one of the loudest and proudest classics. It used to be my favorite show for at least a week's worth of time, then all the bad came in and my original thoughts of it fizzled away. Kids may not be concerned for its common silly surnames (Funnie, Mayonnaise, Klotz), but it's also taking time to reference shows and such at will. Maybe this should be accepted while still being a little half-baked.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
January 19, 2012
AGE
not the best 90's show
nickelodeon in the 90's was number 1 ot of all networks
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I love this show!
This is one of the best shows on Nickelodeon.Its really funny AND edecational.Just like "Hey Arnold".I love that show too.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This show rocked!
Doug was an AWESOME show! It is funny and edacational.I don't know why the heck they canceled it.BUT,there are reruns on a block on TeenNick called The 90s Are All That.So watch today!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This was a great show.
THIS SHOW WAS AWESOME! The jokes were funny and it even teaches kids lessons!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
"Low-key" Well no wonder I think this show is bad
I cannot believe that nostalgics like this show so much. It is boring and totally pointless. It is about a regular kid with a very, very, very, very, VERY bland appearance who does very bland things. He is so bland that he is the only white-skinned person in a world where apparently every single race has a wildly different colour. This show was basically about nothing. It could have worked, but the writing was too much out of key. The pacing was wrong, the character attributes were wrong, the animation is worse than anything from its era except Rugrats, the entire show is wrong. There might be a low relatability factor that I'm missing, but considering that I'm a guy who loves As Told By Ginger, something clearly went very wrong with this show even if that was the case.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | book characters, friendship |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Nickelodeon |
| Cast: | Billy West, Constance Shulman, Fred Newman |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
