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Fanboy and Chum Chum

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

Themes in this show include:   friendship

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    This show's intent is to entertain rather than to educate.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The kids’ sole goal is to enjoy life to the max. When problems arise, they devise outlandish plans (switching brains with a robot in order to pass a test, for example) rather than dealing with them in a realistic manner.
  • Role models:

    The main characters often goof off in school. Chum Chum always follows Fanboy’s lead without question, even when his crazy ideas get them into a troubling situation. Adults are usually hard to come by, and those who are around aren’t particularly impressive models for the kids. A teacher is incapable of keeping order in his classroom, and the janitor is evil and vindictive toward the kids. All of this is played for humor, of course.
  • Violence & scariness:

    The duo’s over-the-top adventures result in plenty of comic-style collisions and tumbles -- and occasionally laser guns or sabers are used -- but no one is ever hurt.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Nothing sexy, but a young girl is infatuated with a male friend, whom she thinks is “adorable.”
  • Language:

    Intermittent use of marginal language like “butt.”  
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Fanboy and Chum Chum

Parents need to know that there’s little depth to this over-the-top show about two friends who fancy themselves superheroes, but their thrill-seeking adventures will appeal to young tweens with vivid imaginations of their own. Exaggerated, comic-style violence (mostly explosions, dramatic falls, and collisions) is a common result of the ridiculous scenarios the guys get themselves into, but none of it leads to lasting injury. Fanboy and Chum Chum are hardly strong role models for kids, as they spend most of their time -- even in school -- goofing off, and Chum Chum eagerly does Fanboy’s bidding without question. But for kids who can suspend their sense of reality, it’s a fun extension of the preteen set's wild imaginations.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about bullying. Why is bullying a problem? Do you think the way Fanboy treats Chum Chum could be seen as bullying? Why or why not?
  • Do you think violence on TV is a problem? How does the type of violence -- fantasy vs. realistic -- affect its impact on viewers?
  • Who are some of your own heroes? Why do you look up to them? Do you admire any celebrities (actors, sports figures, etc.)? If so, who, and why?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Fanboy and Chum Chum?
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See all 10 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    worst thing on t.v.

    This show is soooo stupid.DDOO NNNOOOTT WWAATTTCHH THIS SHOW.

  2. I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    it is kinda funny, but it is still terrible

    Well it is a little funny, but it mainly obnoxious, the role models and messages are terrible, so basically unless you fill like losing 15-30 minutes of your life do not watch it

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title off for age 10 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    nice, but win't last long

    there's nothing different in this show than all the other soon to be cancled shows. kids will quickly grow out of it.

  4. I rate this title off for age 10 and give it 2.0

    Nick Jr. Material

    Just put lessons in this show and ship it off to Nick Jr. This is a terrible show for nick's real age target. Preteens and a little bit of teenagers that still find themselves wanting to watch shows they used to. This is probably not a bad show, just belongs on Nick Jr. I can tell they are taking material from the Harry Potter series, look at the book, it has a monstrous face, like the book that attacked Harry in what I think was The Prisoner of Azkiban. It's not a fact that it's copycat material, but it isn't true that it isn't. I just think this is pretty bad.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    This show is good for everyone

    Don't listen to all the haters of this show. Trust me if you let your kids say butt or fart you will be fine with this show.

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