 | 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. |
Fireman Sam
- Sprout
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Charming Welsh show teaches preschoolers safety.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this appealing series teaches fire safety to preschoolers. Sam is a colorful Welsh firefighter who's also a responsive member of his community and a loving uncle to his niece and nephew. Young viewers will be delighted by the stop-motion animation (which creates soft visuals), the colorful backdrops of the charming Welsh village, and the funny dialogue. Storylines focus on situations that require the firefighters' help, such as someone's pet dog getting stuck in a fence or a child accidentally knocking over a lit jack-o'-lantern and starting a fire. Sensitive viewers may need a parent nearby to help them understand that all of the characters are safe in the end.
What's the story?
Created by two UK firefighters, FIREMAN SAM has been helping kids learn about fire safety since first airing on the BBC in the mid 1980s. Brave to the core -- as well as the hero next door (as described in the opening song, that is) -- Fireman Sam (voiced by John Sparkes) is just the person to help out in a crisis. Calm and cool when the pressure's on, Sam is tender-hearted around the children who look up to him, and a bit of an eccentric thanks to the oddball inventions he creates on the side. Each episode includes two stories featuring characters from the picturesque town of Pontypandy (the name is a hybrid of two real South Wales place names -- Pontypridd and Tonypandy). Viewers will meet Elvis Cridlington, another colorful firefighter; Penny Morris, a female firefighter and mechanic; Dilys Price, the gossipy town grocer; Norman Price, the resident mischievous kid; Sarah and James, Sam's twin niece and nephew; and Bella Lasagne, the town café owner.
Is it any good?
The distinctly Welsh characters, community, accents, and expressions may pose some minor comprehension problems for kids on this side of the pond, but overall it's good exposure to another part of the world. And when it comes down to it, the show's main premise is easy to ascertain, even for a 3-year old. With its fun cast of friends and engaging adventures, the show may remind parents of Bob the Builder -- albeit with a Welsh accent and a focus on fire safety instead of construction.
Fireman Sam's storylines are simple, but they do involve crises, some of which may frighten the youngest viewers if characters' safety is threatened. But never fear -- everyone always winds up safe in the end thanks to the gallant efforts of Fireman Sam.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about specific fire safety rules: the danger of playing with matches, why you shouldn't reach for hot objects in the kitchen, staying safe around fireplaces and camp fires, and so on. This discussion can branch out, too, covering everything from water safety to learning how to dial 911. Parents can also talk about the safety mistakes made by the children in the show and what their own kids should do if they see the same things happening in real life. The series' charming Welsh community, accents, and expressions may also prompt discussion about other countries and parts of the world.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Not for 3 year olds
This show is probably one of the worst cartoons that I have ever seen. Why on earth would you let a 3 year old watch a show where another child is constantly starting fires and or trouble. It's obvious that Norman does not learn his lesson since he does something bad in every episode. When I was 3 I'm quite sure I did not know this much about fires. Yes a fireman (a real person) came to our school to show us what to do in the event of a fire but never have a child in a cartoon starting them. This is probably worse then Max & Ruby on Nickoldeon that I no longer allow my son to watch. Children at age 3 should be learning their ABC's not how to start fires.
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AGE
My children's favorite!
My kids love Fireman Sam & play the characters for hours, zooming around saving each other.
One character (Norman Price) is constantly making bad choices & is disrespectful to his Mother, so we talk about that.
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Kid, 12 years old
October 24, 2010
AGE
i learn ABCs and 123s by the time im 3
you're right jellybean728, come on even 3 year olds how to teach fire too! I used to love this show at 1 year old.
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Kid, 12 years old
December 17, 2009
AGE
Okay
My brother and I love it.
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AGE
Another great PBS Sprout additon...
My son recognizes that Norman is someone whose actions should not be followed, constantly noting, :He'll never learn. Thank goodness for Sam!" The supporting characters constantly reinforce the message. The previous reviewer who stated that neither this nor "Max and Ruby" are appropriate might need to take a more active role in helping their child to identify appropriate messages...
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AGE
Teaches kids to respect fire and be careful!
I disagree with another reviewer about this being inappropriate for a two year old. Each story is about the dangers of fire and the importance of being careful in many situations. Nowhere did I find an episode where the characters didn't learn a lesson, or that was presented in a manner that encouraged kids to seek out fire, rather than respect it's power. All the episodes deal with safety and I know my child knows more about firemen and safety now because of it.
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Kid, 12 years old
November 13, 2008
AGE
Great for 3 year olds obssesed with fire fighting!
This is a very sweet cartoon on PBS with messages that aren't too heavy handed. The action is dramatic for my 3 year old but not scary. He loves the focus on the fire engine and the rescue helicopter.
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AGE
Great for 3 year olds obssesed with fire fighting!
This is a very sweet cartoon on PBS with messages that aren't too heavy handed. The action is dramatic for my 3 year old but not scary. He loves the focus on the fire engine and the rescue helicopter.
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Kid, 11 years old
November 13, 2008
AGE
Great for 3 year olds obssesed with fire fighting!
This is a very sweet cartoon on PBS with messages that aren't too heavy handed. The action is dramatic for my 3 year old but not scary. He loves the focus on the fire engine and the rescue helicopter.
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AGE
Welsh fun
You can't go wrong with a Welsh show. I wonder how many fires they can have in a small town. A bit hokey, but very inoffensive.
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| Topics: | friendship, great boy role models |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Sprout |
| Cast: | John Alderton, John Sparkes, Sarah Hadland |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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