Grossology

 Review

Common Sense Media says

The name says it all: Gross, goopy fun for kids.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this animated series -- based on a series of books by the same name -- centers on biological and health topics that most adults try to avoid like, well, the plague. The two main characters use their knowledge of science to battle vile villains whose weapons include mutant lice, slime molds, and collections of the world's foulest smells. Very little is sacred in the way of body-related issues, and functions like nasal drainage, ear wax, and, yes, even poop, are thoroughly dissected within the storyline. While it's likely to send parents scattering, kids (especially boys) will be captivated, and they'll learn a lot of fun facts about science along the way.

  • The topics are pretty vile (the show's name says it all), but tweens will learn some interesting facts about science, health, the human body, and creepy creatures of all kinds. Subtle messages about teamwork and reliability accompany some storylines.
  • Rather than weapons, villains use "biological" warfare like invasive mutant parasites or devices that alter bodily functions. Occasional scuffles or falls don't result in injury.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

Cartoon series GROSSOLOGY doesn't focus on the "boring" aspects of science and health like photosynthesis, symbiotic relationships, or the skeletal system -- instead, it tackles oh-so-pressing questions like "Why do we produce boogers?" "Why do lice thrive on human heads?" and, of course, "What's in the gas we pass?" Based on a series of books by Sylvia Branzei, Grossology centers on special agent siblings Ty (voiced by Michael Cohen) and Abby (Krystal Meadows), who work for a secret government agency called the Bureau of Grossology. Ty and Abby face off with villains like the pimple-headed Lance Boil (Juan Chioran) and pesky Insectiva (Lili Francks), whose devious planning -- mixed with their general filth -- make them the city's vilest threats. With scientific background gleaned from their associate, Lab Rat (M. Christian Heywood), Ty and Abby piece together clues to solve the mysterious afflictions that threaten their neighbors' survival. In one episode, for example, Abby and Ty crack a case involving thieves who use soundwave emitters to induce diarrhetic urges (yep, it's really possible) and buy time for their robberies.


Is it any good?

 

Be forewarned that little is "too gross" for Grossology, especially when it comes to bodily functions. Characters often talk about farts, boogers, and zits; one scene shows the inside view of a colon and intestine; and various bathroom noises (use your imagination) are clearly audible. Not surprisingly, such topics offer ample breeding ground for jokes as well -- as when a character looking at a stool sample remarks that the donor "doesn't chew his food that well." You probably won't find this one nearly as entertaining as your kids will, but rest assured that, while they're laughing, they'll be learning about science ... or at least it's yuckier side.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about science. Kids, what science topics are you interested in? How do scientists use their knowledge to improve people's lives? What scientific advances do you think are important? Parents can also discuss personal health. What are some of the ways you keep your body healthy? How do diet and exercise contribute to health? Viewers who've read the books can talk about the similarities and differences between them and the series.


This review was written by Emily Ashby
Kid, 11 years old
June 5, 2011
 
Educational, Hilarious, and Downright Gross
Grossology is a great way for kids who love or absolutely dislike science to learn more about and enjoy it. I have been watching Grossology since 2nd grade and know just about all there is to know about this show. There are great role models. Abby, for example, doesn't let anything get in her way (except leeches, but she overcame that fear) and she's very bright. Lab Rat, is highly intelligent and is great in engineering, chemistry, and science. Ty, is funny and serious about his job at the same time. (He's the goofy one of the team). And the some of the comments below that say that the show has swearing in it and inappropriate themes (and what not), they are wrong. The show does not have any swearing or stuff like that. But, yes, it does mention puberty once. I've watched every episode about 20 times in the past 4 years. I think I would've caught swearing by then. The only thing mentioned on the show that could be called inappropriate is this: Lab Rat: ...small gassy moon orbitting Uranus. Ty: Orbitting my what? So, all in all, Grossology is a great show! Educational, hilarious, and downright gross!

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Teen, 14 years old
March 25, 2011
 
It's ok
It's a show I watch sometimes to pass the time. Believe it or not it is very educational. One mention of "puberty"

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Kid, 12 years old
March 11, 2010
 

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Teen, 14 years old
March 11, 2010
 

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Kid, 11 years old
March 11, 2010
 

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Teen, 15 years old
October 6, 2010
 
Pretty fun (and gross) for kids of most ages
It is very good, discusting, but wonderful. But I may suggest not eating at the time the show is taking place. Its very educational and fun (sometimes its either one or the other) -this is a great combination of both! Some things can be scary for younger kids, but I think they can overcome it. There are very mild crushes that aren't shown that often. The kids are very smart (good example)

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Kid, 9 years old
April 17, 2010
 
Perfect for kids
cool

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Kid, 11 years old
April 2, 2010
 
Grossology Is Awesome!
I love it! I watch it everyday! I also asked my teacher could we watch it in class and she said yes! It's fun! Educational! FUNNY! And I would like to say that, LABRAT IS TOTALLY HOT! Sorry. Grossology is the best show ever and any who doesn't like it, 'Get out of town!'

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Super gross is super fun!
I know all my friends boys love this show, and that includes my 7 year old, but even my 5 year old daugther loves it too. It's funky and educational. We as Moms may be a little grossed out, but kids and Dads will love it! Good "clean" fun and educational.

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Kid, 1 year old
July 4, 2010
 
dirty a--, s--- it!
Ok, they are profanities like "a--","t--s" and "s--k it."

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This review was written by Emily Ashby
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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