 | 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. |
Handy Manny
- Disney Channel
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Friendly handyman teaches kids about cooperation.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this inviting animated series for preschoolers reinforces commonly heard Spanish words and phrases and introduces viewers to a few new ones. Characters focus on helping others and always putting the community's needs before their own. Problem-solving and preparedness are frequent themes, and viewers see the negative repercussions of impatience and poor teamwork. Cultural diversity and respect for others tops off this well-rounded series.
What's the story?
HANDY MANNY introduces preschoolers to the multicultural town of Sheetrock Hills and its friendly repairman Manny Garcia (voiced by Wilmer Valderrama of That '70s Show). Together with his sometimes-feisty (but mostly eager) set of talking tools, Manny is always ready to pitch in and help his friends. Manny's repair shop is home to a diverse group of coworkers: Pat the Hammer (Tom Kenny), Turner the Screwdriver (Dee Bradley Baker), Felipe the Phillips Screwdriver (Carlos Alazraqui), Dusty the Saw (Kath Soucie), Stretch the Tape Measure (Nika Futterman), Rusty the Wrench (Fred Stoller), and Squeeze the Pliers (Futterman again). Although Manny does his best to keep the tools on task, they sometimes let their own ambitious plans lead to messy mishaps on the job. But with patience and cooperation, the group learns how to solve problems and come through for their neighbors.
Is it any good?
Handy Manny is brimming with positive content for young viewers. Themes of teamwork, preparedness, and mutual respect are mixed with the silly comedy that preschoolers love. For example, in one episode, bickering duo Felipe and Turner ignore Manny's advice and open a glue bottle before protecting their workspace with newspaper. In their haste to start the project, they accidentally glue themselves together and -- after much stretching and snapping back together -- they learn that they have to get along to help their friends.
The show also exposes preschoolers to aspects of Latino culture. Legendary Latino band Los Lobos contributes the catchy music, and Manny uses basic Spanish terms like "hola" and "gracias" in his everyday dialogue. When he introduces less-familiar Spanish terms, Manny includes their English translations so kids can make the language connection. Colorful animation, engaging storylines, and rich characters will keep young viewers coming back for more of this engaging Disney series.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about how Manny and his friends cooperate to overcome challenges. What special talents does each character contribute to the team? How do they resolve their differences?
Kids: How do you handle problems with your own friends?
Parents: Use repetition to reinforce the Spanish that your kids learn from the show.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Parent of 3, 3, and 5 year old
May 3, 2011
AGE
How Handy
Great Show for smaller children, teaching responsibility, work ethic and camaraderie.
(Children may inadvertently attempt to use tools or build things)
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 3 year old
April 5, 2010
AGE
Racist! Why is a mexican a construction worker!?!?!?!?!?
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 2 and 6 year old
March 8, 2010
AGE
Handy Manny is great! Both my 6 year old daughter and my 2 year old son love this show. The two songs that are repeated in every episode are catchy and cute. I don't mind that they are in every show. I think that the storylines are clever and encourage helping others out. The tools each have their own personality and it is fun to see them interact with each other. And as an adult, this is one that I can watch with my kids and not go crazy.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 10 years old
January 25, 2010
AGE
song drives me banana
i hate this show becouse my lil bro watckes it every morning and the catcky song stinks
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
March 26, 2011
AGE
Mindless Brainwashing
a good source of Spanish, but i think we all know that when little kids watch it they learn absolutely nothing from it. its also UNREALISTIC!!!
ONLY FOR AGES 2-4
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 3 year old
October 19, 2009
AGE
Great show, teaches Spanish, problem solving, and how to be a great friend.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Adult
April 17, 2011
AGE
This show is awesome
This is my favorite show
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 9 years old
July 8, 2009
AGE
good
good show for VERY young kids.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 14 years old
May 28, 2011
AGE
Best kids show
I love this show, it's educational plus it teachs you some spanish words for instance Aqua means water, Hola means hello, grasias means thank you. Manny and the tools have great role model and gives positive messages to the audiences
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 4 year old
December 13, 2009
AGE
great for children 2-6
Teaches good manners, and patience as well.It also teaches that it is good to help others out!
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | adventures, friendship, great boy role models, music and sing-along |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | Disney Channel |
| Cast: | Dee Bradley Baker, Kath Soucie, Wilmer Valderrama |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
