 | 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. |
Hey Arnold!
- Nickelodeon, Nicktoons
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Strong storytelling and characters mark worthwhile cartoon.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this '90s cartoon is filled with zany situations, but the characters' responses to them hold some good messages for kids about creative thinking and solving problems. Overall the quirky characters comprise a likable bunch, and in particular, laid-back Arnold will strike parents as the kind of kid they'd like their own youngsters to befriend. There is some bullying from a loud, overbearing girl, who picks on all of her peers but singles out Arnold for the worst of it to hide her crush on him. Her iffy behavior is a notable hiccup in an otherwise fun cartoon for kids. Expect some mild playground language ("freakin'," "crap," and names like "dork" and "geek") among the classmates to be the worst of the content.
What's the story?
HEY ARNOLD! centers on the everyday life of a fourth-grader named Arnold (voiced by Phillip Van Dyke) who has his share of ups and downs in his big-city life. He lives in a boarding house run by his grandparents, and between their assortment of quirky residents and his array of equally unique classmates, Arnold never wants for adventure. Often he and his peers -- including his best buddy, Gerald (Jamil Walker Smith), and his social nemesis and secret admirer, Helga (Francesca Marie Smith) -- find themselves in sticky situations, and it's Arnold's level head that typically saves the day.
Is it any good?
Hey Arnold! fits right in with the colorful array of cartoon characters who grace the TV screen these days, and kids will be drawn to the off-beat personalities among the cast. The show's unique artistic style, which gives its characters football-shaped heads, foot-tall Afros, and other exaggerated features, is an enticing blend of oddities that make for a fun visual experience to accompany the stories.
As protagonists go, you won't find one much more appealing than Arnold, who's a loyal friend and a thoughtful problem solver, and who always tries to find the best in everyone. Even when life gets him down, he bounces back to make things right, and his mellow approach to life and adversity is a welcome change to the near-hysterical characters in many kids' shows. The show itself is well written, with simple stories that make valuable points and send good messages to kids.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how Arnold and his friends handle the situations they get into. Do they respond the way you would in a similar predicament? How does their big-city lifestyle compare to yours? How does a person's environment affect how he or she grows up?
Kids: Is Arnold a good role model? What are some of his positive qualities? Do any of your friends remind you of him?
What defines bullying? What are some different means of bullying others? Do you ever see any of this behavior among your peers? What rules does your school or community have about bullying?
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
A Show with Heart
Hey Arnold! is a definite Nicktoon classic that all kids will enjoy. This is one of my all-time favorite TV shows, along with The Simpsons, Family Guy, and King of the Hill. Very intersting storylines and artwork is what makes this show a must see for kids of all ages. And even for a non-educational show, there are things good for kids. You have good-hearted Arnold who always does what is right. The only bad thing is.. nothing! This show is perfect for all ages!
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AGE
YOU FOOTBALL HEAD!
How is that name calling wrong? That made the show! THAT WAS THE PUNCHLINE! ER DUH!
Anyways, Nickelodeon classic, you can't go wrong with it. :)
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AGE
Other reviews aren't giving this show justice
I think that, as far as cartoons go in the last 15 years, Arnold is the cream of the crop, both in values and in entertainment. The characters are a bit wacky (Take Arnold's grandma as exhibit A), but in no ways are they nonsensical. The stories deal with real, pressing issues like disputes between friends, peir manipulation, crushes, and more serious issues like addiction (It's just chocolate!), dysfunctional families, war torn families, even alcoholism and adult illiteracy. All this in an easy to understand fashion that will entertain kids and adults.
The main character, Arnold, is a cultured, empathetic, level headed kid, who isn't afraid to help someone in need. He serves as an admirable role model, to all the characters in the show, who are also admirable and relatable in their own ways.
Now, the show is not without its blemishes. There is some language used, like "crap", and "crapola". And Helga, one of the shows central characters, deals with her unrequited love and family issues by tormenting other children. (Deep inside though, she really has a well meaning heart) But these marginal moments are mild and occasional.
Overall,
Are the characters regular? Not quite
Is the story all clean pressed? Heck no.
Is it realistic and worth viewing for your kids AND yourself? You bet the barn it is!
The reality we must deal with is that nobody fits into a perfect mould. We're not barbie dolls. Nor is the world a perfect little place. I can't speak for everybody here, but if I was a parent, I would rather have my children watch this little jewel rather than the meaningless, modern day fiascos that air on Nickelodeon these days. And I, for one, will happily join them.
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AGE
best show ever!!!!
this is the best show ever to be aired on tv it has nothing wrong with it and always sends a good message the only violense is the bullies please let your kids waatch the best show ever to be aired on earth!!!!!
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AGE
Move It, Football Head!
Best cartoon ever! Sure, Hey Arnold! ended 7 years ago, but Nickelodeon has recently brought it back for its "90's Are All That" block. My 11 year old and her friends LOVE it. Arnold is a great role model for younger kids, he is cheerful, optimistic, and always takes the time to help people. Helga, on the other hand, exhibits some behavior you wouldn't want your kid repeating. But, overall, amazing show, probably among the best of Nickelodeon.
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AGE
Move it, football head! lol
Haha I'm 13 and I still watch this show on my Netflix Instant Queue. I watched this show during its last few years of survival on Nickelodeon. I was really young then, and I did remember some of the characters, like Arnold (of course), Gerald, Helga, Sid, and Eugene. I was about four or five then, and at that age, you're still trying to figure out whether you like shows or not. I think I liked Hey Arnold then, but when I discovered it on Netflix, I fell in love with it! The characters are realistic, and the whole concept of this show is amazing! I highly recommend this show!
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AGE
I love this show!
This is one of the best cartoons on the air, in my opinion. It reminds me a lot of Fat Albert. The kids live in a seemingly poor, urban neighborhood and they all have their little quirks. Arnold is the "Fat Albert" character in that he helps solve the problems that the other people on the show are having. I think it's an excellent cartoon for children to watch because it has a good message.
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| Topics: | friendship, great boy role models |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7 |
| Networks: | Nickelodeon, Nicktoons |
| Cast: | Dan Castellaneta, Francesca Marie Smith, Jamil Walker Smith |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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