Hey Arnold! (Nickelodeon, Nicktoons)

common sense media says

Strong storytelling and characters mark worthwhile cartoon.


parents & educators say
  • 38% say there are positive role models
  • 38% say there are positive messages

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.

Educational value: The show intends to entertain rather than to educate, but there are some good messages about friendship and working with others imbedded in the stories.
Positive messages:   The show centers on a group of kids who get by pretty well with minimal input from adults, and the stories offer themes of problem-solving and cooperation. Helga's bullying behavior causes some of her peers to cower around her, and the fact that her actions are meant to hide her crush on Arnold doesn't make them forgivable. Mild gross-out humor like squished worms and crusty scabs.
Positive role models: Arnold approaches every predicament with his trademark mellow attitude, which helps him make good decisions and solve problems. His best intentions sometimes lead to disaster for himself and his friends, but he tries to right his wrongs and always looks for the best in people.
Violence & scariness: Cartoon-style accidents (crashes and collisions) that sometimes lead to broken bones and scratches, as well as some punching that's meant for comedy.
Sexy stuff: A girl harbors a secret crush on a boy, often admitting in secret that she loves him.
Language: No cursing, but kids say things like "I hate you," "freakin'," and "crap," and there's some name-calling like "dork" and "geek."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Hey Arnold!

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y7
Network: Nickelodeon
Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Francesca Marie Smith, Jamil Walker Smith
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Nickelodeon

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6
Based on 13 parent & educator reviews:
  • 38% say there are positive role models
  • 38% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

Mattyboy675
teen, 16 years old
 
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!

TacoSpartan
teen, 17 years old
 
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. :)

Toguro
teen, 17 years old
 
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.

girl4natwolff
teen, 14 years old
 
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!

guitarman
teen, 16 years old
 
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!!!!!

 
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.

Miranda ...
kid, 11 years old
 
Boring... but good cartoon
This show is kind of boring but lots of positive messages and good role models anyway.

 
good for older kids
i liked it alot when it first came out.the worst they ever say on there is crap so dont show them the episode "helga's love potion" or the episode where phobe move up to 6th grade.i wish it still aired on nick :(

djb952
adult
 
It's OK but there are some "?s"
Very good story line, although some social behavior is questionable.

TheBigJ
adult
 
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.

 
My son doesn't watch this anymore
He used to like it, but now it has become boring all of a sudden.

 
the one nicktoon that can teach anybody
this is one of the best cause arnold aways looks on the bright side and stay postive on diffrent situtions and he also teaches to help people in need

 
So-So
This show was never one of my favorites, but I always loved watching it. From do-good Arnold to crazy-in-love Helga, this show has some pretty funny characters.

96grlpowrCE
teen, 16 years old
 
So epic!
I loved watching Hey Arnold when it was still on. It was such a great show, so interesting and it had so many good messages. I hope they have re-runs of it in the future... that'd be great. I'm glad to have grown up seeing shows like this instead of the mindless garbage that's often targeted towards the younger crowd nowadays.

Arson/Justin
kid, 11 years old
 
5 and under, or up, good show for kid viewers.
This show, has no cursing but there are a few things like crap or freaking but other than those good show.

ibarncat
teen, 17 years old
 
Maybe it ran a little too long...
Sorry, guys, but CommonSenseMedia is actually right on this one. The language problem from Helga does actually make it iffy for five and six year olds. But it is a worthwhile show with good values and is decently entertaining. It is a classic, but it's not quite Nick's best. It also ran longer than it needed to.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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