 | 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. |
Kipper
- Sprout
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Adventurous puppy tales for preschoolers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this cartoon for preschoolers is based on the popular children's book series by Mick Inkpen. The show is voiced by British actors and uses British phrases, which could be confusing for some very young American kids. But other than that, this is a delightful show for young viewers. The animal characters do lots of exploring and learn lessons about friendship, kindness, and the difference between right and wrong.
What's the story?
KIPPER introduces preschoolers to the world of a lovable, curious talking dog and his animal friends. Together they learn life lessons, go exploring, and work through conflicts. Based on the award-winning children's books by Mick Inkpen, Kipper's main character (voiced by Martin Clunes) is an earnest friend who has a lot in common with his optimistic, inquisitive preschool viewers. Kipper's two best pals are Tiger and Pig (both voiced by Chris Lang), who often accompany him on outings. Tiger is a worldly, sometimes-sneaky grey schnauzer who loves to try new gadgets and play little tricks while testing the boundaries of friendship. The nasal-voiced Pig is naïve but a loyal friend. Rounding out the group is Pig's baby cousin, Arnold, who doesn't say much but tags along as they explore the world around them.
Is it any good?
Like the Kipper books, the series encourages creative thinking and reinforces preschool lessons about distinguishing right from wrong, cooperation, friendship, kindness, and courtesy toward others. Bottom line? Kipper is a keeper. Kipper's charming storylines are enjoyable and easy for preschoolers to follow, and the lessons the characters learn in each episode are simple and relatable.
The show's British-accented dialogue includes a sprinkling of English words and phrases that kids might not have heard before ("right then" instead of "OK," "sweet" instead of "candy," and so on). The unfamiliar expressions might be a bit of a barrier for the youngest viewers, but the upside is that they give American audiences a little something extra to learn.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what it means to be a friend and how the animals interact with one another to resolve their differences. Why is Tiger sometimes tricky? Does the way the animals talk sound "funny"? Why? This might be a good opportunity to discuss the meaning of potentially unfamiliar words and phrases from other countries.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Good for kids, but all the characters are male!
This show is aimed at preschoolers, but many older kids and adults enjoy it as well, because of its light (and sometimes slightly stupid) comedy. The characters are all male, which may be a sign of stereotyping, but I don't mind about that. There isn't really any education or morals kids can pick up from this, but the show will delight and entertain all ages.
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AGE
I used to love this show when I was 5 and still watch it! I make YouTube poops on episodes.
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AGE
Sweeeeeeeeeet!
Kipper is AWESOME!!! him and his friends are sooooo appropriate!!!!! Go dogs!
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AGE
The best toddler show ever
Love love LOVE kipper! It's the absolutely perfect show for young kids. All episodes are positive and upbeat. There are no serious disagreements between characters, no bad attitudes or language like "stupid" or "dumb", and absolutely no physical violence like pushing or hitting. Best of all, the episodes are calm, quiet and relaxed, a godsend when so many toddler shows are loud, busy and overproduced to seemingly encourage attention disorders. My boys worship kipper and I couldn't be happier that it's their favorite show.
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AGE
Very sweet, my daughter watches again and again
Gentle and fun. The episodes are a nice length (8-9 minutes) to have a decent story, but short enough to make a brief video break treat. My daughter really loves these.
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AGE
WE LOVE KIPPER!
We all like this one! Kipper is enjoyable for my 2 1/2 yr. old daughter and mom & dad! Kipper is feel good TV! Kipper is caring without being whimpy, and his shows end with a good moral to the story. We like him.
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AGE
My son has been screen free until now, he just turned 4. We are very media conservative, but want to teach him that media has a place, just a small one, in a healthy lifestyle. He watched his first 2 little episodes of Kipper today (Umbrella and Seaside) and it was so very gentle. Not fast-paced, not flashy, the topics aren't too mature for him (he can relate!). We loved it. His screen time will still be infrequent, but this show is perfect for the slow transition we are aiming for!
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| Topics: | book characters, friendship |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | Sprout |
| Cast: | Chris Lang, Martin Clunes |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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