LazyTown (Sprout)

common sense media says

Anything but lazy -- it's exhausting! OK for kids.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the series' premise is to motivate viewers to dance and be acrobatic and active like the main characters. But the brightly colored sets, rubbery puppets, and spooky villain -- combined with the fast-paced jump cuts -- can create an exhausting effect. Characters are encouraged to make healthy choices like exercising, cutting down on snacks, and reading, but the point is sometimes lost in the show's chaotic nature.

Educational value: Kids will learn some things about living a healthy, active lifestyle, but sometimes the tips can get lost amid the chaotic pace.
Positive messages: The idea behind the series is to inspire lazy, lethargic kids to become active. The show promotes an overall healthy lifestyle.
Positive role models: Overall the characters are tolerant of one another and try to get along; the "villain" unsuccessfully tries to tempt the kids into becoming lazy.
Violence & scariness: Play sword fights, imaginary battles.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on LazyTown

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the characters' energy. Why are they so enthusiastic and excited? Is it because of the healthy choices they make?

  • Does this show encourage your kids to dance or move around?

What's the story?

What's the story?

LAZYTOWN, created in Iceland, was born from the idea that kids should be encouraged to be active rather than lazy. Stephanie (Julianna Rose Mauriello) visits LazyTown to stay with her uncle, the mayor. She meets a variety of kids -- who happen to be puppets -- and befriends the town's superhero, Sportacus 10 (Magnus Scheving). Villain Robbie Rotten (Stefan Karl Stefansson)lurks nearby and is always trying to foil the kids' good time.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Kids will like the acrobatic moves that Sportacus 10 busts out -- flipping throughout his spacecraft, jumping over any hurdle, and dancing with Stephanie. This enthusiasm isn't without its benefits. Kids might try to jump and flip the way Sportacus 10 does. The role modeling is also well-intended, but the show's fantasy style doesn't invite real learning to take place.

Parents might take advantage of the momentum generated by this program by turning off the television and getting active with their kids -- after all, that's what LazyTown is really all about.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: Sprout
Cast: Julianna Rose Mauriello, Magnus Scheving, Stefan Karl Stefansson
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: Sprout

This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

Review It

 

Review LazyTown





Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

What parents & educators say

6

Most useful reviews by all members

faroffstar
parent of 3 year old
 
Annoying
I honestly can't stand this show. My son tunes out when it comes on and I usually change the channel. While I like the emphasis on healthy eating and being active, I find the puppets kind of creepy looking and the acting of the actors obnoxious. The songs are cute, but just wait until your kid starts acting like Stingy. Bad role model.

Jayza
kid, 13 years old
 
Uh.. okay.
Ok for youngies, I personally don't like this one.

Beatriz Azevedo
parent of 3 year old
 
Has anyone ever considered it pedophile?
Do not like it at all. In Brazil it is a success, fortunately not as much as Backyardigans, for example, but it plays a lot on Discovery Kids Brazil. I am negatively surprised with the Common Sense review. Since the first times we (my husband and I) watched Lazy Town - and we did not have a kid at those times - we were annoyed by the over coloured characteres and scenario and we have noticed the exausting pace you have mentioned. Then when our baby was a little over 1 year old we let him, sometimes, watch the series but then we started to worry and see it as very inappropriate because of those adult characters (Sportacus and Robbie Rotten) wearing collant costumes which barely hide their genitals format, mixed with that child-girl character, who seems to have a love attitude towards Sportacus. We have been simply skiping this series for almost one year. The baby complains because he already knows the series and also during the intervals Discovery Kids markets the series and plays their music, so he wants to watch to it.

Dad4life
parent of 10 and 11 year old
 
LazyTown not bad to watch
As a concerned parent I monitor what my children view on television. The show LazyTown is an interesting show but it unfortunately does not have the "get them active affect" on my four year old son. He is a very active, intelligent boy but when watching LazyTown in the morning I notice that he loses interest then asks when "GO Diego GO" (spin off from Dora the explorer) will be on. I belive that since the show is so fast paced and all of the cuts to the jumping and sport stunts by the show's hero "Sporticus" played by former 1992 Icelandic Aerobic Gymnastic Champion Magnus Sheving maybe to busy for a young mind to take in that would be dependant on your child. However the only other two human characters, "Stephanie" played by Julianna Rose Mauriello and "Robbie Rotten" the shows villian played by Stefan Karl Stefannson are fun to watch. Robbie Rotten is the bumbling comedic villian crying out for attention by trying to spoil the people of LazyTown's fun. Stephanie and the other town folk (all of who are puppets) with the help of Sporticus stop his attempts and along the way learn valueable lessons in things like teamwork, friendship, sharing etc. Music is a big part of the show, Stephanie's great voice and the other characters always seem to make time to stop and entertain us with new and original songs. In short if your looking for an innocent program for your kids that will entertain and teach values then LazyTown might be for your child, but don't be surprised if your child doesn't get up and tries to do backflips like the Main Character. - Always remember that learning life values always start with Mom and Dad.

winterchloe
parent of 4 year old
 
I honestly feel its perfect for all children of all ages, some adults to it helps to interact with your children
The characters give my daughter a lot to think about.However Stingy- is one my daughter is taking after, everything is hers and she hates to share. My mom thinks its a phase.

love2
parent of 19 year old
 
why did they call it lazy town???????
why do they call this show lazy town? i will never know! there is everything but lazyness in this show it has so much running around and playing and so many good messages to toddelers too! i of course am to old for this show and dont think about it but 2 year olds it might be iffy for with it's very very very very very brief vilonce. but 3 and up is an ON. but kids ages 6 and up will probably not like the show.

jana04
parent of and 8 , 12 , 15 year old
 
We love this show.. I only wish that it had taken off in America like it has everywhere else. I somewhat agree that it is exhausting for Adults to watch but that is not what is geared toward. My son is 6 now and has been a fan since he was 3yrs old. I just hope what little we get to see of it here in the USA. doesn't leave us as well.

BABYSITTER
parent of and 2 , 4 , 5 year old
 
JUST THE BABYSITTER
WELL LAZYTOWN IS A GREAT SHOW, IT KEEPS THE KIDS STILL, WHEN THE SHOW IS ON, THE KIDS RUN AND SIT DOWN TO WATCH THEY DONT WANT ME TALKING AT ALL, AFTER THE SHOW IS OVER THEY ASK FOR THE SNACK ON THE SHOW THAT DAY, STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH CARROTS, LOL.. AFTER ALL. I THINK IS GREAT FOR THEM AND THEY LEARN A LOT SPECIALLY SHARING WITH EACH OTHERS, THEY WANT ROBBI TO BE LIKE THEM, FOR ME AS BABYSITTER, SINCE MY KIDS ARE ALL GROWN, I THINK IS GREAT AND IF THEY LOVE IT I WILL KEEP WATCHING THE SHOW. TOO BAD THEY ARE ALL REPEATS... HOPE THEY CAN DO NEW SHOWS SOON... THANK YOU LAZYTOWN...

mkalv
teen, 17 years old
 
No more!
This show is about a girl who dances with friends! The villain is a loser. He can't do anything. Don't watch this!

valentime
kid, 11 years old
 
GIVE LAZY TOWN A CHANS
let kids wach lazy town they need it give lazytown a nother chance PLESE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Movie Lover 4Ever
kid, 13 years old
 
When I was little the bad guy used to give me nightmares, other than that it was fine.

DarkMidnight
teen, 15 years old
 
Would you believe me when I say some songs are...good?
It's a decent show, weird, yes. But I can tolerate it. Though the puppet people irritate me, the show isn't meant for me, it's meant for 'little' kids.. just let them watch and see what they think.

 
Keep trying.
I loved to watch Layztown, when the show was on Nick Jr. The show has shown me never give up but to keep on trying. all the songs Julianna sang has made me understand what to do.

sanban6
teen, 14 years old
 
Overall, it's pretty good.
Teaches kids the values of good-eating and excersize. I like it, my little brother, who is two, likes it, too. They do get into playfights sometimes. Robbie Rotten is a very bad role model! I hope kids pick up on that, though. Heck, one of the girls, Trixie, is a meanie, Ziggy is addicted to candy, Stingy is well, stingy, and Pixel is a computer addict. Stephanie and Sportacus are fantastic role models, though, and often get the others to play with them to encourage them eating right and staying active.

rebma97
teen, 14 years old
 
this show seems odd...
the characters are pretty weird and why is it called lazytown if its about not being lazy? unless they were making a joke but most kids watching the show are too young to understand sarcasim. And it's not very educational, but thats just my opinon. Dont let it stop you from watching the show you may like it

mommyRDS
parent of 5 year old
 
Cute
whoever said this show was violent and had adult content is a moron! Thia show is adorable and it is great for all ages.

Chloesmommy
parent of 4 year old
 
It's "OKAY".
I think this show has a good motive. Teaches kids the pluses of being active and healthy behaviors and the effects of not doing these things. But at the same time, I think this show is a little cheesey, even more so than most of the shows for this age. My daughter will watch it, but she would perfer something else. She is also a little bit scared of "Robbie Rotten" who is also a HORRIBLE actor, I can't even stand to look at him. hehe.

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
 

vote now

Will you see LazyTown?


Already seen it? What do you think?

 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors


About our rating system
ON: Content is 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