 | 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. |
Olivia
- Nickelodeon
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Precocious pig offers positive messages for preschoolers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this engaging animated show for preschoolers is based on a series of best-selling books by Ian Falconer. If your kids are already familiar with Olivia's escapades, they'll be delighted to see her in this new form, and newcomers will be inspired to check out Falconer's stories after watching her in action. Adventurous Olivia has plenty of positive messages for kids about friendship, self-confidence, and the joys and responsibilities of being a sibling, and she demonstrates that imagination is a reliable tool in working through the issues kids face in everyday life.
What's the story?
One of preschoolers' favorite literary characters comes to life in OLIVIA, which follows the adventures of a spunky young pig with a big imagination. Based on the award-winning books by Ian Falconer, the show centers on an irrepressible 6-year-old named Olivia (voiced by Emily Gray) who finds that many of the pint-sized woes she encounters with family and friends can be resolved with a little imagination and a lot of heart. While her daydreams take her to the far reaches of the world, Olivia always returns home with a fresh outlook on the day's problem and a sense of confidence that the solution is within her grasp.
Is it any good?
This precocious pig has plenty to offer her young viewers, who will delight in her creativity and humor and will relate to the troubles she has with peers and her two younger brothers. Although Olivia's imagination plays a big role in helping her solve problems, the outcome is always realistic enough for kids to apply to their own lives, and the stories include positive messages about self-confidence, patience, and friendship.
Happily, the show stays true not only to Falconer's original stories but also to his beautiful illustrations. Fans who already know and love Olivia and her friends will find that the transition from print to screen in no way lessens the quality of these stories and characters, and those meeting Olivia for the first time are sure to appreciate this chance to visit the books' world.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about solving problems. What problems did Olivia have to work out? How did they affect her and her family and friends? How did she work to solve them? Was everyone happy in the end? Have you had any problems like that? How did your solutions compare to Olivia's? Families can also discuss how the series compares to the books. How does the animated Olivia compare to the one you imagine when you read her stories? Does seeing her on TV change how you imagine her in books now? What are some of your other favorite shows that are also book series?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Although I like Olivia's imagination, self confidence and propensity for mischief in the original book, I think it goes a bit too far in the television show. Nick Jr.'s Olivia is, in short, a brat. She bosses her friends, she hogs the spotlight, she thinks she is better than everyone else, and her family inexplicably gives in to her every demand and whim. In one episode, she is required to give a report on a country of her choosing and bring a dish. She changes her mind multiple times with no regard to the work her mother puts in to preparing the food for her, and then finally, in the ultimate display of unchecked self absorbtion, settles on a MADE UP COUNTRY NAMED AFTER HERSELF. There's confidence and self esteem, and then there's arrogance and entitlement. Unfortunately, Olivia exemplifies the latter two.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Olivia seems a little self indulgent....
I have watched parts of Olivia and thought she had a great imagination, but the other day I actually sat down and watched an entire episode. It was the one where Olivia had a very tiny part in the school play. She was not really happy about this and engineered a "big finale" for her character. I used it as a "teaching moment" with my daughter about how you can't always be the center of attention and that there may be times that we have to take a backseat to others (like a school play). I don't want my kids to think it is OK to upstage their friends....maybe it was just this episode, but she seemed a little self-indulgent to me.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Bossy Pig
I think Olivia is mean to her brother and often annoyed by him. This show does not foster great sibling relationships. Also, her mother asks her to do things, and she complains and doesn't always listen. This pig is a bossy spoiled role model.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
August 4, 2011
AGE
WORSER THAN NI-HAO KI-LAN
This my friend. IS THE WORST.THING.CREATED.EVER. Olivia is a pig, she thinks of her self as god, wants to brutally murder her younder brother, and only loves herself. NEVER watch this show unless you want your kids murdering their siblings like Flippy from Happy Tree Friends.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Bossy little pig
Plain and simple: Olivia is a bossy little pig.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Olivia provides good role models for boys and girls
I have to disagree with the reviewer who said the Olivia books are stupid. They are actually very clever and Olivia, while a tad impatient with her brother (hardly an unrealistic situation), is a good-hearted, intelligent and creative character. As role models go, I think she is very good. She has many interests, has tenacity and is never afraid to try new things. As a precocious youngster, she appeals to both boys and girls.
She gets into mischief occasionally, but that is part of childhood. She learns from her mistakes and her family supports her and shows kids that no matter what, their parents will love them.
Unlike the case with many other programs for children, Olivia's father provides a good male role model. He is involved with his children to a far greater degree than in the books.
Overall, this show is a winner.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Wonderful show for Kids!
I think this is a great show that should stay on Nick Jr. It is educational, fun, and displays a good role model for children. I hope the show stays longer for my kid to see. :)
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
June 13, 2010
AGE
THIS SUCKS!
It's stupid! Francine is a spoiled brat and a neat freak! Olivia only thinks about her feelings. Everyone is so mean! And in the play episode, here's a thing.
Teacher: And the fairy queen is...
Olivia: Olivia!
Teacher: No, its Francine!
That's not cool. Olivia is just a little brat! Olivia only thinks about herself and also tries to spoil herself
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Cute little pig
Oliva's a cute show and my 4 year old sister loves it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Well...
The show itself is okay, but I don't see the educational value. There aren't really bad messages, but I don't see what positive messages there are in this show besides the fact that Olivia uses her imagination to have fun. But that's just my opinion.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | book characters, horses and farm animals |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | Nickelodeon |
| Cast: | Brianna McCracken, Emily Gray, Michael Van Citters |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
