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Oswald (Nick Jr.)

common sense media says

Witty, gentle, surreal; ideal for preschoolers.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series encourages, in its own small way, a daring and adventurous spirit in very young children. It's focused on big-picture lessons -- being willing to try new things, perseverance, following instructions -- but the teaching is subtle and very much a part of the story.

Positive messages: Oswald and his friends are a very egalitarian band. Lessons about friendship, risktaking, and following instructions are skillfully and subtly delivered.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Oswald

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about each day's adventure in a way that allows a child to take in the message without hammering it home. For example: Do you think Henry really wanted to try some of the new things Oswald was doing, even though he insisted on doing things "just like always"? If Daisy had followed the directions, would they have gotten stuck? Does Oswald love Daisy even though she's impulsive, and Henry even though he isn't adventurous at all? Why?

What's the story?

What's the story?
OSWALD follows the daily adventures of Oswald (an octopus) and his friends Henry (a penguin) and Daisy (a tall, fully mobile flower) in Big City. Oswald's dog is a hot dog on a leash, the ice cream vendor is a snowman, and the owner of the diner is a butterfly (and the mother of a caterpillar). It's all gently loopy -- funny to an adult in a surreal way, rather than an over-the-kids'-head way. Oswald is voiced by Fred Savage, and in every episode he sings a sweet, catchy tune about what the gang is doing.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The animation is slowly paced, as suits the audience -- there are no sudden cuts or jerky movements. Scenes remain static for relatively long periods, but because such care has been taken with the background of Big City itself (houses are shaped like everything from stacked books to ice cream cones, passersby like walking cacti and gingerbread people), it's pleasant to watch, even for an adult. Even the most exciting episodes are handled in a very gentle, calming way -- there may be a giant snowball rolling toward Big City, but Oswald, Henry (David L. Lander), and Daisy (Crystal Scales) are always confident they can save the day. Most parents won't mind sitting down once in a while to share this one with their preschooler.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: Nick Jr.
Cast: David L. Lander, Debi Derryberry, Fred Savage
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Nick Jr.
This review was written by KJ Dell Antonia
 
 

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What parents & educators say

2

Most useful reviews by all members

martin
teen, 16 years old
 
SAD
I lovd this show so much when I was little. THE LAST EPISODE ALMOST MADE ME CRY
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volgirl
adult
 
Disappointed with language
I think Oswald is an adorable show. I've always been a fan of Fred Savage. However, we have had to ban Oswald in our house. Unfortunately, Oswald's favorite phrase (Oh my gosh!), is not one that we permit our children to say. I'm really disappointed with the writers of Oswald that they would feel the need to have such language in what otherwise is an adorable pre-schooler show.
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kch
adult
 
I love Oswald!
Bright and clever animation, a gentle soul, & warbly singing make Oswald my favorite.
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Filmutante
 
Sweet and Well written
Charming world of Dan Yaccarino animated. aclever and fun while remaining gentle and creative for a children's show. Good social interaction between characters. No commercial tie ins
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Nichole7667
kid, 13 years old
 
maybe later........
Wow.Oswald is kinda weird but i like the show.Me and my cousin,(upperoom:don't forget that name)watch it all the time every night at 10:00. Of course, we watch just about every little kids show that comes on T.V. and we only watch it to make fun of it.but we don't make fun of this one.OK so we made fun of it once but we only made fun of 2 things:1 henry talks wierd and 2 oswald a huge head yet he's always wearing that itty bitty hat.I don't think saying this is mean because COME ON YOU KNOW ITS ALL TRUE!!!I say maybe later cause its not the type of show to watch all the time .i like it though.
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letticepalmer
parent of 2 year old
2
 
Slow Pace Just Perfect For Young Kids
The pace of this show is so slow that me and my wife often doze off during an episode. Our 2 1/2 year old is generally rivetted, however. The pace is just perfect for a young kid and the stories usually have some nice lessons about life. I love that every time the characters cross a street, they stop and look both ways. Those kinds of details are what makes the show good.
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jfreighgiuhg
teen, 17 years old
2
 
Defining natural laws!
Um...... last time I checked, octopuses need water to live? Also, there was one episode where he was a judge for a sandcastle contest and he said everybody won. In real life, everybody can't win or thats called Communism. Shows need to teach kids that you can't be great at everything and that you can't always get what you want. Shows that try to educate kids should be more about teaching how the world really works.
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animalfanplus101
kid, 12 years old
2
 
AWESOME!
I'm 11,and I still love this show! Who knew an octopus could be so educational? Oswald is so sweet,and cute,along with his other friends. Kids were learn to never give up and be creative.They will also learn that friends are like family,and they will always be there. This is way better than stupid Dora!
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F-Zero studios
teen, 14 years old
2
 
Perfect for small children
i think this has got tons of friendship
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Umphulump
kid, 13 years old
2
 
Two thumbs up!
This was another one of my favorites growing up (and like blue's clues, I still watch it haha). The characters are so polite and everyone is very kind. The stories are original and fun. Oswald says ''oh my gosh!'' a lot and it's so cute. I have no problem with that since I say ''oh my god'' often.
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drweegee
kid, 10 years old
2
 
This is a show for preschoolers NOT TWEENS!
I hate this show it's even badder than dora.Once your 6 your like what the?OSWALD!?!?Dumbest idea ever.
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just_keepin_it ...
teen, 14 years old
2
 
wow i can't bewev ppls
um i have to says this is a very good show, and um, there no sad eps? ANYWAY its a very good kewl hip show for little peoples
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reginamrose
parent of 5 , 10 , and 12 year old
 
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upperroom
teen, 16 years old
 
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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