 | 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. |
Oswald
- Nick Jr.
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Witty, gentle, surreal; ideal for preschoolers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
SAD
I lovd this show so much when I was little. THE LAST EPISODE ALMOST MADE ME CRY
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
I love Oswald!
Bright and clever animation, a gentle soul, & warbly singing make Oswald my favorite.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
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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Kid, 9 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
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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Parent of 2 year old
May 30, 2011
AGE
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.
What other families should know:
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Kid, 8 years old
June 28, 2010
AGE
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.
What other families should know:
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Teen, 13 years old
September 20, 2010
AGE
Perfect for small children
i think this has got tons of friendship
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Kid, 11 years old
March 22, 2011
AGE
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!
What other families should know:
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| Topics: | adventures, friendship, music and sing-along, ocean creatures, wild animals |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | Nick Jr. |
| Cast: | David L. Lander, Debi Derryberry, Fred Savage |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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