 | 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. |
The Penguins of Madagascar
- Nickelodeon
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Scene-stealing schemers get their own gig; fun for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that kids who haven't already seen the Madagascar movies -- where the scene-stealing penguins got their start -- may or may not be interested in the shenanigans presented here, because the series doesn't offer any backstory (exactly who these penguins and their other friends are is never explained). There's also a bit of iffy behavior like cartoon violence and burping that parents wouldn't want their kids emulating on a good day. But on the whole, this is harmless entertainment.
What's the story?
Set in the wake of the action that played out in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, this animated spin-off sets four of the film's secondary characters -- resourceful penguins Skipper (voiced by Tom McGrath), Kowalski (Jeff Bennett), Private (James Patrick Stuart), and Rico (John DiMaggio) -- firmly in the spotlight. While their other friends are living it up in darkest Africa, the flightless foursome have staked their claim in the Central Park Zoo. But now they're competing for supremacy against an old royal pain of a rival: pompous lemur "king" Julien (Danny Jacobs).
Is it any good?
Bottom line? Thanks to random plot lines and less-intricate animation, this Nickelodeon series isn't quite as good as the movies that inspired it. But if you love the Madagascar characters, you'll be thoroughly entertained.
Kids, especially, are bound to giggle when the penguins spring into action with the show-stealing Mission: Impossible antics that made them famous.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the cartoon critters featured in the series. Why do you think they were chosen to get their own show? How does this series compare to the Madagascar movies?
How is a real-life penguin different from the animated version? How do lemurs really live in the wild?
How do animals' lives change when they're raised in captivity? Are zoos good or bad for animals' well-being?
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Mission impossible show for kids.
My grandson has seen the movies and really likes this show. In order to have a story something must go wrong. That's usually caused by the lemur "king" Julien. And then the Penguins under the leadership of the Skipper work as a team to resolve the problem through trial and error. There is a lot of slap stick humor that five year olds seem to love.
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AGE
Positive messgaes, role models, violence,product placement,-Penguins of Madagascar
This is really a TV show that stood out to me since there was great use of teamwork and communication. If only that lemur-like character was in this show. He constantly teaches selfishness, 'late-night parties', and being annoying. The show overall advertises the Madagascar line of products. The bad thing about the penguins is that they always approve violence and some of them are completely different; one is overly intelligent, one was is extremely violent and 'coughs off bombs', one was is babyish and likes 'ponies and rainbows', and one is the leader. It gives different perspectives.
All of the positive messages are literally crammed into the last seconds of the episode program.
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AGE
Takes the tween side of Nick out
Nickelodeon was channel for Tweens.
Nick Jr. Is for five year olds.
I really wish there was a petition to take it off.
Or at least move it to Disney where it's meant for five year olds
I got a little sad watching this, I really miss shows like Rocco's Modern life and Invader Zim. They may have some of the old shows on Nicktoons but I want people who aren't able to afford Satellite and only have Cable. Please Nick, take it off television.
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AGE
Fine for older elementary, but not really the little guys.
My kids love it. I do find my 6 year old trying to repeat some of their kung-fu style moves but that's about it. On the up side, my boys like to replicate the 'spy' moves and go around the house hiding around the corners from each other. It has certainly stimulated their imaginations in creating all kinds of make believe situations. No language or 'sexy' stuff for the little kids. The only warning I provide is if your household is sensitive to some of the cartoon violence. It is nothing like the old Tom and Jerry cartoons, though.
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AGE
Deliciously silly
We watch this show as a family and howl together at lines like, "I've got my freak on for recon" and "Intel is sketchy." It's a silly parody of the spy genre and a continuing and lovely tale of friendship. Enjoy with your kids!
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AGE
Best show ever!
This is a really good show! This is actually(in my opinion) the show that makes Nick so awesome. The other shows just aren’t as good as they used to be like Spongebob and iCarly. Spongebob's jokes just aren’t funny and iCarly is just too weird to watch and is too girly(even though I am a girl). The Penguins of Madagascar is the funniest show on TV, it will leave you laughing with tears rolling down your cheeks. The show has helped me expand my vocabulary extremely and the lessons they give are helpful. The only good role model in the show is Private, everyone else are kind of neutral. The whole family will love this show!
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AGE
Great for most ages
this is a funny family series.
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AGE
This show is great. I love how Skipper will turn everything into a covert operation. And how Rico is always like KABOOM! and can hack up anything the team will need
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AGE
good for kids,but not too young
it alright for anybody over 5,but if you under 5,just make sure that you watch it with them,(the show has good role models and positive messages).
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| Topics: | adventures, wild animals |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Nickelodeon |
| Cast: | Danny Jacobs, Jeff Bennett, Tom McGrath |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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