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Phineas and Ferb

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Duo's over-the-top schemes are fun for kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    The show is intended to entertain, not educate ... though kids might pick up a few mischievous ideas.
  • Messages:

    The show is more about having fun than teaching lessons, but the main characters do work well together on their over-the-top ideas -- and they demonstrate a fun-loving spirit that will likely leave kids smiling. Occasional potty humor (burping, etc.).
  • Role models:

    Although they're prone to mischief, Phineas and Ferb are upbeat and good-hearted overall. The show greatly exaggerates their engineering and building abilities, but it is a cartoon. Adults/parents are largely absent (and when they're present, they're pretty clueless).

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Mild peril (long falls, collisions, etc.) is exaggerated for humor and rarely results in injury.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Brief allusions to teenage love interests and mention of guys being "cute." A recurring character flirts openly with Phineas.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Phineas and Ferb was written by Emily Ashby

Parents need to know that there's little cause for concern in this fun-filled -- if slightly exaggerated -- cartoon for grade-schoolers. Kids will certainly enjoy the characters' over-the-top antics and adventures, and (aside from said antics possibly inspiring grandiose ideas), there's no reason to worry about iffy messages. Mild peril is played for humor, and allusions are made to youthful crushes, but little of this content will be new to kids, and most are likely to overlook it when there's so much other fun stuff going on.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the role that exaggeration plays in comedy. Do storylines seem funnier when they're taken to extremes -- as in the case of Phineas and Ferb's many oversized schemes?
  • Do you think plots based on exaggeration can ever impact viewers (particularly young ones) in a negative way? If so, how?
Did this review help you decide?

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Have you seen it? Review It!

More on Phineas and Ferb

What’s the Story?

Young stepbrothers Phineas Flynn (voiced by Vincent Martella) and Ferb Fletcher (Thomas Sangster) want to make the most of their summer vacation, packing in as much action and adventure as they can. Each day, the two schemers set to work on oversized plans for visions like backyard surfing, personal theme park rides, and overnight musical fame. They're accompanied by the family's pet platypus, Perry (Dee Bradley Baker), whose placid nature hides a top-secret identity and a mission to save the world from the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz (Dan Povenmire). Despite their parents' oblivion, the boys' antics don't escape the watchful eye of their older sister, Candace (Ashley Tisdale), who gets positively giddy about the chance to prove once and for all that they're up to no good.

Is It Any Good?

This fun-filled cartoon is sure to win over young fans with its exaggerated sense of adventure and the comical pairing of boisterous Phineas and his mostly silent partner in crime, Ferb, who nonetheless proves his worth as his stepbrother's go-to engineering guru. Kids will enjoy letting their imaginations run wild with the characters' zany schemes almost as much as slightly older viewers (and even parents) will appreciate the show's wit and clever humor.

Add to that the unlikely plot twists -- which ensure that the boys' work remains under wraps -- and Perry's continued ability to outwit the humans around him, and it's easy to like this fast-paced cartoon. Parents can rest assured that while there's little attempt to teach obvious lessons here, the content is as innocuous as the premise is fun, making it a fine choice for grade-school viewers.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    hate it are you kidding me this should not be on tv it is only adault humor and says things kids should not hear now if you want a good tv show on disney xd (phineas and ferb is on disney xd) i recomend KICK BUTTOWSKI that is a great tv show for ages about 9 to 13

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    e.g. For the whole family

    I love Phieas and Ferb, I even have a t-shirt!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 3 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Get some popcorn and be ready for awesomeness!

    I am obsessed with this show! It is so cool! And it is definitely a perfect show for your kids, because they teach about imagination and excitement and its hilarious! And they have awesome music! The characters are excellent role models-except for Dr. Doofensmirtz LOL-and it sends very good messages to your kids.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Great for younger kids: Ages 6-12

    I think that Phineas and Ferb is one of the best cartoon shows on TV. Its mixture of hilarity, action, and great characters is phenomenal. Though the basic storyline is repeated in most episodes, there is always something new going on. The messages are great, showing kids that having fun outside and spending time with their friends is a great idea. Also, an active imagination is greatly encouraged throughout the show. One of the best aspects of the show is the characters and their respective voices. The voice-overs bring a new dimension of fun and excitement to each episode. Overall, its a great show. Don't miss out!

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Perfect!

    I really love this show! Although it isn't educational, it is a very fun show for children of all ages. It is funny and smart and everyone in my family (including my 15 year old sister) agree that it is awesome! Phineas and Ferb is a show that is way different from other Disney shows. It is good for young kids and parents, and shows children that creativity and playing outside is good! Watch it!

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