Pinky and the Brain (Toon Disney)

common sense media says

Clever toon is great fun for both kids and adults.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, as cartoon series go, this one has plenty of substance to entertain both kids and adults. The show's physical humor and absurd characters (the main characters are mice bent on world domination) will appeal to grade-schoolers, and its clever, sophisticated parodies of literature, politics, and culture will be applauded by astute adults. There's some recurring fantasy violence of the over-the-top cartoon kind, but most kids won't be upset by the pratfalls and unlikely scenarios (long-distance falls, explosions, collisions) that never leave a lasting effect.

Positive messages: Episodes often introduce an evil villain of some sort, but they're usually so absurd (a brain-eating alien, for example) and so easily outsmarted that kids aren't likely to be frightened by them.
Violence & scariness: Standard cartoon-style violence, including explosions, dramatic falls, collisions, and crashes -- but none of it results in lasting injury, and it's all laden with plenty of humor and absurdity to keep the mood light.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Pinky and the Brain

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about what makes some TV characters more frightening than others. Are any of this show's characters scary? How do their actions change your impression of them? Do Brain's plans to "take over the world" ever seem really frightening or threatening? Why or why not? How does his physical appearance affect how you feel about his scheming ways? What characters in other shows or movies have less-than-noble intentions but come across as likable anyway?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Genetic research at ACME labs home has given Brain (voiced by Maurice LaMarche) an impressive IQ (and an oversized cranium to match), which he uses to devise plans for world domination. Brain's happy-go-lucky but significantly less-intelligent sidekick, Pinky (Rob Paulsen), is always an energetic partner in his devious friend's lofty endeavors, but Pinky's contributions are typically limited to comedic pratfalls and frequent off-the-wall observations that grate on Brain's patience. Despite his carefully calculated planning, Brain's schemes always fall victim to his overly ambitious goals and his own unparalleled intelligence -- but regular failure does little to discourage his hunger for power. While Pinky carries on, blind to his buddy's growing frustration and glibly asking what they'll do the next night, Brain's reply sums up his single-minded goal: "The same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world."

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Despite its relatively brief run, this emmy-winning cartoon series' outrageously funny cast of characters, superb writing, and clever use of parody gained it a devoted fan base of both kids and adults. PINKY AND THE BRAIN offers plenty of humor for the 7- to 10-year-old set, who will enjoy the show's physical comedy, as well as some of its subtle satirical tones and tongue-in-cheek writing style. But it's teens and adults who will fully appreciate the series for the gem that it is: a clever combination of character-based humor (Pinky and Brain are mousy versions of the quintessential odd couple), witty writing, and underlying parodies of everything from politics to classic literature to pop culture.

The show does contain a fair amount of cartoon violence (explosions, exaggerated collisions, that sort of thing), but it's all so rooted in fantasy and absurdity that there's not much chance that grade-schoolers will be upset by it. So if you're looking for a show you can enjoy with your kids, this is a great pick.

TV themes & details

Themes
TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y7
Network: Toon Disney
Cast: Maurice LaMarche, Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Toon Disney

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

simpo
kid, 8 years old
 
ok for kids of all ages
good show just a bit violent

apoloto
kid, 12 years old
 
Just watch it !!!

iluvKH
teen, 18 years old
 
Hilariously funny!
This show is the best!! I watched it when it was actually running and thought it was funny, but now I like it for a completely different reason. There is a lot of humour kids won't get, but it is funny anyway. My only caution is the occasional use of a busty woman, but nothing else. WATCH THE SHOW!!

MADLover
kid, 11 years old
 
Cute

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ON: Content is 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