Recess (ABC)

common sense media says

Engaging cartoon celebrates playground time.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there is very little to worry about in this show. Although sometimes minor rules get broken and the characters are a slightly idealized group, overall the series is thoughtful, funny, and insightful.

Positive messages: Most, but not all, characters are white. Still, a great demonstration of inclusion of all types of people. The show can be funny even for adults, as the kids often sound wise beyond their years.

Violence & scariness: One main character is a toughie who talks of getting into fights.

Sexy stuff: None shown, but a love affair between the playground monitor and custodian was featured.

Language: Kids sometimes utter a made-up expletive.

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the different kinds of people that make up their kids' school. Is it better to try to be all the same, like "The Ashleys," or all different, like the main characters? Which of the main characters does your child admire most? Another potential discussion topic is school rules and the ramifications of breaking them.

What's the story?

RECESS abounds with clever insights into a child's perspective. Whether facing a school bully, a math test, or a forgotten permission slip, the kids band together to solve problems creatively and thoughtfully. Each kid is different, and yet they love and rely on each other's differences. The biggest guy isn't tough at all, but instead a poet and a ballet dancer. A petite girl is the toughest of the bunch and watches professional wrestling. Another girl is a genius but loves kickball, and the one African American main character is a tremendous athlete. The rest of the kids on the playground are given labels, such as Guru Kid, Upside-Down Girl, and the Diggers (twin brothers who dig holes all around the playground), and yet rather than represent generic types, they celebrate children's unique preferences and peculiarities.

Is it any good?

The kids' mistakes create the show's most humorous situations, and viewers laugh because they understand the daily ups and downs these cartoon kids go through. The main characters may represent an ideal group of friends rather than a group that might actually be found on a typical playground. But Recess delights in presenting the obsessions of childhood, which kids sadly outgrow as self-consciousness kicks in, as perfectly normal.

TV themes & details

Themes

friendship, great boy role models, great girl role models

TV Details

TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: ABC
Cast: Andrew Lawrence, Rickey D'Shon Collins, Ross Malinger
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: ABC

This review was written by Betsy Wallace

Review It

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Natasha2
teen, 17 years old

Recess

This show is okay. I only watch it a little

TV Details

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Recess (ABC)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Recess

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

TV themes & details

Themes

TV Details

Review It

Review Recess

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Recess

Classic

Recess Rules

Meaningful and fun...

5 and over

Great program

A Show to Watch Together!

an ok show

Still loving it.....

awesum

...

This Whomps!! (Not!!)

Enjoyable!

craaaaap

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