Shelldon

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Oddball characters overshadow messages in floundering show.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the characters in this underwater-set series are a quirky group of aquatic creatures with extreme personalities, including a few who are chronically grouchy/rude and at least one who picks on and intimidates his peers. Although the main characters deal with issues that kids will easily relate to (wishing to be the team MVP and coping with a bully, for instance), and the solutions always send messages about self-image, friendship, and respect, ultimately much of the show's positive content is lost amid the oddities of the characters themselves.

  • Shelldon’s experiences remind kids that interpersonal conflict is a fact of life and offer some examples for coping with similar troubles.
  • In each story, Shelldon and his friends learn important lessons like respect for others, self-confidence, and effective communication. 
  • Adults are a strong presence throughout the show, and Shelldon often turns to his parents, teachers, and other role models for guidance when he’s not sure how to solve a problem. On the downside, some of the other characters aren't as exemplary -- including one who likes to pick on his peers.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

SHELLDON chronicles the aquatic adventures of a young Yoka Star Shell named Shelldon and his best friends, Herman and Connie. The trio’s undersea exploits throughout their hometown of Shell Land offer plenty of opportunity for fun and games, but there’s always a lesson to be learned in their escapades as well.


Is it any good?

 

Youthful sea creatures and brightly colored visuals aside, this ocean-set show is no Finding Nemo. The cast is a mish-mash of strange, exaggerated characters with over-the-top personalities, a few of whom are loud, angry, and rude. While the show does attempt to infuse the stories with kid-friendly messages about self-confidence and respect for diversity, the characters’ personas are at times so distracting that their words and actions miss the mark.

What’s more, Shelldon struggles to net a clear-cut set of viewers. The characters' highly imaginative nature gears it more for little kids than older ones, but some of the marginal content (name-calling like “dweeb” and clashes with bullies, for instance) aren’t age-appropriate for the youngest viewers.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how Shelldon's life compares to that of real-life kids. Kids: Can you relate to his issues with friends and family members? What problems did he have to
    overcome? Who did he turn for help? What did you learn from his experiences?

  • Have you ever seen real-life versions of these sea creatures? How
    accurate do you think the characters are? Is it important to be true to
    life in animation? Why or why not?

  • How does this series compare to some of your favorite shows or movies? What makes something a “good” show to you? Which are your favorites?


This review was written by Emily Ashby
Parent of 6 year old
January 30, 2011
 
The characters need work.
I don't like this show because its characters are based on stereotypes. The characters are classified by boy/girl hobbies and say to little kids, girls are always into makeup and singing while boys are into skateboarding and rock and roll. The show has some good values, but I don't like that the characters have only gender dominant traits.

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Adult
October 26, 2010
 
Beautiful and good for the littler ones..
This is beautifully made show that will appeal to the littler viewer. The characters are always learning lessons, and do it with humor.

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Parent of 10 year old
October 21, 2009
 
Give an educational value, especially for global warmings. Wonderful series.

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Kid, 10 years old
October 30, 2011
 
Horrible
horrible animation,does not make sense,not funny and all the characters are creepy looking. The characters are not funny, heroic and they almost kill each other.The mayor does not know any magic and is pathetic. In an end of a episode they were all doing a part, but what are the ladies doing is serving drinks work?

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Parent
October 12, 2011
 
GREAT SHOW FOR YOUNGER KIDS - with strong female character
I think this is an excellent show for children between the ages of 4-8. The stories are fun but always have a message about friendship, teamwork, responsibility and self-respect. I think the comment above about the quirky characters is a little too sensitive. There is absolutely no bad language, violence or inappropriate behavior. Were it anymore "toned down" the characters would only preach and not entertain. I also disagree about the girls. ONE is stereotypical, but she is a minor character compared to Connie who is strong, intelligent, independent and respected by all the boys for her intelligence and abilities.

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Teen, 16 years old
September 17, 2011
 
i think only kids 7 or younger will like this anyone else will hate it
watch finding nemo or shark tale atleast the other guys my age watch those two fish movies

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This review was written by Emily Ashby
Topics:adventures, friendship, ocean creatures
TV rating:TV-Y7
Networks:ION, NBC, qubo
Genre:Kids' Animation

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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