 | 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 Smurfs
- Boomerang
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Little blue gnomes share, care, and learn.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this classic animated series promotes togetherness and sharing. Although some skeptics believe the Smurfs' mushroom village is a spoof of communism, kids won't pick up on that possibility. They're much more likely to notice Gargamel's mean personality and relentless pursuit of the Smurfs, which may frighten some very young viewers.
What's the story?
THE SMURFS is a now-classic cartoon series about a community of little blue gnome-like creatures who work together to keep their mushroom village running smoothly and stay out of the clutches of evil wizard Gargamel and his cat, Azrael. The hit series had a successful run on NBC's Saturday morning line-up from 1981-1990 and now airs in reruns on Boomerang. The Smurfs' kid-friendly adventures teach some worthwhile lessons. For instance, when Brainy Smurf turns himself into a real monster for Halloween the other Smurfs feel it's unfair, so Brainy turns everyone into monsters -- much to the dismay of Papa Smurf, who wanted them all to put in the time and effort required to make a real costume. In the end, the Smurfs learn that cheating and taking short cuts are less rewarding in the long run.
Is it any good?
While the show is simplistic, its positive storylines teach kids many valuable lessons. Lessons aside, some interesting rumors have been attached to the series over the years. The most popular is that the series' creators used the show as a way to spread Communist ideas -- the Smurfs' lack of individual identity is one of the main arguments for this theory.
But kids won't care about any of that. They'll enjoy The Smurfs for the sweet, funny characters and their kind acts of sharing and teamwork. Overall, it's a very entertaining show for the younger set. Even if the rumors are true and the series' creators did have ulterior motives, their political messages are displayed in good taste and fly below the radar of all but the most eagle-eyed viewer.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about being part of a group. How does working together help the Smurfs succeed? Should you always do what the group says, or are there times when it's better to think for yourself? How can you tell the difference? What would your name be if you were a Smurf?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Getting old look for a cartoon, but great messages about living in a community
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AGE
AWESOME
THE SMURFS ARE AWSOME!!! they are cute too
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AGE
Wholesome, but not funny.
Not very good, but it's wholesome.
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AGE
Smurfs!
I LOVE the smurfs! my friend's nickname is Smurf......... so cool! SMURFS ARE COOL!
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AGE
Good and Perfect 5+
Ages 5+ under need supervision from someone 5+
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AGE
Stupid show!
Everything in this show is a mess! The characters are weird, the dialogue is messed up, and the way they talk is creepy!!! Sometimes when I watch this, some of the characters freak me out!!! The talking frog-people are really weird....anyone who watched this show, do you agree with me about this?
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures, friendship |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Boomerang |
| Cast: | Don Messick, Frank Welker |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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