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SpongeBob SquarePants

(Rated TV-Y7, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, Where to watch: Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 6.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Edgy underwater comedy may be iffy for young kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 6–8

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Characters often resort to physicality to resolve disputes. There's also a lot of ridicule and outright disdain between certain characters, though feelings rarely appear hurt by it. The lone female character is well-rounded and accomplished.
  • Violence & scariness:

    Cartoon rough and tumble scenes include characters falling off of cliffs and being pummeled by stinging jellyfish. Victims' recoveries usually span only a scene or two.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    No real profanity, but words like "stupid" and "idiot" might be unsuitable for very young viewers.
  • Consumerism:

    SpongeBob is such a huge franchise of toys, clothing, and even food that the show could be viewed as a commercial in and of itself.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About SpongeBob SquarePants

Parents need to know that this cartoon includes violent, dark satirical humor that will confuse kids who can't separate fantasy and reality. Characters' relationships are marred with name-calling and mockery, but no one ever seems affected by the exchanges. Anger and frustration often lead to physical (which, in the real world, would be harmful) resolutions that leave no lasting effects. Messages about friendship, perseverance, and self-respect are mixed into the plot, but the overall silliness of the show and the main characters' annoying behavior often make them hard to find. All in all, this is a real "know your kid" situation.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about being a good friend. Which characters are good friends? How do they show they care about each other? What do you do to show your friends you like them? Parents can also pull out a biology book and discuss marine life with their kids. What type of creature is each character? How do their depictions differ from their real-life versions? If your kids tend to believe everything they see, watch this show carefully with them and ask them about what they see and what they understand.

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about SpongeBob SquarePants?
  •  I think this show is

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See all 324 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Negative message

    I wont be offended if u think this show is a bunch of crap.

    Ok, Spongebob. Its a worldwide name, known by everyone. Ive loved watching it since i was 7. I will not take offense, though, if u hate Spongebob. Im a fan of the whole completely stupid and mindless humor. It sometimes shows characters naked, but no love or dates or crushes or that crappy junk. Violence is basically the merciless pummeling of continuously different characters. Theres alot of crude humor, but its actually pretty funny. I still watch it although its not my favorite show anymore. As long as ur kid can handle words like "stupid" and "idiot" and all those other mild insults, then ur good to go. For products, well its almost impossible not to own something relating to spongebob. I personally own the video game Spongebob Drawn to Life and have already completed it, and ill just say here and now, its a definite play for creative kids who happen to like spongebob. So yea.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Some episodes have people naked and their butt are showing

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Some episodes have people naked and their butt are showing

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

    a Great Show!

    I LOVE this show!!! it does teach children to be happy with themselves and also sends a message that sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you.

  5. I rate this title off for age 9 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

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