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Stanley (Disney Channel)

common sense media says

Stanley is a pint-sized Dr. Doolittle.

parents & educators say
  • 30% say it's educational
See all 15 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that it won't take long for this show to win the hearts of kids and parents alike. Stanley is an inquisitive, friendly kid with an insatiable appetite for asking questions about animals. Based on the book series by Andrew Griff, this cartoon is about a kid who sometimes makes mistakes, has challenges with his older brother, and always finds comfort in his pet dog, cat, and fish. In fact, Stanley has conversations with these animals, especially his best friend and confidant, Dennis the goldfish. Each episode involves a "jump" into the Great Big Book of Everything, where Stanley learns firsthand about the animal in question. A sure-bet hit with preschoolers and kindergarten-aged kids, it's about kids, friends, family, and the wonders of the animal kingdom.

Positive messages: Stanley works with his friends, family, and pets to brainstorm, problem-solve, and all the while, learn interesting facts about animals.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Stanley

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about kids' relationships with the animals in their lives. Do you ever confide in your pets? Do you feel you have a special bond with them that no one else does? What is it about pets that make them good friends and companions?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Stanley is a kindergartener with an oversized head and six hairs that stick straight up. Each episode begins with him pondering a real-life situation -- he wants to go across the monkey bars or be a part of his brother's band, etc. These problems are brainstormed with the help of his friends -- Lester and twins Mimi and Marci -- and a set of lovable pets that includes Harry the goofy dog, Elsie the slinky tabby, and Dennis the brainy goldfish. After Harry and Elsie sing a song about a beloved book of facts, Stanley and his friends and pets literally jump into the book and become dolphins, T. rexes, kookaburras, or whatever they're studying. They discuss and compare Stanley's problems to facts about animals, and sometimes another song ensues. Often there's an on-the-edge-of-your-seat climax to get Stanley and his friends back to safety, but nothing that's genuinely frightening.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Stanley may wear tiger-striped pajamas and talk to his pets, but he still manages to be one of the most relatable characters for kids on TV. He has trouble moving to a larger bed, gets frustrated with friends, and sometimes fights with his brother. He's also adorable, loves his family, and has a diverse set of friends.

Both the animal and human characters in Stanley's life are likable and interesting. Stanley's mother, a dentist, sometimes helps Stanley find the answers to his questions on the Internet and, though clearly a busy mom, she's very playful with her youngest son. Stanley's friends are African-American and Jewish, and his teacher is Latina. At the end of each episode, Stanley and Dennis tuck into their respective beds, talk about the day's adventure, and voice their appreciations for the marvelous creatures around them.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: Disney Channel
Cast: Charles Shaughnessy, Hynden Walch, Jessica D. Stone
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Disney Channel
This review was written by Pam Gelman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

3
Based on 10 parent & educator reviews:
  • 30% say it's educational
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Most useful reviews by all members

CSM Screen ...
teen, 14 years old
 
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smcqueen
adult
 
My Daughter Loves This
I think Stanley is a very good show for children to learn about animals. It is a little unrealistic though, because the animals talk and Stanley jumps into the Great Big Book of Everything. But I still love it.
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dawn31400
adult
 
Fun and even educational
I love Stanley !! I think it is a fun show and educational for young children. Kids love animals and this is a great way for them to learn about some animals that they wouldn't ordinarily know about.
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nduns
adult
4
 
One of the few little kid's shows that I actually enjoy by myself
Oh yeah, you just read that right. I'm an adult and yet when this show was airing, I'd occasionally watch it without needing little kids around as an excuse. (Granted, I never let anyone know I was watching it) This is actually a pretty cool show. The characters are alright, the show teaches kids about animals (Though I do think Zoboomafoo did this a little better) and it's just fun. My favorite part was always that infamous song about the great big book of everything and I always found it hilarious how much the fish hated it. I know I am way too old for this show and yet I enjoy watching it, and with that in mind, I'm sure any child would enjoy it too.
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MidnightCresent
adult
2
 
Stanley..cute kid
It was a great show! Its neat when they explore the world and find and explain differen't animals. Believe it or not, I have the theme song on my Mp3! Lately I miss the old disney and playhouse disney so bad! It made my heart fill with joy (don't judge me) My little bros would love Stanley!
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TannersMom927
adult
 
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GeodeGem
teen, 15 years old
2
 
Stanley Come Back- Your too awesome to leave!
I LOVED this show, why aint it on anymore? It was educational, interesting, funny, colorful, and I LOVE the theme song! I got it on a CD now! I think they should put it on Animal Planet in the mornings!
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Melly_Jelly
teen, 14 years old
2
 
STANLEY RULES!!!!!!!!
I LOVE STANLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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valerie1299
adult
 
Good stuff!
Son (8) and Daughter (4) both love this show. They learn about animals in a very fun way (and manners as well). Stanley has a "Great Big Book of Everything" that he jumps into to enter the world of animals. Very educational.
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BlueSunday
teen, 15 years old
2
 
An actual good babyshow!
I'd suggest it to little kids, its funny, its sweet, and creative. Yes, its weird he jumps into a book, but I remember liking it. Stanley can be a turd on rare occasions, but for the most part he's alright. He has a few human friends (the only ones I can remember are the twins which are black *awesome!*) This show was pretty good and educational pkus it featured the Baha Men (they sing the theme song)- They NEED to bring this show back for the younger generation, because it truely sickens, and saddens me to see kids growing up to 'Hannah Montana' its.. just to sad to look at.. shame. Anyway, buy the DVD or something, its pretty cool for kids to watch, plus your kids won't act like total brats after watching it because it doesn't influence them to.
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ABELHINHANJ
adult
2
 
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kabook
parent
 
What a great show!
I have loved watching Stanley from the first day it premiered!! The show is cute, funny & educational, without being boring or preachy. My boys have developed more interest & respect about animals, as well as learned a few things in the process! Unlike other cartoons, this one does not have kids using put-downs, name-calling, etc. The characters (mostly) respect each other (there is a big brother involved, after all) & kids learn to love & respect animals as well. I highly recommend this show!
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mictamali
adult
 
Great show!
This is a great show for teaching kids about animals. The information is usually very clear and there is plenty of it. Sometimes there are even diagrams and comparisons to make it easier for small ones to understand. The only show I had a problem with was the T-Rex show. If you don't believe in evolution, then this particular episode may rub you the wrong way.
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jakeandjonatha ...
parent of and 3 , 9 , 9 year old
 
Very educational! My 4 year old boys love to learn from "the great big book of everything." This show does not limit itself to topics that most kids shows do .... it does expand a child's range of knowledge.
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big_sister
teen, 17 years old
 
a must see for every pre-schooler
this was one of my favorites as a little kid. i even used to watch it in the morning before school when i was in 4th grade or so. but for the most part i would say this for children 2-6.
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