 | 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. |
Stanley
- Disney Channel
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Stanley is a pint-sized Dr. Doolittle.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
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- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
STANLEY RULES!!!!!!!!
I LOVE STANLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
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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AGE
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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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, book characters, friendship |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | Disney Channel |
| Cast: | Charles Shaughnessy, Hynden Walch, Jessica D. Stone |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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