Tools for this page
Print

Static Shock

(Rated TV-Y7-FV, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Jason Marsden, Phil LaMarr, Danica McKellar, Where to watch: Disney XD, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Tween-friendly 'toon brings diversity to superhero league.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Violence is the most common means of conflict resolution, though Virgil relies on his inventive best friend to help him craft his plans against the supervillains. He's also good at standing strong against peer pressure. As an African-American superhero, Virgil serves as a role model to kids who aren't typically represented in superhero cartoons.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Cartoon violence includes explosions, long falls, electric shocks, and physical exchanges (punching, kicking, and use of everyday objects as weapons), none of which has realistic consequences.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    No cursing, but occasional name-calling like “geek.”

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Static Shock

Parents need to know that this cartoon series centers on a superhero who can control and project electricity as a weapon, so there's plenty of animated action violence (explosions, electric shock, etc.) with few consequences. That said, as superhero stories go, this one boasts encouraging diversity and surprising depth of character in Virgil, an African-American teen-turned-hero who follows his heart -- rather than the pressure of his gang of buddies -- to use his newfound powers for good.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the impact of the violence in this show. Is it more or less than that of real-life explosions, battles, etc? Why? Families can also discuss being a good citizen. Do you think Static’s efforts are always good for his community? Do any of his actions have a negative effect on people? How do everyday heroes like police officers and firefighters help their communities? How can common citizens do the same? What volunteer opportunities exist where you live?

Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Static Shock?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    Age 8+
    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.