The Aquabats! Super Show!

TV review by Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media
The Aquabats! Super Show! Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 7+

Gleefully absurd kids' superhero show has cartoon violence.

Discovery Family Channel Kids' Animation 2012
Rate TV

Parents say

age 7+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 8 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate tv

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Aquabats! Super Show! is a high-energy blend of campy superhero shows (think old-school Batman) and modern kids' shows, which means a lot of eye-candy, noise, absurdity, and a surprising number of rather intense images that make this a bit of a gamble for younger viewers. The Aquabats are presented as superheroes, always battling one enemy or another; the battle scenes and cartoonish violence the bad guys deal out may be disturbing for the sensitive. But kids made of sterner stuff will love the high level of sheer ridiculousness. The Aquabats themselves are bouncy and fun, rather older and larger than most heroes, wear silly-fun costumes, and are equipped with weird gadgetry that techno kids will enjoy. Their adventures have a silly, surreal touch that may remind parents of The Monkees.

Community Reviews

Mominmsp
Mominmsp Adult
January 29, 2013
age 8+

HORRIBLE SHOW

My 6 1/2 year old watched a few episodes and seemed to enjoy it. Then, on the 5th or 6th episode, there was a girl whose eyes turned gray and her neck grew about 5 feet long, and my son was so freaked out we had to go to bed with the lights on. He kept staring at me all night, trying to make sure that I wasn't going to turn into a monster like the girl did. Who knows how many months it will take to get rid of that image. This really makes me angry. I wish shows like this did not exist.

This title has:

Too much violence
Daisy79
Daisy79 Adult
May 18, 2012
age 2+

THE BEST EVER!

This show is entertaining for both children and adults. There are jokes meant for children and adults. It is great for the whole family to get together and watch!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Somewhere in Southern California, evil springs anew. The only ones who can stop it? The Aquabats, the world's greatest rock 'n' roll band and stars of THE AQUABATS! SUPER SHOW! In his drawn-on mustache and blacked-out teeth, MC Bat Commander (Christian Jacobs, creator of Yo Gabba Gabba!) is the leader of a posse consisting of Crash McLarson (Chad Larson), who grows up to 50 feet in size when he gets upset; Jimmy the Robot (James Briggs), an all-knowing automaton who can shoot laser beams; Ricky Fitness (Richard Falomir), who's super fast; and Eagle "Bones" Falconhawk (Ian Fowles), who can fly with the help of his invisible bird, Dude. Togther, the Aquabats vanquish crime in both live-action and animated shorts, play music, and occasionally sit down for some relaxing television, which usually features a commercial parody.

Is It Any Good?

Demented and manic, The Aquabats! Super Show! is fun by sheer dint of how many jokes, visual and otherwise, are thrown at the screen, both those calculated to appeal to kids (tight blue superhero duds), and adults (Rip Taylor shows up at one point as a genie). It's certainly a lot less violent than other live-action superhero fantasies that might appeal to kids, and it's a lot sillier: It never appears as though the Aquabats are in any real danger; everything is kept light and fun.

Nonetheless, a few random violent images may freak kids out. At one point, for example, Crash is entrapped by a giant man-ant who jams a faucet into the side of his head and turns it on to collect his "grow juice." In another segment, Jimmy the Robot's arm is ripped off by a monstrous ant. Older kids will laugh at this, but it's nightmare-bait for younger sibs.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the Aquabats' super powers and how the powers help the Aquabats fight crime. What powers do you have that help you power through your problems? What super powers would you like to have?

  • Why are there no women in the Aquabats? Are women usually in rock bands? Why or why not? Can you think of any bands that are all women? What about all men? What about those that are both men and women?

  • The Aquabats do things that aren't really possibly, like hurtling through space without breathing gear. Why do you think TV shows picture things that people won't or can't do in real life?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon superhero
    Superheroes
    See all

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate