 | 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. |
The Garfield Show
- Cartoon Network
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Infamous cat's antics are fun, if not exactly message laden.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this CGI-animated series based on the long-running comic strip by Jim Davis offers more of the same exaggerated antics that viewers have come to expect from the infamously greedy orange tabby. Garfield is a model of irksome behavior, habitually shirking responsibility, abusing Odie’s loyalty, and stirring up enough trouble to keep his dim owner on his toes. That said, there’s enough fantasy to the show (Garfield talks and fixes his own lunch, after all) to ensure that most kids won’t misinterpret the content as real life lessons.
What's the story?
The lasagna-loving orange feline made famous in Jim Davis’s long-running comic strip is up to his usual antics in THE GARFIELD SHOW, a CGI-animated series that centers on the titular cat (voiced by Frank Welker); his canine pal, Odie (Gregg Berger); and their well-intentioned but simple owner, Jon (Wally Wingert). The only thing bigger than Garfield’s insatiable appetite is his penchant for trouble, which usually results from one or more of his many personality flaws and always seems to inconvenience others more than himself. Whether it’s selfishly cashing in on the scientific find that Odie digs up in the backyard or eating Jon’s friend’s pets for snacks, Garfield is a misguided yet unstoppable force of nature who somehow always manages to solve the cycle of problems he causes.
Is it any good?
Since his introduction in 1978, Garfield has garnered legions of fans, and this series proves that a good dusting is all this oldie needs to make it appealing to a new generation. The show’s CGI animation gives it a modern look that will appeal to today's kids, and Garfield’s over-the-top adventures play to their imaginative nature. While young viewers won't be absorbing any substantial positive content from this show, the absence of anything truly iffy is welcome.
That said, were Garfield a human character rather than a furry feline, his excessive personality shortcomings would be more unsettling. The show's fantastical nature means that kids probably won’t think twice about the extent of his greediness, his sloth-like laziness, or the control he wields over Odie, but it’s worth drawing attention to these traits to talk about these issues with kids. While you’re at it, you can add some gentle reminders about the marketing techniques that the media uses to influence our buying habits, since Garfield’s image graces everything from clothing to school supplies.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about how the media influences our buying habits. Kids: What products have you seen with Garfield’s image? Are you more inclined to want clothing or toys when they have a popular character on them?
What are some of Garfield’s iffy habits? How do they affect the people (and animals) around him? Do you have any bad habits? Have you ever tried to change them?
How does this cartoon compare to some of your favorites? What makes Garfield likable despite his many questionable personality traits? What kinds of cartoon characters do you like most?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Parent of 13 year old
September 11, 2010
AGE
Not bad.
Pretty good.
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Kid, 10 years old
March 29, 2011
AGE
Loads of funnyness!
Everybody loves garfield because he is sussposed to be popular like spongebob!
What other families should know:
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Kid, 10 years old
October 2, 2011
AGE
Nothing good to say about this.
This show is just plain stupidity compared to the comic strip. I watched the fist episode on Netflix for the Wii. The first episode was about talking lasanga from space invading Garfield's house. Really, people? The second episode was about Garfield and birds. I thought it was dogs that chased birds.
Anyways, stupid show, ugly animation, don't even bother with this show unless you are under 5.
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Teen, 14 years old
October 8, 2010
AGE
jim davis your still a good animator
i watch this show only to watch out for new episodes and have a bit of a wide laugh though the animation setting can get a little overused and the theme tune is played repeatedly in most episodes. i know its not what youd expect a CGI version of garfield to be like but on the bright side it improves over the original series garfield and friends. i cant wait to watch out for the 2nd season i hope the animation gets a little more improvement. the charecters on the other hand dont behave much but get out of situations with teamwork maybe in all episodes. there is nothing scary about the violence
though the show maybe a little repetitive sometimes with the same darn episode playing over and over again ha ha.
but overall my rating and opinion will give it a 6/10 for effort.
What other families should know:
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Kid, 11 years old
July 28, 2010
AGE
This show is not all bad. The dialouge can be really funny, but the setting and the point of the episode can be dumb. This a good show for those who are still in 2nd grade.
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Parent of 2 year old
May 18, 2010
AGE
i think it is cute but not really for kids it has more adult humor
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Teen, 14 years old
April 8, 2011
AGE
Dumb.
This is stupid. Makes Garfield look bad. The animation is annoying. Thanks to this show I officially hate Garfield.
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Kid, 8 years old
March 19, 2011
AGE
FUNNY!
Very Funny! It Does say Stupid And Idiot Though/
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Teen, 13 years old
September 10, 2010
AGE
Not good.
Just okay.
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Kid, 11 years old
January 2, 2010
AGE
Best for all ages
This is SOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! Funny.
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| Topics: | cats, dogs, and mice |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7 |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | Frank Welker, Gregg Berger, Wally Wingert |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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