The Magic School Bus
A fun, frantic, and educational ride for kids.
Parents say
Based on 29 reviews
Kids say
Based on 33 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
The Magic School Bus
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.
Suggest an 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 this series carries on the tradition begun in the beloved books it's based on. Wild teacher Miss Frizzle takes her students on adventures of every kind, teaching them (and viewers) about science as they go. At times the lessons may be a bit hard to follow, but there's plenty of learning and fun to be had.
Community Reviews
Report this review
Educational for ages
Report this review
What's the Story?
THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS is quite a vehicle. At the command of schoolteacher Miss Frizzle (voiced by Lily Tomlin), it can transform into any possible shape and size (including a "bathysphere" shaped like a bathtub) and carry a group of kids off to adventures in space, under the sea, or even inside the human body.
Is It Any Good?
There's lots of fun and learning along the way, though at times the pace is so fast that it can be easy to miss some of the educational value. Some of the effects used in the animation can be pretty strange, too -- the sight of a group of mussels with the heads of children, each wearing a jet pack, isn't something you see every day, but it will keep kids and parents entertained.
The Magic School Bus series strictly follows the formula of the book series created by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen. From dinosaurs to beehives, kids get an inside peek into the inner workings, history, and function on a wide range of topics.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the explorations that the class goes on in each episode.
Also, what kind of field trips does your child go on? What would their dream field trip be? Ask your kids what they learned about at the end of each episode. Did they study that subject in school?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 10, 1994
- Cast: Lily Tomlin
- Networks: ION, NBC, qubo
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Cars and Trucks, Adventures, Book Characters, Science and Nature
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: February 19, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Time Warp Trio
A look back in time, through books -- how novel!
-
Little Einsteins
An artistic adventure packed into each episode.
-
The Electric Company
Excellent update of '70s classic makes English lessons fun.
For kids who love learning
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