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Total Drama Island

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Clever cartoon reality show spoof OK for older tweens.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    It's all meant to be taken as satire, but there's plenty of iffy behavior on display -- from mocking positive values to rudeness to poor sportsmanship.
  • Role models:

    Teen contestants can't trust their host or one another, are rude to one another, compete in unsportsmanlike ways, etc. -- but then, that's exactly the kind of behavior being satirized here. The characters are all pretty stereotypical (again, it's part of the humor).
  • Violence:

    Most "violence" comes in the form of dangerous challenges forced on teen contestants by the supposed adult in charge, although characters do threaten one another, grab one another, and throw one another out of doors, etc. -- never with any ill affect. No weapons.
  • Sex:

    Mild innuendo and "I'd like a bunk under her"-style jokes.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Total Drama Island

Parents need to know that this animated series is meant for kids old enough to watch -- and appreciate -- a satire of reality shows like Survivor; those too young to get the joke likely won't find it very funny. There's some mild innuendo, characters can be rude to each other, and, of course, they're often made to suffer indignities and ridiculously difficult and dangerous "challenges." But there's little that's blatantly iffy beyond occasional fart jokes.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what parts of reality shows this series is making fun of. Is it just the shows themselves, or also they way they're cast and created?
  • The characters are purposely presented as one-dimensional stereotypes -- because that's what producers of real reality shows often do to people through judicious editing. If someone only filmed and showed certain moments in your day, could they make you look mean or whiny? Why would someone want to focus on those parts of your character for a reality show?

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Our Members Say

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See all 83 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative role models

    Not good for people under 16

    H.O.R.R.I.B.L.E. Should be rated MA and put on adult swim

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title off for age 14 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative role models

    NOT FOR KIDS AT ALL

    Here's it short. BAD SHOW FOR KIDS

  3. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Really good show

    Total Drama Island is a really good show which is a welcome break from the usual junk shown on Cartoon Network anymore. However, there are a few things that need to be addressed. First of all, language. Cartoon Network censored most of the language issues but the origional Canadian show is full of stuff like crap, sucks etc. as well as several bleep censors here and there. Most of this did not bother me, but I'm sure it would bother anyone watching with a young child. Also is the romance. While there aren't any sexual refrences so to speak of there is a lot of kissing and conversations about how to 'make a move' on one of the other contestants There are also numerous times where someone loses their bra or swimsuit and the area is pixilated just like on reality shows. Final Verdict: This is a really good show but you probably don't want anyone under seven watching it unless they've already been exposed to plenty of bad stuff.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    good show

    I love Total drama island I also love Total drama action and that's why I love total drama island/action

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative role models

    For teens and tweens

    I have to say fun show for tweens of the age of 10 to teens of the age of 17. But not good role models at all!

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