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Transformers

(Rated TV-Y7, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Peter Cullen, Corey Burton, Frank Welker, Where to watch: Syndicated, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Classic '80s 'toon more than just a commercial in disguise.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.

  • Messages:

    The good Autobots are constantly foiling the nefarious schemes of their arch-enemies, the evil Decepticons. The Autobots have allied with the humans on Earth, while the Decepticons want to steal the planet's energy resources.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Lots and lots of animated robotic battles. Expect explosions, heavy weapons, and other kinds of mechanized mayhem, but little actual danger. Robots are rarely damaged, and civilians sometimes seem to be in peril but are never injured.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Plenty of products are tied to the Transformers franchise, including robot toys and two big-budget big-screen movies. The toys actually came first, and this series was originally developed in the '80s to promote them.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Transformers

Parents need to know that this animated series, which ran for four seasons in the mid-1980s, is the show that kicked off so many other Transformers series, as well as the successful big-budget movie franchise. It focuses on the cartoon clashes between two groups of giant robots -- the evil Decepticons and the noble Autobots. Expect plenty of robo-combat and lots of explosions, but few actual injuries. The series was originally based on a line of popular toys; the toys are still available, as are many other Transformers products, but the cartoons are at the heart of Transformers empire.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about marketing and product tie-ins. This show was created explicitly to promote a line of robot toys. Do you think the series functions well on its own, or does it seem like an extended commercial? Kids: Does it make you want Transformers toys? When does a show cross the line between entertainment and advertising? Is there such a line?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    HandsOnMe
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    AMAZING! Fun for everyone!!

    I LOVE transformers!! I watched it when I was younger since I am only 19 years old. I was so happy when they did a human version of it for the big theatres! Its an amazing show and very fun for everyone!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    mkalv
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0

    Okay, not as good as film.

    This series is okay, but the art and action is outdated. Watch the film instead.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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