 | 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. |
Transformers Prime
- The Hub
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Action and violence don't overshadow good messages for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that violence is the main concern in this latest addition to the Transformers franchise. Clashes between the Decepticons and the Autobots are explosive and include gunfire, crashes, and dismemberment (of robots, that is), and a few humans are involved enough that their lives are in danger. A main character dies early in the series, and the loss of their teammate motivates the Autobots even more. Expect kids’ interest in the show to encourage their desire for the multitude of products that also sport the Transformers name. That said, as action series go, there's a fair amount of positive content here related to the Autobots’ unselfish willingness to put themselves in harm’s way to protect humankind.
What's the story?
It’s been years since the evil Megatron (voiced by Frank Welker) has set foot on Earth, but a desperate quest for the energy source Dark Energon has brought him back to join his fellow Decepticons. Their presence spells disaster for humans, but fortunately Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen), Ratchet (Jeffrey Combs), Bulkhead (Kevin Michael Richardson), and the rest of the Autobots are poised for battle and ready to protect the humans from the unwelcome guests. Together with Jack (Josh Keaton), Miko (Tania Gunadi), and Raf (Andy Pessoa) -- three kids who know about the Autobots’ existence -- the team must unravel the Decepticons’ plans before they secure the Energon and control the planet.
Is it any good?
TRANSFORMERS PRIME exists separately from the original 1980s series, as well as later incarnations and movies, but it does borrow characters and major plot points from them. The main storyline of good vs. evil remains intact, of course, but the story here centers on the Decepticons’ thirst for the Energon after they depleted their home planet of energy. Kids who are new to the Transformers characters will have no problem acclimating to the story and will likely enjoy the action-packed show.
Parents’ main issue will be the show’s violent content, which isn’t extensive but does involve guns and hand-to-hand combat. The good news is that humans aren’t a major part of the action, although the three kids who befriend the Autobots are usually bystanders to it. The show isn’t a good choice for kids who can’t identify it as fantasy, but older kids and tweens who can will like it. What’s more, if the commercial aspect of the heavily marketed characters doesn’t bother parents, they’ll be happy knowing that the show does attempt to show compassion in action through the selfless Autobots, who put themselves in danger for their human friends.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about friendship. How do the Autobots exemplify their compassion for their human neighbors? In what ways are their actions selfless? When has a friend shown selfless affection for you? Have you had the opportunity to do the same?
Kids: Does watching this show encourage your desire for Transformers products like toys and games? How do TV shows and movies affect our likes and dislikes? What other shows have you seen that have ties to a product line?
What did you think of the violence in this show? How did it compare to what you’ve seen in other cartoons? Did any of it seem realistic to you? Do you think the show would be more or less entertaining without the characters’ battles?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
NOT for the younger set, and LOUSY writing to boot...
Far too influenced by the style of the Michael Bay films for my tastes. Even allowing for major suspension of disbelief, the writing is pretty poor and has minimal believability or humor (which can make up for the former to some extent) -- trading quality storytelling for way over-developed dramatics and preachiness (you don't need to constantly drone about doing the right thing, but instead just lead by example.- as the great band "Rush" once sang "SHOW, DON'T TELL.").
It's okay for older kids to watch, but I'm personally not impressed and my son's interest was barely held as well (and we were BOTH excited by the ads in the weeks before the airdate). It's a shame as it could have been so much more. Definitely not for younger kids, though - death and the undead/zombies feature significantly in the storyline.
NOT for the younger set, and LOUSY writing to boot...
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AGE
Best Transformers series! Great CGI!
Watched one of the episodes, and was pretty impressed. I honestly didn't think it would be this good. People need to calm down. Don't expect this to be like any of the other Transformers series. It's new, it's fresh. I've heard people complaining how it doesn't follow some of the original storyline. It doesn't matter. I don't wana see the same story retold over and over again. But anyways, the show is great! It has neat action sequences, too, and there's plenty of smashing, explosions, etc. There are a few big, complicated words that little ones might find difficult understanding. I don't think it's an issue, though. The role models are good, since they try to stop evil. The CGI is surprisingly good for a television cartoon. I really recommend it.
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AGE
Great Transformers series for young audience.
Compared to the live-action film trilogy, this series is a nice break from all the extreme violence, sexual content, language, and drugs. There is violence, but it shouldn't be something children can't handle.
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AGE
Humans suck in transformers
Better than armada at least but the humans suck!
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AGE
i love this new version of transformers b/c it continues the story of the transformers. my son loves it cuz it is "TRANSFORMERS DAD!!!!!!"
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AGE
Maybe best Transformers series yet!
I haven't seen all the shows yet, but from what I have seen, this series is the best Transformers series to date. The animation is very good for TV CGI. The characters are all believable, not cheesy, and the diologue is better than ever.
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AGE
Transformers Gone GCI
Violent Dark CGI Has good Messages For Tweens
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AGE
The Best Transformers Yet!
Transformers: Prime is a great show. The characters are well-developed, the plot is awesomely woven, and the animation is golden. It does take after the Bay films quite a lot, but Generation 1 shines through as well. Yes, there is a dark undertone to the show, but it's realistic. Yes, the deaths of Tailgate and Cliffjumper were intense, but IT'S REALISTIC. In G1, prior to the movie, no one died. The Autobots and Decepticons were at war, but no one got hurt. That's not realistic. In TF: Prime, they are at war, and losses are suffered.
As for role-models, the Autobots are prime candidates. (No pun intended.) Arcee is a powerful woman, with no fear and great honor. Optimus Prime is compassionate and wise. Ratchet heals and cares, no matter how cantankerous he may seem on the outside. Bulkhead is brave and strong, and his self-esteem is through the roof. And Bumblebee is proof that size isn't everything.
I love this show, and I personally think that it's the best one yet.
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Kid, 12 years old
December 11, 2011
AGE
Epicly awesome xD
THIS my friend, is WAY BETTER then any of the TF shows..
I LOVE Transformers Prime. I thought I wouldn't really like it (And like, I don't know why..) I watched it one day, and just completely became hooked, I watch it everyday, and I can't stop.
I love how they look so detailed, Starscream and Knockout are like the awesomest D-Cons EVER xD Optimus is (As usual) Wise, and a good role model. This show is the best.one.yet!
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| Topics: | cars and trucks, magic and fantasy, adventures, robots, space and aliens |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7-FV |
| Network: | The Hub |
| Cast: | Frank Welker, Kevin Michael Richardson, Peter Cullen |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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