Common Sense Media Review
By Lakshmi Hutchinson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Pod adaptation of cartoon features slapstick gags & fights.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
What's It About?
ZIG & SHARKO is a funny, slapstick podcast adapted from the animated TV show of the same name. The story revolves around three main characters: Zig, Marina, and Sharko. Zig is a very hungry hyena who devises sneaky plans to try to capture and eat Marina. Sharko is a protective shark who loves Marina and is always trying to stop Zig. Marina herself is portrayed as a ditsy mermaid who giggles a lot. Each episode follows the same format, with plenty of zany scheming and cartoon violence. One episode has Zig pretending to be a baby in order to get close to Marina, only to be foiled when Marina hands the baby over to Sharko to look after. The story and all the action is narrated instead of coming from the point of view of the characters.
Is It Any Good?
This podcast attempts something very difficult -- adapting a silent animated TV show to an audio format -- and is only partially successful. The slapstick humor and cartoon violence that Zig & Sharko is known for make a lot more sense visually than in a podcast format. Podcast listeners have to rely on the narration, and although it's done very well and accompanied by immersive sound effects, younger kids may lose interest. Still, it could be a good screen-free option for children already familiar with the TV show.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the Zig & Sharko podcast adapts a silent cartoon to an audio format. What are some things that had to be changed to make it work? What are some similarities and differences between the audio-only version and the visual version?
A lot of old-fashioned cartoons and fairy tales include female characters that need to be rescued. What are some shows you know that have strong and brave female characters? Do you think having these characters is important in programs for kids? Why?
How is the experience of listening to a podcast different from watching a show? What are some reasons that you might choose one over the other?
Podcast Details
- Release date : December 11, 2022
- Genre : Kids & Family
- Run time : 10 minutes
- Production Company and Network : DISO
- Pricing structure : Paid (Subscription is $3.99/month or $37.99/year.)
- Last updated : July 19, 2023
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