Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Colorful bird community celebrates diversity, cooperation.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
3rd & Bird
What's the Story?
3RD & BIRD is a preschool series created by Josh Selig, whose other TV projects include The Wonder Pets and Oobi. The show is set high in the branches of an expansive tree, where a vibrant community of birds resides. There's Muffin (voiced by Eden Jarrett), a spunky little lovebird; wise Mr. Beakman (Michael Fenton-Stevens), the youngsters' teacher; Quinn (Preston Nyman), the inventor; and even a friendly neighborhood worm named Elliott. These diverse residents live, play, and share together, finding common ground while celebrating the unique elements that make each of them different.
Is It Any Good?
Selig brings his knack for creative character exploration to this cute show that takes a bird's eye view of living in a diverse community and caters to preschoolers' active imaginations. Kids will be intrigued by the idea of birds going to school, playing dress-up, and having parties just like they do, and 3rd & Bird can inspire them to think imaginatively about other creatures and habitats around them.
The positive messages imbedded in scenarios tots can understand are good reminders of the importance of companionship, fairness, and understanding as well, and the show's operatic style (the characters often sing their dialogue) is a fun change of pace from most other series for this age group.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about communities, like the one on 3rd & Bird. Who are some of the people who live in your community? What roles do they have? How do the members of your community show they care about each other?
Kids: What makes you a unique person? What are some of your favorite traits? How does diversity make our communities strong?
Kids: What lessons did the characters learn today? Have you ever been in a similar situation to the one they experienced? Who do you turn for help when you need it? Who in your life is a role model to you?
How do the characters in 3rd & Bird demonstrate teamwork? Why is this an important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 26, 2011
- Cast : Eden Jarrett , Michael Fenton-Stevens , Morgan Gayle
- Network : Disney Channel
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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
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