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Amphibia

Name: Amphibia
Item: Amphibia
Rating: 4
Author: Emily Ashby

TV review by

Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 7+

(i)

Charming characters, friendly themes shine in fun series.

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Parents say

age 18+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 2 reviews

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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

Educational Value

The show intends to entertain rather than to educate.

Positive Messages

Kids see Anne learn the meaning of true friendship as she comes to know Sprig and experience his sense of loyalty to her. Together they help make each other better people (er, person and frog, rather) and face challenges as a team. Anne's reflections on her previous friendships illustrate the power of bullying, which makes her reevaluate what it means to be -- and to have -- a real friend. The story involves diverse characters, in particular Anne who is Thai-American.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Anne is spunky and fearless. She also shows she's willing to be open-minded and to let others influence her in positive ways. Sprig finds a kindred spirit in Anne and proves himself a loyal and confident friend in the process.

Violence & Scariness

No violence, but some scenes involve peril or show characters in worrisome situations. A huge mantis threatens Anne and Sprig in one scene; in another, a girl is held captive by a sinister-looking toad.

Sexy Stuff

Language

Rarely "jerk" and "stupid," but not in name-calling.

Consumerism

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Amphibia is an adventure-filled series about a Thai-American girl and a talking frog who forge an unusual -- but ultimately fulfilling -- friendship in a world populated by amphibians and insects. Anne is a very likable role model for kids; she faces challenges with a can-do attitude, she acknowledges when she's done wrong and attempts to make up for it, and she learns to value the true and loyal friendship she finds with her new pal Sprig. Anne's past experiences raise issues related to bullying that invite parents and kids to discuss similar topics. Expect some brief scares when oversized insects or seemingly sinister characters appear, making this series a better choice for grade schoolers and up than for very young kids. That said, this visually intriguing series has broad appeal and can be a fun pick for family viewing.

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Teen, 13 years old Written byAU narusasu11 June 18, 2019

age 8+

The new Gravity Falls

This is it, the show made from the creators of Gravity Falls, and I think it's awesome. The show is about a teen named Ane who gets transported to a world... Continue reading

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Teen, 15 years old Written bySami-cat June 17, 2019

age 10+

My New Favorite Show

This show gives off the vibe of Gravity Falls and Star Vs. The Forces of Evil (both controversial because of the dark mystery element )for a reason. Some of... Continue reading

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What's the story?

When a magical music box transports an outgoing girl named Anne Boonchuy (voiced by Brenda Song) into Amphibia, she discovers a world of talking frogs, oversized insects, and all kinds of unusual wonders. Fortunately her paths cross with a misfit frog named Sprig (Justin Felbinger), who takes her in and helps her discover what true friendship is. Together Anne and Sprig have all kinds of exciting adventures as she tries to fit in in Amphibia while also attempting to find a way back home.

Is it any good?

Sprig and Anne's adventures are a joy to behold, mostly thanks to their delightfully compatible personalities and the sweet friendship that develops between them. Though Anne has had experiences with what she assumed to be friendship, her interactions with Sprig convince her that friendship is actually something quite different -- and quite a bit more wonderful -- from what she had thought. In Sprig's case, he'd long been a bit of an outsider in his swamp home, but coming to know Anne helps him step out of his shell and embrace life in new ways.

Meanwhile, the mystery about how Anne came to Amphibia and how she might get home unfolds slowly, involving characters with questionable motives and some surprises. As Anne reflects on her past, the story illustrates issues like bullying and emotional manipulation in ways that will resonate with kids and tweens and can prompt discussions about the topics. Amphibia's quality writing, endearing characters, positive themes, and visual appeal make this a truly enjoyable pick for families to watch together.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about how Anne's and Sprig's feelings about friendship change as they get to know each other. Did each know what true friendship was before that? How did Anne's "friends" prove themselves to be anything but that? Do you think their actions constituted bullying?
What elements of the story and scenery in Amphibia stand out as being influenced by Anne's Thai heritage? Do you notice diversity in other shows you've watched? How does seeing different cultures and hearing different viewpoints in entertainment influence your impression of it in the real world?
What examples of perseverance and courage do you see in the characters' actions? Does courage always mean facing challenges head-on? Are positive characteristics like these important to you in the shows you watch?