Amphibia
Parents say
Based on 13 reviews
Kids say
Based on 68 reviews
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Amphibia
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Amphibia is an adventure-filled series about Anne, 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 frequent 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, lots of humor, and can be a fun pick for family viewing.
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Good show , but underatted
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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 path crosses 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 into her new environment 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, welcome diversity, 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 counted as 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?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 17, 2019
- Cast: Brenda Song, Amanda Leighton, Justin Felbinger
- Network: Disney Channel
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, Wild Animals
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: June 6, 2022
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