Common Sense Media Review
By Fernanda Camargo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ample negative behaviors in prehistoric-set slapstick.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bad Dinosaurs
What's the Story?
BAD DINOSAURS follows a family of Tyrannosaurus, who ruled as top predators until a natural disaster sends them into the desert searching for shelter. Along the way, they collect friends and enemies while engaging in play and bickering like typical young siblings -- inadvertently stirring up chaos.
Is It Any Good?
Past the initial setup, viewers may find the Mesozoic era offers a rich setting for prehistoric slapstick. While Bad Dinosaurs begins as a typical physical comedy, with characters bickering and competing without clear motives, it sets itself apart by veering away from the episodic formulas. Instead, it adopts linear storytelling, pushing the main characters through new environments and meeting different species. While not a fit for kids whose parents are concerned about negative modeling -- the show goes overboard on bathroom jokes and competitiveness -- it remains an acceptable choice for those who are used to seeing slapstick tropes on shows like Larva and Zig and Sharko.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the extremes portrayed in slapstick shows like Bad Dinosaurs. Characters often are short-tempered and use physical violence to settle arguments. Do you think their methods are effective? Though it can be funny to watch, what do you think are the real-life consequences of behaving that way?
When the dinosaurs get into trouble, it's often the smallest that comes out on top. How does he manage to outsmart the others despite his size?
How do you think the challenges the characters face in the show, like heatwaves and droughts, compare to some of the challenges we're facing today?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 28, 2024
- Cast : Talullah Veitch , Adam Diggle , Josie Long
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Animals ( Dinosaurs ) , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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