Barney & Friends
Common Sense says
- PBS
- Educational
- 1992
Parents say
Kids say
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
We think this TV show stands out for:
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 this long-running, very kid-friendly program promotes creative problem solving, civic participation, group cooperation, and active play. Music encourages children to join the characters in song and dance. Preschoolers will benefit from its pro-social themes and emphasis on active play.
Wondering if Barney & Friends is OK for your kids?
Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Media Plus. Join now
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
well-intentioned but lacking
This show rocks
From the eyes of pre-schoolers...
Stop LISTENING TO THOSE LIARS! Barney is EDUCATIONAL!
What's the story?
BARNEY & FRIENDS is a well-loved veteran in children's television. In fact, you'd probably be hard-pressed to find a child who doesn't know the Barney theme song. Barney's world is set in a community playground where he and his friends dance, play, and learn about helping others in their neighborhood. While the show's set and cast of children have changed over the years, the core themes of the series remain.
Is it any good?
Younger children will love Barney's colorful musical world. Every episode is filled with song and dance, and Barney really encourages little ones to get up and boogie along. Barney and his friends also love crafting and will likely inspire your child's creative side. Among all the fun, each episode is based on a pro-social theme such as respect, teamwork, and courtesy for others.
While Barney & Friends does offer quality entertainment for kids, parents should know that the show's songs have been criticized for being overly infectious and may wind up stuck in your head. And while preschoolers will love watching Barney's adventures, older kids may find the program's happy, sappy style a little too much. Nonetheless, Barney & Friends is a well-loved classic and will likely continue to delight preschoolers for years to come.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the importance of empathizing with others' needs in order to encourage children to play and cooperate with others and to appreciate others' differences.
Certain episodes (such as one about a missing cat) can help promote discussion about individual responsibility, coping with loss, and the importance of community service.
TV details
- Premiere date: April 6, 1992
- Cast: David Joyner
- Network: PBS
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Dinosaurs, Friendship, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Available on: DVD
- Last updated: April 24, 2020
Themes & Topics
For kids who love music and dancing
Our editors recommend
Top advice and articles
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
Streaming options powered by JustWatch