Common Sense Media Review
Cooperate and share with Bear! Great for kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bear in the Big Blue House
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 30 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a delightful blend of entertainment and education, often highlighting its gentle approach to teaching important life lessons. However, some viewers find the bear character a bit intimidating for toddlers, making it essential to consider the child's sensitivity before watching.
- entertaining education
- gentle teaching
- character concerns
- nostalgic memories
- preschool appropriate
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Each episode of BEAR IN THE BIG BLUE HOUSE opens with Bear singing the same welcome song. Then the other characters make their appearance, a very simple plot unravels, a lesson is learned (sprinkled with jokes, songs, and giggles), and the show winds down. In each episode, Bear acts a like a big brother to his friends Tutter the mouse, Ojo the smaller bear, Treelo the lemur, and Pip and Pop, two otters with insatiable appetites. The friends ask each other questions and responsively listen to one another, sing a few songs, and always share some laughs. Another show regular is Shadow, the giggling silhouette of a pony-tailed little girl, who's reminiscent of a Sesame Street puppet. She chats and sings with Bear and sometimes narrates her own short story using simple effects and other silhouetted characters.
Is It Any Good?
This isn't the best show for kids who need action, but nonetheless, it's a great choice to help 3- and 4-year olds settle down and rest while learning more about friendship. Bear in the Big Blue House may lose its attraction for some older preschoolers who are less interested in its slow-moving plots, songs, and simple humor. It's no surprise that Bear and the other colorful puppets on the show were created by Jim Henson Home Entertainment. Younger preschoolers will laugh, sing, and learn a bit more about working with others thanks to the soft, cuddly puppets' wacky personalities. This show is clearly for younger preschoolers who want to learn more about playing cooperatively with friends.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about cooperation in Bear in the Big Blue House. How do Bear and his friends work together? How can preschoolers cooperate with their friends? Why is this important?
How do the characters in Bear in the Big Blue House demonstrate teamwork? Why is that an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 20, 1997
- Cast : Noel MacNeal , Peter Linz , Vicki Eibner
- Network : Disney Channel
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Puppets
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 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
Suggest an Update
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.
See how we rate