Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beatles songs + engaging stories = fun family entertainment.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Beat Bugs
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Parents say the show is beloved by many for its creative storytelling, positive messages, and the way it introduces children to classic Beatles music, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults. However, some parents express concerns about certain music choices and animation that may be too intense or inappropriate for younger viewers.
- engaging storytelling
- positive messages
- classic music
- mixed reactions
- intense animation
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 4 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In BEAT BUGS, insect friends Jay (voiced by Ashleigh Ball), Kumi (Erin Mathews), Crick (Lili Beaudoin), Buzz (Rebecca Husain), and Walter (Charles Demers) explore the home they share in a suburban backyard. In a place where blades of grass are as tall as trees, these bugs find no end to fun adventures, but they also learn that even their best times together can pose challenges to their friendship and require some problem-solving skills. This series is set to modern performances of Beatles music by Pink, Sia, and numerous other accomplished artists.
Is It Any Good?
This unique series borrows some of rock-and-roll's most recognizable lyrics to help tell its gentle stories and teach excellent life lessons. While the pairing seems odd in theory (Beatles songs and kids' programming?), Beat Bugs pulls it off in a surprising way that makes this show a real contender for parents and tots to watch together. Even if Beatles albums aren't on your daily playlist, it's hard not to like the able performances of stars such as James Corden and Regina Spektor, and it's a good bet you know enough of the lyrics to appreciate how aptly the show matches them with the characters' experiences.
Beat Bugs' exceptional animation takes full advantage of a fun backyard setting where everyday people items become playthings, obstacles, and creative inspiration for the minute characters. So much effort is put into visual detail of small touches, such as a chip in a plastic spoon or the texture of a piece of string, that the bugs' world really comes to life on the screen. With just as much care given to the show's thoughtful content, well-rounded characters, and the messages it sends to its young audience, this unique series is an excellent pick for young kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about hands-on learning. What are your kids' favorite things to play outside? Do they enjoy playing with friends or in more solitary endeavors? How does exploring help us better understand the world around us? Does Beat Bugs inspire you to explore?
Kids: Does being friends mean that you always get along and see eye to eye? How does it feel to disagree with someone close to you? How do you fix things when you hurt someone's feelings?
Was the music in this show familiar to your kids? Do you enjoy listening to music? How about singing? What are your kids' favorite songs?
How do the characters in Beat Bugs demonstrate teamwork? Why is this an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 1, 2016
- Cast : Ashleigh Ball , Erin Mathews , Charles Demers
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Kids Musical TV
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Bugs ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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