Parents' Guide to

Bubble Guppies

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Cheerful aqua tots teach kids good social lessons.

TV Nickelodeon Kids' Animation 2011
Bubble Guppies Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 3+

Based on 34 parent reviews

Ashley F.
Ashley F. Adult
January 12, 2017
age 2+

Very good except for ONE thing

As you're all most likely familiar with, there's always one conflict. They are usually chased by someone or something, which always ends up fine. HOWEVER, they always trust suspicious characters after they "promise" to not do anything. Ex. Dentist guppies saying the alligator can hang out if it "promises" to not eat them. As you know children are impressionable. This show doesn't touch on stranger danger at all, just teaches that it's okay to trust someone instantly if they say nice things. So just be wary of that.
1 person found this helpful.
Elleann2
Elleann2 Adult
November 4, 2014
age 2+

My 2 year old loves it- except for the chase scenes!

I'm surprised that none of the other reviewers have mentioned all of the chase scenes. In a lot of the episodes the bubble guppies are chased by an animal (or choo choo). The resolution is always positive (the tiger was just wondering if it had any mail, the Machu Picchu choo choo just wanted to help, the polar bear decided to share the beach, etc) but my toddler is still scared when the bubble guppies run away. She still asks to watch the show, adores the characters and the songs, and seems to be becoming less scared... but I think other parents should be aware that sensitive kids might be frightened.
1 person found this helpful.
See all 34 parent reviews

What's the Story?

BUBBLE GUPPIES is the story of a diverse group of friends who delight in making discoveries in their underwater world. The colorful preschool-age characters let their thirst for knowledge lead them on adventures of all kinds -- from digging up dinosaur bones to learning the ins and outs of rock ‘n' roll -- all under the watchful eye of their caring teacher, Mr. Grouper (voiced by Tino Insana). Along the way, Gil (Zachary Gordon), Molly (Brianna Gentilella), Deema (Angelina Wahler), and the rest of the gang learn that curiosity and mishaps often go hand in hand, but with friends along for the ride, no challenge is impossible.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (34):
Kids say (51):

This upbeat series is the work of the team behind The Backyardigans, which is no surprise since it capitalizes on the same formula of catchy music, endearing characters, and kid-friendly humor. What's more, Bubble Guppies' interactive style engages kids and asks them to take an active role in the plot by answering questions, using their imagination, and, of course, singing and dancing.

The show's topics are on par with preschoolers' interests, and many storylines show the characters overcoming fears that kids can relate to, like riding in an ambulance or going to the doctor, so there are plenty of opportunities for parents to reinforce the learning after the show's over. What's more, the characters' make-believe play can inspire similar fun from kids as they put their own imaginations to work.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about friendship and how it's portrayed in Bubble Guppies. Who are your good friends? What do you like most about being with them? Do you work well together? Can you think of a time when you overcame a challenge with a friend?

  • Kids: What problem did the Bubble Guppies face? What options did they have for solving the problem? Which path did they choose? Is this what you would have done? Why or why not?

  • What are some of your favorite shows? Do you like ones like this that ask you to get involved? What did you learn from this show?

  • How do the characters in Bubble Guppies demonstrate teamwork? Why is that an important character strength?

TV Details

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 suggesting a diversity update.

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