Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun, quirky stop-motion series stars truck-racing rodent.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Buddy Thunderstruck
What's the Story?
In the town of Greasepit, there is no bigger star than hometown hero BUDDY THUNDERSTRUCK (voiced by Brian Atkinson), a celebrated semitruck racer and owner of the local trucking company. Buddy and his best friend, Darnell (Ted Raimi), find all sorts of adventures in and around their town, what with all the curious folks who live there. Sometimes the fun happens on the racetrack; other times it's the result of something wacky at the hands of a neighbor or visitor to the town. Whatever the situation, though, Buddy and Darnell can handle every bit of this high-octane fun.
Is It Any Good?
This stop-motion series is at times bizarre and coarse, but the fact that it's so different from the masses gives it a significant curiosity factor. It does well by its all-animal cast that affords it a wide berth for fantasy and creativity, presenting characters who are visually intriguing and whose personalities are interesting to watch unfold. Some can be unappealing, and others are downright nefarious in their schemes to undermine Buddy's popularity. Overall, though, the show focuses on good-natured community folks who love, love, love truck racing.
That said, Buddy Thunderstruck does skew toward a slightly older audience because of some gateway language, completely random humor, and the fact that the combination of the stories and animation format make it more challenging to follow a plot than in a traditional animated series. Because of its mature appeal, this offbeat series is a fun pick for parents and older tweens to watch together.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about role models in Buddy Thunderstruck. Would you consider Buddy to be one? If so, what about his character makes him so? Why is it important to have role models?
Do you like this show's animation style? How does it influence the show's sense of humor? How differently would it be received if its format were more traditionally animated?
How does this show present the racing culture? Are there any stereotypes of it or of its fans?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 3, 2017
- Cast : Brian Atkinson , Ted Raimi , Harry Chaskin
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Adventures , Animals
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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