Cedric
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
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.
Suggest an Update
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 Cedric is told from the point of view of an 8-year-old boy coping with the woes of growing up, and the stories' tone matches the character's very temperamental nature. Just about everything irks him in some way -- from homework assignments to the fact that his comely teacher doesn't return his affections -- and he takes out his frustrations by bullying his friends and arguing with his parents. He's also pretty free with some marginal language, calling kids "dimwit" and "idiot," and telling them to "shut up" and that he hates them. The fact that none of his distasteful behavior warrants realistic consequences will rankle parents, and the frequent discord in his home hardly gives a positive impression of family life. The bottom line? The show does have a humorous take on the ups and downs of being a kid, but only when it's viewed through a lens of maturity that this age group typically doesn't have yet.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
CEDRIC follows the daily adventures of impish 8-year-old Cedric (voiced by Barbara Weber-Scaff), who's maneuvering the tricky waters of growing up. School's only interesting when his teacher, Miss Nelly, is pleased with his work (so, rarely), and it's frustrating that his intended, Chen (Sharon Mann-Vallet), doesn't seem eager to return his affections. Peer relationships are dicey as well, but his best friend, Christian (Jody Forrest), is usually there to help him face those challenges. And for all their faults, his family really only wants what's best for him. Cedric proves that nothing's ever easy when you're a kid, but there are some ups to offset the downs.
Is It Any Good?
Cedric is a French cartoon (with English dubbing) that brings to life the characters and stories of a popular comic series of the same name. Cedric's mischievous nature will ring true with anyone who's ever been --or been around -- an 8-year-old boy, but the nature of his antics are a little shocking from a parent's standpoint. He bullies his friends, obsesses over a girl, and has a pretty serious crush on his attractive teacher. He also talks back to his parents and grandfather and has little care for school or responsibility in general. All in all, he's hardly a gleaming role model for your kids.
The show itself isn't terrible, and the comic-inspired animation is a fun departure from today's laundry list of CGI offerings, but its humor requires a certain discernment that's lacking in kids in this target demographic. Cedric's chronic misbehavior doesn’t yield the kind of consequences your kids might expect based on their own experiences, so they might get the wrong message from material the show intends to be funny.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Cedric's woes compare to kids' own. Kids: Can you relate to the issues he has with friends? Why are peer relationships sometimes complicated? Is it necessary to be friends with everyone around you?
How does Cedric feel about school? Kids: Do you ever feel like Cedric does about school? Who are some of your favorite teachers? What makes them so special?
Kids: What is peer pressure? Have you ever had to deal with a situation in which you were being bullied? Why is it difficult to stand up to this kind of pressure?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 27, 2005
- Cast: Barbara Weber-Schaff, Jody Forrest, Sharon Mann-Vallet
- Network: Online
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Adventures, Book Characters
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
Our Editors Recommend
-
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Asian mysticism meets epic fiction in top-notch 'toon.
-
Ruby Gloom
Sweet friendship and cooperation in a gothic setting.
-
Jane and the Dragon
Medieval adventure is a soaring delight.
For kids who love cartoons
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