Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Preschool show teaches skills, celebrates imagination.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Charlie's Colorforms City
What's the Story?
In CHARLIE'S COLORFORMS CITY, Charlie (voiced by Jacob Soley) goes on shape-filled adventures he creates using his big imagination. With his best friends Red (Tyler Barish) and Violet (Saara Chaudry), Charlie finds inspiration in what's around him, and soon a magnificent story is born! As it plays out, he and his friends encounter challenges that they solve using creativity, ingenuity, and the shapes he sees all around him.
Is It Any Good?
The classic Colorforms mascot is an enthusiastic guide for preschoolers' journey through the wonders of having -- and using -- an imagination. Charlie's world is full of colors and shapes that can inspire kids to identify similar ones in their everyday surroundings, and he crafts solutions to the problems that arise using combinations of those same simple shapes. The reinforced learning potential in this lively show is almost as limitless as is Charlie's imagination.
Charlie's Colorforms City's emphasis on the arts of imagination and problem-solving are less discernable but no less valuable to its young viewing audience. As his stories evolve and new predicaments and opportunities for fun and adventure present themselves, Charlie adapts by considering his options and brainstorming his next steps. It's a thoughtful and methodical process that reminds kids it's important to think both critically and creatively when challenges arise.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the benefits of using your imagination. Kids: Do you enjoy inventing stories like Charlie? How does playing make-believe let you try new things? Who do you like to pretend to be?
Parents can help reinforce the preschool skills in Charlie's Colorforms City. What shapes do you see around you? Does everything have a definite shape? How different would our world look without color? Kids: What are your favorite colors?
In what ways does Charlie demonstrate perseverance and resilience? Does he ever get discouraged when he encounters a challenge? How would you do things differently if you were in Charlie's position? What other character strengths do you think are important?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 22, 2019
- Cast : Saara Chaudry , Tyler Barish , Jacob Soley
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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