Charlie's Colorforms City

TV review by Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media
Charlie's Colorforms City Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 3+

Preschool show teaches skills, celebrates imagination.

Netflix Kids' Animation 2019
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Parents say

age 2+

Based on 14 reviews

Kids say

age 4+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Charlie's Colorforms City is a preschool series that celebrates imagination and creative problem-solving while reinforcing viewers' awareness of shapes, colors, and relative size. Inspired by the logo of the classic Colorforms toys, the show follows main character Charlie (voiced by Jacob Soley) as he imagines new places and experiences for himself and his friends. As the story progresses, they build objects that help them overcome challenges. Charlie talks directly to the audience at times, encouraging kids to ponder their own solutions and answers. Themes of resilience, curiosity, and self-confidence are less overt than the prereading concepts are, but they help round out the learning potential in this colorful, engaging series.

Community Reviews

Sukiharley
Sukiharley Adult
September 8, 2020
age 2+

Fun, educational, and not annoying for parents!

I have been playing Charlie over and over again since my son was 9-10 months old. He will be 2 next month and can answer all of Charlie’s questions correctly and even uses phrases he learned from it when talking to us. He loves it so much his grandfather build him a chair in Charlie’s likeness just before he passed away. This show is special to our family, no doubt. I’m not sure if there will be another season but I hope with all my heart there will be.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
Bill B.
Bill B. Adult
October 24, 2020
age 3+
See all 14 parent reviews

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

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love preschool learning

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