Clifford the Big Red Dog
- Network: PBS
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Kids will love this big dog with lots of smarts.
- Network: PBS
- Genre: Kids' Animation
What parents need to know
Educational value
Positive role models
Violence & scariness
Sexy stuff
Language
Consumerism
Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that kids are often magnetically drawn to stories about Clifford because he's the magical pet every child wishes for. The program is chock-full of positive lessons and likable characters -- and may remind parents of their own childhood fascination with Clifford. The series is full of educational messages on social, emotional, and physical matters.
User reviews
Parents say
Kids say
What's the story?
The magic of CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG is that it puts an extraordinary spin on a normal situation. On the surface, it's a cartoon about a girl and her dog. But the dog happens to be bigger than most houses in town and carries on intelligent conversations with other animal friends. The series follows a cast of animal and human characters through everyday experiences. In each episode, a main character is exposed to or creates some kind of conflict, and then the character resolves the problem and becomes a better person (or pet) as a result.
Is it any good?
QUALITY
Norman Bridwell's Clifford the Big Red Dog series of books dates back to 1963, so most parents with young children probably remember reading the stories themselves. The reason the intrigue spans generations is quite simple: Everybody who loves dogs wishes they had one like Clifford. He's gigantic, playful, and loving, and he's an unfailing friend to owner Emily Elizabeth.
The lessons of each show play out in an uncomplicated, formulaic manner that's easy for young minds to grasp. Sometimes, the lessons are learned by Clifford and his canine pals T-Bone and Cleo. Other times, Emily Elizabeth and her human friends do the growing. Themes have included how to be a good houseguest, why it's important to avoid prejudging others, and taking responsibility for one's actions. As with spin-off series Clifford's Puppy Days, this program's content is based on ten "Big Ideas" that provide the backbone of the show's moral messages. Some of the Big Ideas include helping others, showing respect, playing fair, and sharing -- universal values that kids should be exposed to in the preschool years.
Families can talk about...
Families can talk about the issues that Clifford and his friends have to deal with, including jealousy, honesty, and friendship. Are Clifford and his pals good role models? What lessons do your kids learn from watching the show? What are some of Clifford's "big ideas"?
TV details
| Cast: | Grey DeLisle, John Ritter, Kel Mitchell |
| Network: | PBS |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
| Topics: | Book characters, Friendship |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Available on: | DVD |
Great handpicked alternatives
Top advice and articles
What parents and kids say
Share your thoughts with other parents and kids Write a user review
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines
QUALITY
A cute doggie show
Clifford is a fun show for little kids, and kids who love dogs would be charmed with this series/ I have to admit that I myself can watch this show! There are good messgaes, and the role models are postive, but Jetta can be snooby at times. But little kids probably won't notice it
What other families should know
Great role models
Was this review useful?
QUALITY
Very cute, and friendly show to watch!
Kids will love this big red dog, it has alot of education to be seen!
What other families should know
Educational value
Great role models
Safety and privacy concerns
Was this review useful?
QUALITY
What other families should know
Was this review useful?
Poll
What are the different ways that you access Common Sense Media ratings and information? (Check all that apply)
What are the different ways that you access Common Sense Media ratings and information? (Check all that apply)
Total votes: 760