Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Solid YouTube nursery rhyme song sensation comes to TV.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 2+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
CoComelon
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 53 parent reviews
Parents say that while some children enjoy the show for its bright colors and music, many reviews express concerns regarding its overstimulating nature and portrayal of family dynamics, suggesting it may promote negative behaviors such as lying and disrespect. Critics argue that the show's fast-paced style and lack of educational value can hinder children's development, leading to a preference for other children's programs that offer more balanced messages.
- overstimulating
- negative behavior
- lack of educational value
- addictive nature
- family dynamics
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 110 kid reviews
Kids say that the show is highly inappropriate for children, featuring themes of violence, racism, and overstimulation, which many believe can negatively impact attention spans and behavior. Some even claim it includes graphic content that should not be shown to young viewers, advocating instead for better and more educational children's programming.
- inappropriate content
- overstimulating
- addictive behavior
- violence and racism
- educational alternatives
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
COCOMELON is the Netflix version of one of YouTube's most popular American channels (with 175 million+ subscribers). Each one-hour episode has around 20 songs for toddlers and preschoolers. Every music video features the main character JJ (voiced by Ava Madison Gray), his family, and his classmates. Some of the songs in each episode are classic nursery rhymes like "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" and "Wheels on the Bus." Many of the songs are new CoComelon originals that introduce toddler-appropriate topics like numbers, letters, careers, dinosaurs, and more. Others talk about important parts of toddlers' lives, like going to school, nap time, and grandparents. The visuals that go along with each of the songs create mini-stories about the kids' lives at home or at school.
Is It Any Good?
Toddlers and young preschoolers will love these music videos because they are such a close reflection of their lives. CoComelon shows the main character JJ doing regular toddler things like spending time with family, taking a nap, and learning things at preschool. The songs themselves are slow and simple enough that young kids can actually understand the lyrics and learn things from them. Many of the songs also do a great job modeling positive behavior like helping friends or caring for animals, and many also help kids name emotions like fear or sadness.
Overall, these are songs that young kids love, but there are a few inconsistencies with CoComelon. The characters appear to be about 1 year old, but are shown doing things in school like cutting with scissors, or playing tug-of-war. They also babble like babies most of the time, but will break into full sentences randomly. The show has scenes that depict responsible father figures (dad teaches kids how to throw a ball and fix things). Boys imagine their future roles as firefighters and construction workers on career day. Girls express their interests in becoming all sorts of professionals: chefs, performers, athletes, police officers, etc. The kids at school are racially diverse, though JJ and his family are White. Also, the hourlong format may be difficult for parents who limit screen time, as there's not a natural stopping point in the episode and young kids may have a hard time turning the songs off.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what their favorite song is from CoComelon. Do any of the stories remind you of anything that happens in your own life (nap time, going to school, playing with siblings, etc.)?
Encourage kids to dance and sing along with CoComelon. Can you invent a family dance for any of the songs?
Each episode of CoComelon is one hour long, and it may be difficult for young kids to stop watching partway through. What are some ways to set expectations or limitations around screen time?
How do the kids and grown-ups in CoComelon demonstrate teamwork? Why is it an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 1, 2020
- Cast : Ava Madison Gray , Kristen Princiotta , Hannah An , Alice Cho
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Music Videos
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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