Codename: Kids Next Door
By Joly Herman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Silly cartoon is too violent for youngest viewers.
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Based on 26 parent reviews
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A show from the golden age of entertainment
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What's the Story?
Disguised as a spy series for children, CODENAME: KIDS NEXT DOOR is little more than an exercise in violent behavior. The premise is that a group of kids is an international spy unit that operates out of their tree house. Their leader, Nigel, has a British accent and the suave intonation of James Bond, though he's depicted as having a football-shaped head and Mickey Mouse feet.
Is It Any Good?
The agents are given assignments, which inevitably dissolve into violent confrontation very quickly. A few examples: In one episode, an "agent" says to his victim, "Shut up, you ... I'll use you until I'm done with you." Kids slap kids until they bleed or are screaming. One boy threatens another boy by saying, "What are you waiting for, princess? Let's dance," and proceeds to beat him up. When the bad guys are caught, they're sent to the "Broccoli Mines."
In terms of plot, nothing terribly clever arises, the dialogue is generally malignant, and the jokes fall flat. In other words, very little redeems this show, and there are better choices out there for your kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about alternate ways -- besides violence -- that the kids could solve their problems.
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 6, 2002
- Cast: Ben Diskin, Dee Bradley Baker, Lauren Tom
- Network: Cartoon Network
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Adventures
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Last updated: December 16, 2022
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