Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen with phantom powers offers laughs, battles.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Parents say the show is a fun mix of adventure and comedic elements centered around a boy with ghost powers, appealing to both children and nostalgic adults. However, some express concerns regarding the appropriateness of its content for younger audiences, citing moments of violence and darker themes that may not be suitable for more sensitive children, suggesting a higher age recommendation for viewing.
- fun adventure
- mixed content
- age appropriateness
- positive messages
- nostalgia factor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 51 kid reviews
Kids say this show is an awesome mix of action, humor, and relatable character development, especially for tweens and teens. While some reviewers noted its mild cartoon violence, they generally emphasized its positive messages, unique storytelling, and entertaining characters, making it a beloved classic for audiences of all ages.
- funny action
- positive messages
- relatable characters
- entertaining storytelling
- appropriate for ages
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When DANNY PHANTOM -- a shy oddball with eclectic friends and weird parents who also happens to be the target of a bully and the hip-but-twisted school principal -- mistakenly steps into a ghost portal at the wrong time (as if there's a right time) and is turned into a phantom, his whole life changes. Little by little, he transforms, becoming half ninth grader, half phantom. He discovers that he can fly and that whenever a ghost is nearby, a blue vapor trail escapes from his mouth. All of these changes are distressing but exciting -- much like the changes that come with adolescence.
Is It Any Good?
This cartoon can be funny, and the characters are unique (though you have to wonder why Danny doesn't tell his parents about his secret -- they're experts in paranormal activity, after all). But, as is the case with so many contemporary cartoons, the rush to violence overshadows the good aspects of the series. Death threats, torture, knives, and violence against women are commonplace. There's no opportunity to work things out. Danny is either a coward or a hero -- there's no in between. He either fights or perishes, which is a heavy choice for a sensitive guy.
The Jekyll and Hyde aspect of Danny's personality is also disturbing; his eyes change color and his personality is more aggressive when he slips into his phantom persona. Ultimately, the show suffers for giving into the violent mainstream.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the amount of violence in this cartoon. Why does such a clever show need so many battles? Is Danny's dad oblivious to what goes on in his house? Why does Danny choose to hide his powers from his mom and dad? Do you think it's easy to keep secrets from your parents? What's the benefit of keeping parents in the dark?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 3, 2004
- Cast : David Kaufman , Kath Soucie , Rob Paulsen
- Network : Nickelodeon
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories , Fantasy ( Ghosts , Magic , Monsters ) , Friendship , Holidays ( Halloween ) , School ( High School ) , Superheroes
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate