Darkwing Duck

TV review by Amanda Dyer, Common Sense Media
Darkwing Duck Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 6+

Superhero parody series has slapstick cartoon violence.

Disney+, Toon Disney Kids' Animation 1991
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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

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

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Darkwing Duck is a 1990s Disney animated comedy that has slapstick cartoon violence (including weapon use) and mild name calling. It follows the heroic yet self-serving antics of cartoon duck superhero Darkwing Duck as he battles various wacky supervillains with his sidekick, Launchpad McQuack.

Community Reviews

murphrosa
murphrosa Adult
May 19, 2021
age 7+

One of the Best Disney Afternoon Shows.

If you’ve never seen this show, give it a chance on Disney+! This is a well-written, engaging show that kids and adults can enjoy. True to this page’s description, there is plenty of slapstick violence, and sometimes just enough suspense to frighten little ones. Realistic weapons are brandished on occasion, but are rare compared to Darkwing’s gas gun. The father-daughter relationship between him and Gosalyn is strained, and you may not want your kids copying her habit of talking back to her father (even though he pushes her buttons). Aside from that, it’s a hilarious Batman-style parody (the seedy city, the mysterious masked hero, outlandish villains), and has some fun nods to classic Ducktales. Darkwing even appears in the new Ducktales as a fun cameo! Even with all his clumsiness, good ol’ DW always stops the bad guys and saves the day!

This title has:

Great messages
Too much violence
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

DARKWING DUCK follows the adventures of Drake Mallard (voiced by Jim Cummings), a mild-mannered duck from the suburbs, who by night dons his cloak and mask to become vigilante hero Darkwing Duck. Darkwing is joined by his not-so-trusty sidekick, Launchpad McQuack (Terence McGovern), to fight various villains and crimes in his town of St. Canard. Darkwing must balance his superhero life with his life as a father to his daughter, Gosalyn (Christine Cavanaugh), while also dealing with their annoying next-door neighbors, the Muddlefoot family. The series sometimes features characters from the popular Disney series DuckTales.

Is It Any Good?

Silly characters, slapstick action, and spoofs on famous comic book characters make this series a fun family watch. Darkwing Duck is a hilarious hero who narrates his actions as if he's living out his comic book fantasies. He puts great effort into being cool and graceful, but his clumsy sidekick often ruins his carefully crafted image. While Darkwing is entertaining, he's not always the best role model for younger viewers, especially due to his short temper when it comes to his neighbors.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Darkwing Duck portrays heroes. If you were a hero, what kind of hero would you be? What other popular superheroes does Darkwing remind you of?

  • Several villains in Darkwing Duck act out of revenge. Is revenge a healthy coping strategy? Why, or why not? What are some alternative coping skills? How do you practice forgiveness?

  • Name calling and cartoon violence are used throughout the show. What are other ways you can solve problems or express your feelings?

TV Details

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