Parents' Guide to

Doc McStuffins

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Excellent preschool series has positive messages for kids.

TV Disney Junior Kids' Animation 2012
Doc McStuffins Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 3+

Based on 25 parent reviews

Liomarys R.
Liomarys R. Parent
July 18, 2017
age 3+

Seems cute but does not teach healthy social skills

Initially it is exciting to see a black character on Disney as representation is important in media. The cartoon claims to teach children healthy habits etc However, Doc rarely spends time socializing with peers, as with most Disney shows parents are absent, and she is constantly alone with her toys. She does not have any balanced relationships and her life revolves around saving others constantly. Never needing any help herself. Now the show got even worse in that sense. She is in a hospital, not spending any time with her family or any friends at all. In essence, Doc is now a slave.
3 people found this helpful.
For B.
For B. Adult
April 2, 2023
age 2+

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 25 parent reviews

What's the Story?

DOC MCSTUFFINS is an animated series about a 6-year-old doctor in the making who cares for toys of all shapes and sizes. Working out of a clinic in her backyard playhouse, Doc McStuffins (voiced by Kiara Muhammad) re-stitches, recharges, and repairs a variety of neighborhood patients with help from her collection of talking toys, including Stuffy the dragon (Robbie Rist), cuddly Lambie (Lara Jill Miller), Hallie the nurse (Loretta Devine), and Chilly the worrisome snowman (Jess Harnell). Sometimes Doc gets advice from her mom (Kim Brooks), who's a "people" doctor, and she dishes out advice about taking care of yourself to stay healthy.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (25):
Kids say (39):

This thoughtfully crafted show caters to preschoolers' increasing awareness of themselves and the world around them by centering on a bright, curious young girl who likes to help her friends. Doc McStuffins wants to be just like her mom, and she's learning that there are many things that are within her power to fix. She's a great example for young kids, who can walk through the process with her as she uses critical thinking to diagnose her patients ("What is the problem?" What are the clues?" "How can I solve it?") and nurse them back to help. The show also inspires kids' imaginations through Doc's interactions with her special toys and her clinic's magical nature.

Centering on an African-American family with reversed gender roles (mom works full-time and dad stays home with the kids), Doc McStuffins makes a great effort to reflect the diversity of modern family life. Need another reason to love this series? Kids might be slightly less leery of visiting their own doctor after viewing the experience in the show's non-threatening light, thanks to Doc's careful attention to her patients' physical and emotional needs.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the way Doc McStuffins cares for others. Why is it important to show that we care for other people? What are some ways we can do that for our friends or family? How does it feel when someone does something special for us?

  • Kids: What routines do you follow that help you stay healthy? Why is it important to brush your teeth, wash your hands, and eat good food each day? How does your doctor help ensure that you stay healthy?

  • What roles do you like to play in make-believe? What costumes or props do you use? How do you incorporate your toys in your play? Do you ever pretend that the characters you see on TV are part of your play?

  • How do the characters in Doc McStuffins demonstrate compassion, curiosity, and empathy? What about communication and courage? Why are these important character strengths?

TV Details

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 suggesting a diversity update.

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