Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Micro-episodes of rebooted DuckTales squeeze in laughs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
DuckTales Shorts
What's the Story?
DUCKTALES SHORTS is a series of micro animated shorts with runtimes ranging from 25 seconds to around a minute and a half. It features the cast of the DuckTales reboot that ran from 2017 to 2021. Unlike the original DuckTales, the reboot franchise includes the original crew plus Donald Duck. Most of the stories are standalones but one story actually continues through five back-to-back episodes.
Is It Any Good?
When the creators of this animated series use the word "shorts," they really mean it. With some episodes coming in at only 25 seconds, Ducktales Shorts really has to get to the joke quickly. Yet, somehow they manage to pack in a decent laugh (sometimes even two) each time, often utilizing the time-honored technique of a surprise ending. Parents will, of course, appreciate the nostalgia factor of bringing back an old favorite, as well as the addition of a leading female character. Beware, though, letting kids burn through micro-episode after micro-episode could set up a problematic habit of wanting to watch "just one more." With only 15 episodes available, this isn't an issue that will last too long but it's something to be mindful about.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the original Ducktales. How is the reboot different?
Talk about what happens in our brains when short pieces of content like this make us happy. Talk about how dopamine is created and the role it plays in technology addiction.
Do you like the standalone episodes or the interconnected episodes better? Why? What can storytellers do with longer stories that they can't do within these super short episodes?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 7, 2017
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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