Parents' Guide to

Ellen's Acres

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Imagination can't save Eloise wannabe.

TV Cartoon Network Kids' Animation 2006
Ellen's Acres Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

In ELLEN'S ACRES, Ellen travels the world, explores outer space, and leaps through time, all from her hotel home. She conjures adventures using her two favorite things -- a feather duster and a radial tire -- which transform into the ubiquitous tools of her trademark jet-setting. Hotel guests and staff provide inspiration for the characters she meets in her many travels.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

In theory, Ellen's adventures sound like lots of fun for kids -- especially those who like make believe themselves -- but some aspects of the series may raise parents' eyebrows. Though it's spun to highlight the advantages of imaginative play, Ellen's solitary lifestyle and complete lack of interaction with other kids (a la Eloise) is a little troubling. Because she's surrounded only by adults -- including parents whose involvement is limited to summoning her for an errand or responding to her tall tales with a distracted "That's nice, honey" -- Ellen is forced daily to create playmates for herself. Inventive and resourceful as she is, her actions seem to speak to an intense loneliness.

What's more, the constant transitions to and from the world of imagination add unnecessary chaos to the already jumbled show style, and Ellen's monotonous overuse of "actually ..." -- which cues viewers that she's taking them back to reality -- soon begins to sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard. Parents who watch with young kids may need to point out what's real for Ellen and what's pretend, since it's sometimes difficult to tell.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about imaginative play. Kids, what do you like to pretend? What toys or other objects do you use in make believe? Where do you get your ideas? Do you include your friends in your adventures? What do you like about playing with friends? What would you do if you didn't have any friends around to play with?

TV Details

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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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