Fanboy and Chum Chum
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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Based on 49 parent reviews
Fanboy and Chum chum is this epic anime you watch while playing Overwatch
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What's the Story?
FANBOY AND CHUM CHUM follows the over-the-top adventures of best friends -- and self-described superheroes -- Fanboy (voiced by David Hornsby) and his trusty sidekick, Chum Chum (Nika Futterman). Although their green-and-purple supersuits belie any real powers, this comic book-loving, thrill-seeking duo sees each day as an opportunity to experience life to the maximum, whether that means swapping noses for school picture day or trying to teach the class pig the finer points of martial arts. When they're not hanging out at the local comics shop or cooking up their latest off-the-wall scheme, the guys can often be found at the Frosty Mart, chugging Frosty Freezies to induce the world's worst brain freeze.
Is It Any Good?
If you're looking for deep content and lasting lessons, then this show isn't for you -- or for your kids. Precious little of it can be applied to reality, especially when it comes to Fanboy and Chum Chum's experiences at school, where they enjoy nearly free rein to goof off and hardly put effort into their work. Even the nature of their friendship may be troubling to some parents, since Fanboy's control over his pal's actions sometimes verges on bullying.
But there's no doubt that it's entertaining. So if your young tweens can check their sense of reality at the door, this silly show offers a fun depiction of the wild imagination that they probably share with the main characters. For younger kids, though, the blurry line between fiction and realistic lifestyles may be a little confusing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about bullying. Why is bullying a problem? Do you think the way Fanboy treats Chum Chum could be seen as bullying? Why or why not?
Do you think violence on TV is a problem? How does the type of violence -- fantasy vs. realistic -- affect its impact on viewers?
Who are some of your own heroes? Why do you look up to them? Do you admire any celebrities (actors, sports figures, etc.)? If so, who, and why?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 12, 2009
- Cast: David Hornsby, Jamie Kennedy, Nika Futterman
- Network: Nickelodeon
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Superheroes, Friendship
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Last updated: June 3, 2023
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