Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.
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Fanboy and Chum Chum
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 44 parent reviews
Parents say that the show elicits mixed reactions, with some viewing it as entertaining for younger audiences due to its humor and colorful animation, while others criticize it for its perceived lack of educational value and overuse of toilet humor. Many reviews highlight that the show is considered suitable for a specific age group, especially for those who enjoy slapstick comedy, but caution that it may not be appropriate for younger children due to its content and themes of silliness and rebellion.
- mixed reactions
- entertaining humor
- educational concerns
- age suitability
- toilet humor
- slapstick comedy
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 171 kid reviews
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 : Adventures , School ( Elementary School ) , Fantasy , Friendship , Superheroes
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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