Parents' Guide to Garfield and Friends

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Common Sense Media Review

By Deirdre Sheppard , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Comic strip cat's silly TV adventures are fun for kids.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 6+

Based on 11 parent reviews

age 4+

Based on 21 kid reviews

Kids say this animated series is a beloved classic that combines humor and educational content, making it suitable for all ages. While the animation has its flaws, viewers appreciate the clever writing, delightful characters, and engaging stories, especially the unique format that intersperses the titular character's segments with those from U.S. Acres.

  • clean humor
  • clever writing
  • educational content
  • charming characters
  • suitable for all ages
Summarized with AI

What's the Story?

GARFIELD AND FRIENDS chronicles the animated adventures of comic strip megastar Garfield (voiced by Lorenzo Music), his dorky owner Jon (Thom Huge), and his canine sidekick Odie (Gregg Berger) -- as well as a barnyard full of farm animals based on another strip by Garfield's creator, Jim Davis. Whether Garfield is plotting to get a lifetime supply of Meow Chow or escaping to the tropics to avoid a Monday, kids are guaranteed to giggle at his schemes and antics. And just to make sure he doesn't wear out his welcome, the show includes lots of segments starring the U.S. Acres gang -- Orson the pig (Berger), Roy the rooster (Huge), Wade the duck (Howard Morris), and sheep siblings Bo (Frank Welker) and Lanolin (Julie Payne).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 11 ):
Kids say ( 21 ):

It's safe to say that kids won't learn much from watching Garfield and Friends, but as "fluffy," mental-break cartoons go, at least it isn't full of violence and innuendo. Just be prepared to explain that Garfield's sometimes selfish, lackadaisical behavior isn't something to aspire to if your kids start craving lasagna and kicking the dog.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the way Garfield acts. Why is he so likable despite the fact that he's lazy and selfish? Would you like a person who acted the way Garfield does? Why or why not? How can you tell that Garfield cares about Odie, despite the way he treats him sometimes? Which farm characters remind you the most of Garfield and his friends? Do you like Garfield or the U.S. Acres gang better? Why?

TV Details

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