Parents' Guide to

Heathcliff and Marmaduke

By KJ Dell Antonia, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Slapstick animal toons are fine, if not inspiring.

TV Boomerang Kids' Animation 1981
Heathcliff and Marmaduke 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?

HEATHCLIFF AND MARMADUKE ran for only a single season on ABC, although Heathcliff appeared with other characters -- including Dingbat and the Catillac Cats -- in other cartoons both before and after this iteration. Here, the Garfield-esque orange tabby defends himself easily from neighborhood bully Spike using his greater strength and craftiness. Meanwhile, Marmaduke's predicaments are the result of a combination of good intentions, great size, and native clumsiness (and very little guile).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1):

The one thing that makes this show different -- and even a little refreshing -- is that none of the characters are actually out to eat or deceive one another. It's impossible to find any real malice even in Spike, who doesn't want to hurt Heathcliff, but rather prove himself the stronger to his friends. Kids might even relate to the situation and envy Heathcliff his easy solution. That said, the plots aren't original, and the animation is nothing special. Overall, Heathcliff and Marmaduke is fine, if not particularly inspiring, viewing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why TV producers would want to make cartoons based on characters in newspaper comic strips. Do you think that would make kids more likely to watch them? Why or why not? Can you think of any characters from other media that have become cartoons today?

TV Details

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