Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animal hospital show about problem solving and empathy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
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Hilltop Hospital
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Adapted from a book series of the same name, HILLTOP HOSPITAL (1999-2001) is a claymation children's t.v. show featuring a hospital where an animal medical staff treats young animal patients. Dr. Matthews (Kevin Whately) is a dog who wants to help his patients while impressing hippo Surgeon Sally (Celia Imrie). While she has little time for the doctor, Nurse Kitty (Sally Ann Marsh) does a top notch job of assisting him. The team's anesthesiologist, a gentle and wise tortoise named Dr. Atticus (Brian Murphy), often naps when he's not on call. Meanwhile, lab rats Clare and Arthur (Julie Higginson and Jonathan Kydd respectively) are ready to provide technical and laboratory support, Joining them are Ted and Ted (both played by Paul Shane), two bears who drive the ambulance. From trying to understand why a snake's skin is uncomfortably dry, to helping a young elephant who is having a severe allergic reaction to peanuts, the top-notch medical team does what it can to help their patients.
Is It Any Good?
This entertaining series combines soap opera-like drama with bits of dry British humor to create pre-school oriented storylines that demystify hospitals and treatments. These narratives also feature doctors and nurses problem solve by listening and talking to patients, in addition to relying on modern medicine. There are some humorous parallels to adult soap operas (like dramatic music), but the suggestions of potential romantic interests between cast members will completely fly over the heads of children. However, some of the medical events (like seeing an unconscious young elephant wearing an oxygen mask and having blood drawn), might be a little distressing to more sensitive viewers. But overall, Hilltop Hospital is a smart and enjoyable series for kids who like to play doctors and nurses, or who aspire to be one or the other.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it's like to go to the hospital. Does it seem scary? Why? What things can be done to make the experience more positive?
What does Hilltop Hospital teach us about finding solutions to problems? What kinds of things do the doctors and nurses do to determine how best to help their patients?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 12, 2016
- Cast : Kevin Whately , Celia Imrie , Sally Ann Marsh
- Network : Comcast Kid Central
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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