Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Imaginary journeys teach key lessons but use stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Justin Time
What's the Story?
In each 15-minute episode of JUSTIN TIME, main character Justin (voiced by Gage Munroe and later Drew Davis) imagines himself in all sorts of different places, like the South Pole and the Sahara Desert, where he usually meets other people and animals who often need help. With his imaginary friends Olive (Jenna Warren) and Squidgy (Scott McCord), a floating yellow birdlike creature, each episode shows Justin figuring out how to solve a problem in the imaginary land that reflects a problem back in the real world, learning lessons about science, nature, and kindness along the way. At the end of each show, Justin leaves his dream world to discover his mom or dad waiting for him and puts his new learning to use.
Is It Any Good?
With easy-to-digest lessons about animals, ecosystems, kindness, and teamwork, the series is likely to hold preschoolers' interest while imparting knowledge. Justin is often bumbling around whatever place he lands in Justin Time, which may also appeal to kids, who can feel like they don't understand the world they live in. It's a shame that while Justin, Olive, and Squidgy are always open and kind to the people they meet, some of the show's cultural teachings are based in stereotypes.
But the central characters are likable and good role models, and the smooth, bouncy computer animation is easy on the eyes, with a color palette that's not as painfully bright as some cartoons. It's also very positive that Justin's parents appear in each episode. Unlike some shows where Mom and Dad are puzzlingly absent, leaving the kids to go off on adventures alone, the parents in Justin Time bookend each adventure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the lessons Justin learns on his adventures in Justin Time. Which ones stick out as the most important, and why?
Why don't Justin's mom and dad go on his travels with him? Can you have adventures with parents? Can you think of an adventure you've been on with your parents or other family members?
Where do you travel in your imagination? Is there an area of the world, a culture, or an animal you'd like to know more about?
Justin and Olive both show curiosity and teamwork. Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times you've shown either of these in your life?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 22, 2012
- Cast : Gage Munroe
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , STEM
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate