Parents' Guide to

Justin Time

By Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Imaginary journeys teach gentle science and nature lessons.

TV Netflix Kids' Animation 2012
Justin Time Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

See all
age 2+

Based on 1 parent review

WornBabyShoes
WornBabyShoes Parent of 1-year-old
August 21, 2013
age 2+

A good show for little-littles

Justin Time is a cute show for toddlers and pre-schoolers. The educational value here is pretty high; they will be learning without even realizing they are learning. My 19 month old's interest is held throughout. The show isn't chaotic or over-stimulating. There is, as expected, no violence, sex or inappropriate language. This is completely appropriate for your little one.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In each 15 minute episode of JUSTIN TIME, main character Justin imagines himself in all sorts of different places, like the South Pole and the Sahara Desert, where he usually meets an animal who needs help. With his imaginary friends Olive and Squidgy, a floating yellow birdlike creature, Justin figures out what the animal needs and how he can help, learning lessons about science and nature along the way. At the end of each show, Justin leaves his dream-world to discover his mom or dad waiting for him to do some kind of activity, such as skating or building a birdhouse.

Is It Any Good?

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

With easy-to-digest lessons about animals and ecosystems, Justin Time holds preschoolers' interest while imparting knowledge. Justin is often bumbling around whatever place he lands, which will also appeal to kids, who can feel like they don't understand the world they live in. The smooth, bouncy computer animation is easy on the eyes, with a color palate that's cool and easy, not as eye-gougingly 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. It's nice to be appreciated.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why every place Justin travels seems to have animals that need his help. Do animals do this in real life? Why or why not? Why do so many television shows feature talking animals who aren't afraid of humans?

  • Why doesn't Justin's mom or dad go on his travels with him? Can you have adventures with your parents?

  • Where do you travel in your imagination? Is there an area of the world or an animal you know more about?

TV Details

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 suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended tv lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

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