Justin Time
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Justin Time is a gentle show, meant for the youngest members of the family, and is packed with science-based information handled in an age-appropriate way. Justin and his friend Olive are kind and thoughtful as they help animals they encounter. At home, Justin's mom and dad are reassuringly present and helpful, though seemingly unaware of Justin's active imagination.
Community Reviews
Wonderful Kids Show!
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Cute with a learning content
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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?
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
- Premiere date: April 22, 2012
- Cast: Gage Munroe
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Science and Nature
- Character Strengths: Curiosity
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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