Masha and the Bear
Common Sense says
- Netflix
- Kids' Animation
- 2014
Parents say
Kids say
Searching for streaming and purchasing options...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
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 Masha and the Bear centers on a sweet relationship between a young girl and a fatherly anthropomorphic bear whom she befriends. Masha's antics are all in fun, but they often have unintended consequences for the kindly Bear and other woodland animals. Kids might have brief concerns over some of the mishaps that befall the characters (falling out of trees or being chased by bees, for instance), but everything always works out in the end. Although Masha's adventures are fun to watch, the fact that nothing serious ever comes of her mischief is misleading, so it's a good idea to remind your kids about the differences between real life and what they see on TV.
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
Bad influence
Not in my house.
Awesome Show
Some odd content
What's the story?
MASHA AND THE BEAR is an animated series based on Russian folklore about a precocious tot named Masha (voiced by Elsie Fisher) who befriends her forest neighbor, a retired circus performer called the Bear. In each episode, spirited Masha pulls the Bear into some wild adventure or another, often to the dismay of the other forest animals whose peace and quiet falls by the wayside whenever the little girl is around. But no matter the antics or their fallout, the Bear can't hide his soft spot for the impish Masha.
Is it any good?
This show's vivid animation and original music nicely complement a plot that's lacking in dialogue, thanks to the fact that the Bear doesn't speak. Often minutes go by without any words exchanged, but the characters manage to tell their stories through their motions and expressions. For viewers used to the chatter of most cartoons, Masha and the Bear can be a nice change of pace. Even so, parents might want to point out to their kids that as enticing and exciting as Masha's capers seem to be, they'd yield far different consequences in the real world.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about rules and why we have them. How do rules help keep you safe? Who makes the rules in your family? In your school? Does Masha follow any rules? Does she ever learn from her mistakes?
What do you think about the fact that many of the characters don't talk? What are some other ways of communicating besides speaking?
Kids: Who are some of your favorite TV and movie characters? How does Masha rank among them? Can you learn anything from her in this show?
TV details
- Premiere date: September 25, 2014
- Cast: Elsie Fisher
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Wild Animals
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Available on: Streaming
Themes & Topics
For kids who love animated animals
Our editors recommend
Top advice and articles
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.