Parents' Guide to

Masha and the Bear

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Mischievous tot's antics delight in Russian-inspired series.

TV Netflix Kids' Animation 2014
Masha and the Bear Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 76 parent reviews

Paul.377
Paul.377 Adult
December 19, 2021
age 2+

It's awful and teaches poor behaviour

Masha is completely self centered. She consistently ruins any joy in bears life while expecting the world. It's a toxic relationship and bear deserves so much better. I don't know what kind of adult Masha will be, but I already know I won't like her. Not allowing this show in my house.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
3 people found this helpful.
jjcast
jjcast Adult
February 9, 2022
age 4+

Don’t let your kids watch until they’re older

My daughter is 2 and loves the show, however, she’s at an age where she absorbs and mimics everything. With that being said, she had begun to mimic Masha’s awful behavior. She tries to dictate what goes on in the house, and doesn’t listen. We are trying to correct said behavior with guidance trying to teach her that the behavior in the show is not okay. Older children who know what good behavior is more than a 2 years could enjoy it with no problem
2 people found this helpful.
See all 76 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (76):
Kids say (26):

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

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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.

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