Parents' Guide to Max and Ruby

TV Nickelodeon Kids' Animation 2003
Max and Ruby Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Joly Herman By Joly Herman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 3+

Siblings set a positive example for preschoolers.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 3+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Max and Ruby Trailer

Parent and Kid Reviews

See all
age 3+

Based on 56 parent reviews

Parents say that the show often comes across as under-stimulating with characters acting like children, creating both an amusing and concerning portrayal of sibling dynamics. While some parents appreciate the comforting stories and relationship between the siblings, many express frustration over the lack of parental oversight, Ruby's bossiness, and concerns that it teaches poor behavior and defiance rather than positive values.

  • low stimulation
  • sibling dynamics
  • lack of supervision
  • bossiness concerns
  • mixed educational value
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 56 parent reviews
age 5+

Based on 59 kid reviews

Kids say the show entertains with its cute animation and humor, but many express concern over the portrayal of sibling dynamics and the absence of parental figures, highlighting that Ruby often behaves in a controlling manner towards Max. While some viewers cherish it as a nostalgic childhood favorite, others criticize it for encouraging negative behavior patterns and providing poor role models for young impressionable viewers.

  • sibling conflict
  • parental absence
  • controlling behavior
  • nostalgic favorite
  • negative influence
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 59 kid reviews

What's the Story?

Lovable bunnies MAX AND RUBY are quite a duo: devious little brother Max (voiced by Billy Rosemberg) is willful, while good-natured older sister Ruby (Samantha Morton) is attentive and patient with him -- sometimes being a touch bossy as well -- but caring and able to set priorities. She teaches him games like hopscotch and jacks in detail, but Max is more interested in toy cars, eating ice cream, and getting his way, although he never throws a tantrum or gets into too much trouble. Otherwise, the bunnies ride the streetcar, pick apples from the tree, and try to earn badges for their bunny scout uniforms.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 56 ):
Kids say ( 59 ):

Positive and admirable as their behavior may be, one obvious question arises: Where are Ruby and Max's parents? Nonetheless, their world is a utopian one, in which everything is safe and cared for. Max and Ruby's tales allow a comforting, fictional escape for young viewers.

It's refreshing to see a series in which the subject of play is so emphasized. The series is visually compelling and understated in its composition.Though it offers little in terms of educational value, Max and Ruby is a comfortably paced series for preschoolers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the relationship between the siblings. What do the siblings do that your own kids could learn from? Have your kids noticed or asked where Max and Ruby's parents are?

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

Max and Ruby Poster Image

What to Watch Next

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