Maya & Miguel

TV review by Ginny Pelley, Common Sense Media
Maya & Miguel Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 5+

Engaging cartoon teaches cultural diversity.

PBS Kids' Animation 2004
Rate TV

Parents say

age 7+

Based on 5 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 30 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate tv
  • Maya & Miguel TV: Scene #1
  • Maya & Miguel TV: Scene #2
  • Maya & Miguel TV: Scene #3
  • Maya & Miguel TV: Scene #4

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.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

Stands out for .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know Maya & Miguel is well-written, funny, and full of upbeat charm. The program focuses on a set of Spanish language vocabulary words that are repeated throughout the episode. Kids will find the animated twins a delight.

Community Reviews

HDguy
HDguy Adult
October 4, 2022
age 10+

Horrible series

I cannot believe PBS would air this program. This show does not teach Spanish. The show is about a girl named Maya and her brother Miguel who cause trouble for their family and friends. Maya's voice is enough to give you a migraine, and the theme song will get stuck in your head and annoy you. The program does not teach anything at all, it is not educational. If this show must exist, put it on Nickelodeon, not on PBS, where people come to be educated. None of my children like this show.

This title has:

Too much violence
kelleychrist
kelleychrist Adult
September 25, 2010
age 5+

This title has:

Great messages
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Animated twins MAYA & MIGUEL introduce viewers to their family, friends, culture, and the Spanish language in this PBS series. In addition to language skills, the show teaches kids about cultural diversity in a fun, engaging way.

Is It Any Good?

The mostly English dialogue in is peppered with Spanish words and phrases in a way that's totally natural, teaching kids about language while keeping them thoroughly entertained. In one episode, for example, cousin Tito, who's learning English, is "nervioso" about trying out for the school play, which is adapted from a Mayan folk tale. With Maya's help, Tito gets through his audition, only to discover that during the production, he's crippled by stage fright without Maya on stage with him to lend support. Maya devises ingenious and humorous ways to get on stage to help her cousin, who eventually discovers that he's found the confidence to perform without Maya's help.

This well-written show doesn't forget the parents who are viewing with their kids. Some things may fly over young viewers' heads, but Maya & Miguel is infused with such heart and good humor that even its youngest fans won't ever feel like they're missing anything.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the different cultures and languages presented in Maya & Miguel. Does the show spark an interest in kids to learn more about their own family background?

  • What do kids think about the importance of family and being a good friend?

  • How do the characters in Maya & Miguel demonstrate communication and empathy? Why are these important character strengths?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • Go, Diego, Go Poster Image

    Go, Diego, Go

    Dora's cousin rescues animals and delights kids.

    age 3+
  • Dora the Explorer Poster Image

    Dora the Explorer

    Preschoolers will love Dora's ongoing adventures.

    age 3+
  • Handy Manny Poster Image

    Handy Manny

    Friendly handyman teaches kids about cooperation.

    age 3+

Character Strengths

Find more tv shows that help kids build character.

  • Little boy whispering to a girl
    Communication
    See all
  • Young girl staring at her dad
    Empathy
    See all

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon picture of a book
    Book Characters
    See all

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