Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Alaska Native character's adventures celebrate heritage.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Molly of Denali
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 31 parent reviews
Parents say that this show is a favorite among families for its educational content and representation of Alaska Native culture, making it a wholesome viewing experience. While many appreciate the positive values and problem-solving skills portrayed by the characters, some reviewers expressed concern about specific episodes, particularly one involving a scary dentist video, which they found unsettling for young children.
- educational content
- cultural representation
- positive role models
- gentle storytelling
- exploration and inquiry
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 12 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In MOLLY OF DENALI, 10-year-old Molly Mabray (voiced by Sovereign Bill) lets her curiosity guide her adventures in and around the small Alaskan town she calls home. As a modern girl with Alaska Native heritage, Molly often finds connections between her interests and the experiences of her ancestors, and along with her best friends, Tooey (Sequoia Janvier) and Trini (Vienna Leacock), she enjoys learning more about the culture of the Athabascans and other indigenous people of neighboring Alaskan regions. With the help of her parents (Ron Harris and Jules Koostachin), who run a local trading post, and the guidance of Grandpa Nat (Lorne Cardinal), Molly sets out to experience everything she can in present-day Alaska and to learn about her predecessors' way of life.
Is It Any Good?
As the first US kids' TV series to cast an Indigenous lead character, this thoughtful, pleasant show is a welcome anomaly in the genre. Molly is a delightful pick to guide viewers through the culturally rich history of Alaska. A "typical" modern tween, she blogs and uses the internet as a research tool, but she's also deeply connected to and respectful of the experiences of her ancestors through her grandfather and other adults in her community. As she learns about her heritage as it relates to her own interests, Molly teaches kids about Alaska both now and in the past, paying special homage to its Native people.
Molly of Denali takes great care to ensure that its content isn't trite or narrowly focused, and the result is an exceptionally endearing series with quality content throughout. Because Molly's explorations -- and her parents' work as trading post proprietors and a local pilot -- take her away from her town often, she gets to learn about other Indigenous people and local traditions directly from them. The show's content is created in partnership with Alaska Native advisors, lending significant authenticity to Molly's experiences.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what inspires Molly's adventures. What similarities exist between her modern experiences and the way her ancestors lived? Who helps her learn about her cultural heritage? What ties does your family keep to your ancestry?
Which adult role models cultivate Molly's interest in her home and its people? What adults in your life go out of their way to help and nurture you? How can you act as a role model for others in a similar way?
Kids: How do shows like Molly of Denali help encourage curiosity about other cultures? Why is it important to understand and respect other people's experiences? How does diversity strengthen our communities?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 15, 2019
- Cast : Sovereign Bell , Lorne Cardinal , Sequoia Janvier
- Network : PBS Kids
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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