Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Witty classic time-travel cartoon appeals more to adults.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
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Mr. Peabody & Sherman
What's the Story?
MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (1959), an animated cartoon spin-off of the classic series Rocky & Bullwinkle, features dog genius Mr. Hector Peabody (voiced by Bill Scott) and his adopted human son Sherman (Walter Tetley) as they travel back in time to explore the days of old. Each episode features the duo stepping into their WAYBAC machine to visit folks like Emperor Napoleon, Cleopatra, and others known for playing significant roles in their time. But what they usually find is chaos that threatens to change the course of history. Luckily, Mr. Peabody's smarts helps them find a way to make it right. Upon their return, Mr. Peabody summarizes the significance of the experience using his trademark punny humor.
Is It Any Good?
This series is lighthearted, and older viewers looking for some timeless fun will certainly enjoy it. Mr. Peabody & Sherman, which originally aired on Rocky & Bullwinkle as Peabody's Improbable Histories, uses the story telling style of the "feghoot" -- a short, humorous narrative that culminates with a pun -- in order to deliver its witty humor. But the show also offers some subtle commentary on events of the times, such as the characters' use of the WAYBAC, which represents the era of the first computers.
The show's action is pretty mild, especially when comparing it to more contemporary cartoons. Meanwhile, much of the dry humor will go over younger viewers' heads. Nonetheless, kids will recognize some of the many historical figures featured here, and might even find some of the stories amusing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the differences between today's animated cartoons and cartoons from the 1950's and 60's like Mr. Peabody & Sherman. What made cartoons from that era popular? Is it possible to appreciate the humor from the past today?
How do the characters in Mr. Peabody & Sherman demonstrate curiosity? Why is this an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 19, 1959
- Cast : Bill Scott , Walter Tetley
- Network : Hulu
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Animals
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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