Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Odd Squad shorts build on show's quirky charisma.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Odd Tube
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
ODD TUBE is a series of shorts hosted by Odd Squad agent Olympia (Anna Cathcart) and consisting of happenings at the organization's headquarters, where strange occurrences are routine. The unpredictable content includes impromptu dance segments, songs, facts, funny tidbits, and generally random knowledge. Sometimes Olympia's fellow Odd Squad agents drop in, and occasionally cameras follow her through the hallways of the agency's headquarters. Always, though, there's something to be learned from the STEM-inspired content.
Is It Any Good?
This is a fun add-on for viewers already sold on Odd Squad and its personnel, but if this is your kid's introduction to the franchise, know that their interest won't stop here. The all-kid cast (adults play a few supporting roles, but kids take center stage) is fantastic for young viewers, and the kind of catch-as-catch-can content suits the target audience's interest and attention span. This is great news, but it's likely to mean they will want to see the TV series next.
Even though these episodes run just over two minutes apiece, Odd Tube is no fluff show. It's engaging, humorous, and makes the most of opportunities to drop in some math know-how or illustrate a science concept. Every episode gives kids something to learn, from putting a ruler to good use to the difference between a planet and a moon. It's basic stuff that's delivered in an exciting way, guaranteeing that kids will learn something as they watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what this show teaches kids about science and math topics. Are some of the concepts new to you? Does the inclusion of this content interrupt the show, or does it fit well into the story?
If you've seen Odd Squad, how do these streaming videos compare in entertainment value? Does one make you inclined to want to see the other?
Kids: Which of your favorite shows would you consider to be educational? Is it important to learn something from your entertainment? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 10, 2016
- Cast : Anna Cathcart
- Network : PBS Kids
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Numbers and Letters , STEM
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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