Odd Tube
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Odd Tube
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.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Odd Tube consists of short-form episodes starring some of the young agents from Odd Squad. The show is hosted by Olympia, who shares her observations of unusual things she sees around the team's headquarters, as well as anything and everything else that suits her fancy to share. The show is unpredictable but always funny, lighthearted, and well-stocked in early-learning topics of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) variety like what constitutes an odd number or what's different between two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. Olympia often encourages viewers to visit the show's website for activities and to submit questions. If this is your kids' introduction to Odd Squad, don’t be surprised if they want to watch the TV show next.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
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, Science and Nature
- Character Strengths: Curiosity
- TV rating: NR
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
Our Editors Recommend
-
Kid President: Declaration of Awesome
Viral-video star brings inspiring messages to fun TV series.
-
Xploration FabLab
STEM-based series spotlights people making the world better.
-
Curiosity Machine
Open-ended STEM challenges support innovative thinking.
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