Parents' Guide to

Olivia

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Precocious pig offers positive messages for preschoolers.

TV Nickelodeon Kids' Animation 2009
Olivia Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 19 parent reviews

Camilla V.
Camilla V. Parent of 10-year-old
January 27, 2020
age 3+

I like it

This show isn't remarkable for much, but my daughter Wilhelmina loves it. I try to introduce her and others to non-Disney movies and shows, and shows that aren't American. This was also one of the first Irish cartoons I watched, and I like that Ireland is making and animating cartoons such as Song of the Sea, Gumball, and Plly Pocket 2018. The role models are great too.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Belinda N.
Belinda N. Parent of 7, 9 and 12-year-old
December 24, 2018
age 3+

It’s fine for your kids

Olivia is an okay show. It’s nothing special, though.
See all 19 parent reviews

What's the Story?

One of preschoolers' favorite literary characters comes to life in OLIVIA, which follows the adventures of a spunky young pig with a big imagination. Based on the award-winning books by Ian Falconer, the show centers on an irrepressible 6-year-old named Olivia (voiced by Emily Gray) who finds that many of the pint-sized woes she encounters with family and friends can be resolved with a little imagination and a lot of heart. While her daydreams take her to the far reaches of the world, Olivia always returns home with a fresh outlook on the day's problem and a sense of confidence that the solution is within her grasp.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (19 ):
Kids say (16 ):

This precocious pig has plenty to offer her young viewers, who will delight in her creativity and humor and will relate to the troubles she has with peers and her two younger brothers. Although Olivia's imagination plays a big role in helping her solve problems, the outcome is always realistic enough for kids to apply to their own lives, and the stories include positive messages about self-confidence, patience, and friendship.

Happily, the show stays true not only to Falconer's original stories but also to his beautiful illustrations. Fans who already know and love Olivia and her friends will find that the transition from print to screen in no way lessens the quality of these stories and characters, and those meeting Olivia for the first time are sure to appreciate this chance to visit the books' world.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about solving problems. What problems did Olivia have to work out? How did they affect her and her family and friends? How did she work to solve them? Was everyone happy in the end? Have you had any problems like that? How did your solutions compare to Olivia's? Families can also discuss how the series compares to the books. How does the animated Olivia compare to the one you imagine when you read her stories? Does seeing her on TV change how you imagine her in books now? What are some of your other favorite shows that are also book series?

TV Details

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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.

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