Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Precocious pig offers positive messages for preschoolers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Parents say that while some children enjoy the show’s imaginative aspects, many find it inappropriate due to the main character's selfish and bossy behavior, which counters positive lessons parents wish to teach. Some reviews note that the show portrays poor role models and creates unrealistic expectations of family dynamics, leading to mixed opinions on its overall value for children.
- inappropriate content
- mixed opinions
- bossy behavior
- poor role models
- imaginative aspects
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say the show is an accurate and relatable representation of childhood, particularly highlighting sibling dynamics and the importance of imagination, though opinions vary on its role model qualities. Many enjoy its humor and creative lessons, while some critics argue that the protagonist can come off as self-centered and not an ideal influence for children.
- representation matters
- relatable characters
- humor for ages
- creative storytelling
- role model debate
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- Premiere date : January 26, 2009
- Cast : Brianna McCracken , Emily Gray , Michael Van Citters
- Network : Nickelodeon
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Book Characters , Animals
- TV rating :
- Last updated : January 6, 2026
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