Operation Ouch!
Health education for kids with big dose of gross stuff.
Operation Ouch!
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 Operation Ouch! teaches kids about the human body, health, and medicine. It is very educational, but there's lots of gross stuff in a medical context. While it's not as graphic as adult-focused medical shows, the camera does not shy away from close-up shots of blood, stitches, needles, and surgical procedures. The show takes care to make everything age-appropriate. It's not very scary: patients are not in pain and medical procedures are treated matter-of-factly, not dramatized. References to sex include mentions of mating (in animal context), body changes during puberty, and science behind pregnancy (not conception). Language is mostly fine, but there is discussion of bodily fluids and an occasional "stupid." There's lots to learn in Operation Ouch!, but squeamish kids should probably sit this one out.
Community Reviews
Report this review
Doctor programs for kids and adults
Report this review
What's the Story?
OPERATION OUCH! is a long-running British kids' health show that made its way stateside to Netflix in 2020. It's hosted by twin doctor brothers Dr. Xand and Dr. Chris van Tulleken in earlier seasons, and a third host Dr. Ronx Ikharia joins the team in later seasons. Operation Ouch! is a variety-style show with a mix of segments that teach kids about health, the human body, and medical professions. Some segments involve Dr. X and or Dr. Chris tagging along in a real hospital ER or on the road with paramedics. They explain what the patient's medical issue is, then show the doctors treating the patient. Other segments feature the twin doctors performing funny medical experiments on each other (like sending electrical pulses into the other's brain that makes it impossible for him to pick his nose). The twins also go on field trips, like a visit to a leech-breeding company to learn how leeches are still used in modern medicine. Some parts of the show focus on amazing facts about the human body, or "incredible body tricks" that kids can replicate at home. Each episode is a tour of the human body, what can go wrong in our bodies, and what doctors can do to help us feel better.
Is It Any Good?
Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand may lure some kids in by saying they'll "never hold back on showing you gross stuff," but those same kids will probably stick around to learn more about the fascinating human body. The twin doctors strike a great balance of silliness and education, and showcase just how cool our bodies are. Kids who have any interest in pursuing a medical career will enjoy seeing what doctors actually do all day. The real-life doctors featured on the show are a diverse group of great role models, and later-season host Dr. Ronx is a Black transgender non-binary doctor who aims to inspire kids of all backgrounds to go into medicine.
Operation Ouch! is great for taking some of the fear out of visiting the doctor. The hosts do a great job of explaining routine medical procedures that kids may be nervous about (e.g., getting tonsils removed). Parents may be concerned about kids' abilities to handle the somewhat gory nature of the show (we see the aforementioned tonsils removal procedure in close-up, as well as the bloody tonsils after they're removed, for example). But because the show doesn't dramatize these procedures at all, it may eliminate the scariness for many kid viewers. Know your kid, but you may be surprised about how your child rises to the occasion and learns a ton in the process.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand's curiosity. They always seem so curious to learn more about health and medicine. Is there anything you'd like to learn more about the human body?
Operation Ouch! shows a little bit of what it's like to be a doctor and a paramedic. Do you think you'd like these types of jobs? Why or why not?
Did anything in the episode upset you or gross you out? Did anything make you worried? Let's talk about it.
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 3, 2012
- Cast: Xand van Tulleken, Chris van Tulleken, Ronx Ikharia
- Networks: Netflix, CBeebies
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: STEM, Science and Nature
- Character Strengths: Curiosity
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Award: BAFTA
- Last updated: October 24, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Bill Nye the Science Guy
Fantastically fun classic is perfect formula for learning.
-
Wired Science
Accessible, fascinating tech series for tweens+.
-
Mythbusters
Witty team puts urban legends to the scientific test.
For kids who love science
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