Pearlie
A fresh take on the fairy theme with less commercialism.
Pearlie
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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 Pearlie is a sweet series that centers on a selfless young fairy who sees the best in all people, enjoys celebrating something new each day, and values the bonds of friendship. In other words, she's a great (if completely fictitious) model of finding happiness in your surroundings and sharing that happiness with others. The show's content is appropriate for any age, and even the resident adversary (Saphira) is innocuous enough that she won't frighten kids. Pearlie is a good alternative for parents who want to avoid the commercialism of some other popular fairy films and shows.
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What's the Story?
PEARLIE centers on an eager young fairy and her adventures in the park she's assigned to care for. Enthusiastic and carefree, Pearlie loves her job, her friends, and, well, everything, and she's always up for anything that will help others channel that same zest for life. Unfortunately, her brooding cousin, Saphira, doesn't share Pearlie's sunny outlook and plots to unravel popular Pearlie's happiness. Innocent Pearlie is oblivious to Saphira's plans, but her friends Opal and Jasper aren't, and they're always around to help make sure Saphira misses her mark.
Is It Any Good?
Based on a series of books by Wendy Harmer, Pearlie is a dream come true for young believers thirsting for a fresh take on the popular fairy theme. She certainly doesn't have the star power of the Disney fairies, but, to her credit, that also means she isn't subject to a suffocating merchandise line either, which will please parents. In fact, Pearlie and her friends do quite well on their own merit.
There's nothing to be cautious of in this show, but that doesn't mean that parents and kids won't have something to discuss after tuning in. Each episode touts some messages about being a good friend, taking responsibility for your actions, and coping with adversity, so families can talk about the characters' dilemmas and resolutions and how they relate to their own experiences.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about friendship. How do the characters demonstrate their affection for each other? How do they prove themselves reliable? How do you show that you are a good friend?
Kids: How do you deal with someone who's causing trouble for you? What coping techniques do you have for stressful situations? How do Pearlie and her friends handle Saphira's attempts to sabotage them? Do you think their actions are the best solution?
Kids: How does this show compare to other fairy movies you've seen or stories you've heard? Do you like the characters? Why or why not? What are some of your favorite books that you'd like to see turned into a movie or TV show?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 19, 2009
- Cast: Fiona Reid, Helene Joy
- Networks: NBC, qubo
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Book Characters, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Last updated: January 15, 2023
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