Parents' Guide to

Pinky Malinky

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Quirky show lacks substance, but odd characters entertain.

TV Netflix Kids' Animation 2019
Pinky Malinky Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 8+

Based on 11 parent reviews

MichMac
MichMac Adult
December 7, 2021
age 12+

NOT appropriate

Total garbage. Inappropriate and not positive behavior models. Painting of topless character and other inappropriate innuendos.
1 person found this helpful.
jim from maine
jim from maine Parent of 5, 9 and 13-year-old
March 17, 2022
age 5+

Prude dad here: this is NOT inappropriate

Parents would certainly forgiven for tuning into this show for the first time, and after watching ten seconds of it, putting in the category of "weird, modern-type humor show that is often inappropriate for my kids" . (Lord knows there are a TON of shows in that category these days). But wait! My wife and I are somewhat prudish and really limit what out kids watch.........and we found that first looks are deceiving with Pinky Malinky. It's actually a funny show, great writers, nothing really inappropriate. Funny songs. Thre premise has something to do with a talking hot dog, and his human friends, who are all school age. Our five year old likes to watch it, but at least half of the content goes over his head. Our nine year old loves it. Our thirteen year old can still enjoy it, because of its writing. There aren't many good kids shows being made these days, and I can support this one with no reservations. Four and a half stars from me.
See all 11 parent reviews

What's the Story?

PINKY MALINKY is a slice-of-life animated comedy that centers on the antics of an anthropomorphic hot dog named Pinky (voiced by Lucas Grabeel) and his best friends, JJ (Nathan Kress) and Babs (Diamond White). Optimistic Pinky has lots of big ideas -- about replicating his favorite snack food, about adopting an unusual pet, about improving his social status -- and the mettle to back them up. The show is presented in a pseudo reality format (think The Office) in that the characters occasionally talk to the audience in brief confessionals.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (11 ):
Kids say (14 ):

This series doesn't offer much in the way of substance, but its oddly captivating visual effect will attract viewers. It's busy to watch with a bustling pace, lots of moving parts, and intricacies to the characters' appearances and behavior. There's humor and absurdity, and the occasional instance of one friend or another extending unexpected kindness, but it's clear the show's real intent is to impress the audience with unusual animation and flashy imagery. This has the unfortunate effect of distracting from any attempt at story development, but kids likely won't mind.

Pinky Malinky is the entertainment equivalent of the law of diminishing returns -- it's OK in small doses but loses its wow factor after several viewings because of its mostly superficial content. Viewers are left wondering about the stories behind the unusual characters (Pinky is a hot dog, for heaven's sake!) as they're caught up in the mayhem that is his life.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how effectively Pinky Malinky's unusual characters attract and maintain viewers' interest. How does the fact that Pinky is a hot dog influence the show's humor? Why do you think the creators chose that particular shape for him? Do quirky characters and absurd content consistently entertain you?

  • Pinky's determination often belies his small stature and unusual appearance. Why is it important to not judge someone by how they look? Have you ever experienced being surprised by a person's true nature after making a superficial assumption about him or her?

  • How does your family monitor and limit screen time? If your time in front of a TV is limited, what shows are your first picks? What attracts you to a particular show? Action? Humor? Music? Character development?

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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