Parents' Guide to

Pokémon

By Common Sense Media, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

As much about marketing as it is imagination.

TV Cartoon Network , CW Kids' Animation 1998
Pokémon 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 6+

Based on 34 parent reviews

Steven Dad
Steven Dad Adult
November 16, 2018
age 8+

We're so used to it

The Romans gathered strong men and had them fight each other in an arena. Pokemon is the same thing. The main premise is an arena where creatures fight each other. It is hard to tell which creatures are good and which are bad, they just are always battling. The point of their life is to be owned, and do battle. The idea of a show is aimed at teaching kids that bad guys have to be destroyed but being demolished or exploded or electrocuted or some other way killed because they are on another side. This is good in teaching kids how to recognize the good and bad people in the world, and then fight with tooth and Claw until the bad people die. Being a dad I'm not that much in favor of this point of view being taught to kids were three or 4 years old. They might not yet be ready to make the distinction that all these characters are imaginary and that we do not fight evil with death and destruction all the time. I am not being harsh. The sole purpose of each Pokemon is to battle. I have not seen any kids expressing interest in the tight relationships formed, they all Focus only on their strength and ability to survive and kill. When a four-year-old uses the words destroy, kill, battle, shoot, electrocute, fight to the death, I get uncomfortable even if it's a game

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much consumerism
4 people found this helpful.
Josefin S.
Josefin S. Adult
September 23, 2023
age 6+

Vänskap och spänning

Jag gillar allt

This title has:

Great role models
See all 34 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The Japanese anime series POKÉMON follows the adventures of Ash, his friends, and their group of cute and highly skilled monster-like creatures that battle in tournaments on their behalf. Ash travels throughout remote, mysterious lands and works hard to become a highly skilled Pokémon trainer. Throughout his journey he meets old pals, makes new friends, and works with his Pokémon to help them use their different powers to fight when summoned. Ash and his friends must also face Team Rocket, whose mission is to steal all Pokémon in a quest for global domination.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (34 ):
Kids say (183 ):

Over the years, the energetic, imagination-filled, Japanese-inspired fantasy series has cut across cultural, gender, and age barriers to captivate a global audience of girls, boys, and even adults. But like any product that inspires obsessions, it has received its share of criticism. Folks may also find the franchise's massive commercial appeal disturbing, especially since the show is mainly geared towards kids.

The whole concept of human characters summoning subordinates to battle on their behalf may be troubling to some. This can potentially send iffy messages to children with pets, too. But despite the endless fantasy violence, Pokémon attempts to promote messages about choosing the right path in life and resolving differences peacefully--before the fighting starts.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the popularity of Pokémon in the United States. Why do people of all ages find it appealing? What are the most popular Pokémon? Why?

  • What are the differences between Pokémon and real-life pets. How do Ash and his friends care for their Pokémon? How do we care for pets differently? Why are the Pokémon loyal to them and fight on their behalf? How about Team Rocket? Can we ever expect animals to fight on our behalf?

TV Details

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.

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