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Parents' Guide to

Robotboy

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Robot's firepower makes show iffy for kids.

Robotboy Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 10+

Based on 5 parent reviews

age 16+

Robotboy

It funny and i wish that you are real and come to my house
age 10+

Pretty awesome show with slight flaws.

Honestly, Robotboy is my favorite show. I've loved it since I first found out about it in 2007, then I forgot about it until 2016, which was when I rediscovered it and fell back in love with it. It had helped get me through a particularly difficult time and it still makes me happy and laugh. My favorite part would be the cherishable bond between Robotboy and Tommy. It's so irresistibly adorable and amazing just how far Ro would go to keep Tommy safe, even from his abusive older brother and belittling father. The dynamics between Lola, Gus, and Tommy could be better; it seems like Lola is left out of too many things because she's a girl and sometimes the boys don't treat her well. When they do, though, their friendship is precious and it's fun seeing them get along and hanging out. I can agree that there are some jokes that are too gross or perverted for me and make me flip to a new tab or a TV input until those scenes are over. That is one thing to keep an eye out for. While the sexualization of the adult females can be something else to be weary about, most of it is mainly for eye-candy for older viewers as are the adult humor jokes. Robotboy is still a fun and entertaining show for kids ages 10 and up, maybe younger with some adult supervision. If parents are worried about their kids "copying" what Robotboy does, then teach them the difference between fiction and reality and not to copy what they see on TV and that it's just a show. Robotboy was made as a fighting-robot for a competition his creator partakes in, but since being sent to live with Tommy, Ro uses his powers for self-defense and to protect himself and his friends. His Superactivated mode might look threatening, but that's the point; it's used to scare off his competitions and also works well on intimidating his enemies. Rarely does he ever use his weapons on humans, unless he is brainwashed by villains, as he was in one episode. His most powerful weapons are used to destroy robots and to incapacitate escape vehicles used by the villains. Otherwise, he's a very sweet and gentle robot who holds much love for his friends and curiosity about the world he was built into. He wishes to use what he learns to become or be like a real boy. And yes, there is two uses of the word "jackass", but nothing too serious or to be concerned about. I say let your kids watch this because it is fairly entertaining and fun and the bond between Robotboy and Tommy certainly makes it worth it. Watch it with them if you're so worried and teach them what they should and shouldn't do. As for the violence, what do you expect from an action-based show about a fighting-robot? I think parents should be more concerned about how Tommy's older brother and father treats him than him having a robot with weapons for a friend. This show is just an insight into the life of a 10-year old boy interested in robotics who has a chance to have a robot as his best friend, brought on by the creator's son who wished he could have a robot to protect him from bullies. There are far worse shows your kids could be watching and emulating.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (6 ):

Kids may relate to the friendship among Tommy, Lola, and Gus, and will enjoy watching the trio scheme to defeat the bad guys. (Relationships within the trio are complicated by the fact that Gus relentlessly teases Tommy and Lola for being boyfriend and girlfriend, which they vehemently deny.) The show also offers some gross-out moments, which are always hits with kids, if repulsive to adults. One example: When Kamikazi has a cold, viewers get to watch his nasal secretions in action.

Bottom line: With its monotonous plotlines and a villain whose common sense is questionable, Robotboy is a mediocre choice. Even though his shooting targets are strictly inanimate, the fact that, in anger, Robotboy becomes a walking machine gun should concern parents.

TV Details

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