Parents' Guide to

Rugrats

By Betsy Wallace, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Babies go adventuring in this Nick favorite.

TV Nickelodeon Kids' Animation 1991
Rugrats 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 5+

Based on 51 parent reviews

South P.
South P. Adult
May 17, 2023
age 6+
Inappropriate S.
Inappropriate S. Adult
May 6, 2023
age 6+
See all 51 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The second longest-running animated series on television (behind The Simpsons), and perhaps more responsible for the success of Nickelodeon than any other show, RUGRATS follows the adventures of a group of baby friends led by Tommy Pickles (voiced by Elizabeth Daily), a toddler who hatches more schemes than his child-psychology-studying mother could begin to imagine. Red-haired Chuckie (Christine Cavanaugh) is the timid one, and some of the series' most endearing episodes feature his friends helping him overcome his many fears. Twins, Phil and Lil (Kath Soucie) add some kid-friendly hilarity as they munch on bugs and store food in their diapers. Decidedly less sweet is the infamous Angelica (Cheryl Chase), a bigger kid who can talk to adults or babies and doesn't hesitate to lie to either audience.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (51):
Kids say (75):

Although the series focuses mainly on the babies' escapades -- often as they wander far from their parents -- the show promotes family love and cohesiveness right along with kids' independent spirit. Adults can appreciate the way Rugrats gently pokes fun at neurotic parenting, as well as the inherent humor in trying to raise kids correctly. In regards to Angelica's naughty antics, most young viewers will be able to categorize them as "bad behavior."

Over the years the series has added to its core cast, seemingly to increase the diversity of the show. Chuckie's single dad married an Asian woman, whose daughter, Kimi (Dionne Quan), then became a regular. Tommy also gained a baby brother and had to deal with the complexities and emotions a sibling introduces.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the difference between finding humor in a cartoon like Rugrats and emulating it. Some antics are funny but not meant to be imitated.

  • Do kids think the characters' behavior is realistic, funny, or dangerous?

  • How do the characters in Rugrats demonstrate humility? Why is this an important character strength?

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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