Parents' Guide to

Sonic Boom

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

CGI series has some violence, but also fun and friendship.

TV Cartoon Network Kids' Animation 2014
Sonic Boom 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 12 parent reviews

Alexis H.
Alexis H. Adult
January 31, 2023
age 8+

A poor excuse for a children's show

This show was very disappointing especially because my daughter really enjoys the sonic movies. Sonic is temperamental and portrays a man with very toxic masculinity. The girls are referred to as "broads" and other demeaning terms that is not sending a good message. This show lacks educational value and uses the vocabulary of a 6 year old. Terms like "loser" and "butthead" are used commonly. I sat down with her to watch the first episode and everything seemed fine but as the show went on there were a few concerns.
3 people found this helpful.
Ms. J.
Ms. J. Adult
August 10, 2023
age 5+

Good Show

This show is great for kids. Characters, like Sticks, Egghead, and Knuckles, make the show funnier. There are many comedic moments in the show, like when Sticks goes on screaming random gibberish. One of my favorites was when Sonic said his middle name was Capable and Knuckles said "I thought it was The" The episodes are engaging. This is a family-friendly, appropriate show.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 12 parent reviews

What's the Story?

SONIC BOOM follows the misadventures of the videogame-inspired blue hedgehog and his friends as they thwart the evil plots of their nemesis, Dr. Eggman (voiced by Mike Pollock) and his robot underlings, in their jungle home. Between fending off the scheming villain's plans and managing relationships within their own group, Sonic (Roger Craig Smith), Tails (Colleen Villard), Knuckles (Travis Willingham), Amy (Cindy Robinson), and Sticks (Nika Futterman) always have plenty to keep them busy.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (12 ):
Kids say (33 ):

Sonic Boom is the first series based on the '90s videogame character to be cast in CGI. The change is a welcome one, bringing new vibrancy to this energetic bunch and giving the show a more modern feel than its predecessors enjoyed. This makes it all the more appealing for kids, who will see the humor in the posturing between the protagonists and antagonist as well as the dialogue's rapid-fire quips. The fact that the characters are endearingly quirky doesn't hurt, either.

While this series doesn't break any new ground in its content or the messages it sends kids, it offsets its violence with a sympathetic villain who's more concerned with his own gain than he is bent on harming anyone. As many scenes show lighthearted exchanges between Dr. Eggman and Sonic, it's hard to get too worried over those that include the videogame-style explosions and other scuffles. Ultimately the show's intent is for viewers to have fun watching it, and that they're sure to do.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Sonic and his friends. What unites them? In what ways is each character unique? What differences do your kids most appreciate in their own friends?

  • Kids: Were you familiar with Sonic's character before this show? If so, did that make you want to watch? Do TV shows and commercials influence what you like? Why is it fun to have clothes or accessories with pictures of characters on them?

  • What are some of your kids' go-to shows and movies? What, if anything, do they learn from them? What rules does your family have about screen time? What screen-free activities do you enjoy together?

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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