Parents' Guide to

Teletubbies

By Joly Herman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 2+

Fantastical, benign show meant for the very young.

TV PBS Educational 1998
Teletubbies 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 4+

Based on 25 parent reviews

heidid64
heidid64 Adult
May 2, 2021
age 2+

Childhood Memories

What makes me drawn into this show is seeing one of the cutest characters on the show: Po and the Noo-Noo. I like to say these quotes "Naughty Noo-Noo," and "Clever Noo-Noo," sometimes. But what I love to hear the most is Po's cute baby voice and giggles. The downside is I literally breakdown in tears sometimes when I watch videos of kids waving goodbye to the viewers and the Teletubbies before transitioning to the Baby Sun. I know this is just silly, but overall, this may be a good show for little kids and adults who use to have good memories.

This title has:

Great messages
Childhood Media Reviewing
Childhood Media Reviewing Parent of 2 and 7-year-old
April 21, 2021
age 6+

Not Educational

It is good (though not educational). I would set the educational value level to 1/5 or Not Present depending on the episode, because honestly, it's just not good for education. They encourage way too much jibberish communicative grammar and grossness.
See all 25 parent reviews

What's the Story?

First and foremost, the obvious question: What are these TELETUBBIES anyway? Aliens? Children? Nobody knows, and no explanation is offered. Dipsy, Laa-Laa, Tinky-Winky, and Po giggle like toddlers, speak in partially formed words, and apparently live together without parents in their mushroom-shaped cottage. They bounce around, playing and pantomiming, and plenty of kids are enthralled by them.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (25 ):
Kids say (79 ):

Teletubbies, though gentle and mild in tone, might be confusing to the youngest viewers: It appeals to non-order just when kids most require order to organize their formative mind. On the other hand, the show is non-violent, multicultural, and curious. It embraces love and play. It's slow and gentle -- though its emphasis on watching the videos that play on the Tubbies' tummies is a bit redundant.

In the end, although Teletubbies is unique and fascinating, it's not necessarily educational or important. You may want to decide whether it serves as a treat -- or a distraction -- before letting your child watch more than twice a week.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why kids are so enthralled by the Teletubbies (and perhaps why a lot of parents aren't!). Is it the colorful characters? Their special language? Their bright, fantastical world? The fact that they repeat themselves so often? What do kids learn from these happy, giggly creatures?

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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