Teletubbies
By Joly Herman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fantastical, benign show meant for the very young.
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A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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Based on 25 parent reviews
Childhood Memories
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Not Educational
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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?
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
- Premiere date: April 6, 1998
- Cast: John Simmit , Nikky Smedley , Pui Fan Lee
- Network: PBS
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Last updated: December 3, 2022
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