The Adventures of Tintin

TV review by Matt Springer, Common Sense Media
The Adventures of Tintin Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 9+

Faithful adaptation has some old-fashioned values.

HBO, Nickelodeon Kids' Animation 1991
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Parents say

age 5+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 7+

Based on 6 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this animated adventure series reflects the values of the time in which the source material was created. Though there is no harsh language and the violence is relatively mild, there is occasional use of firearms and fisticuffs. The show's handling of alcohol and its abuses also reflects older values, with one recurring character who is defined in a few episodes by his alcoholism and drunken behavior occasionally played for comedy. Those parents familiar with the classic comic book series by artist Herge will find themselves intimately familiar with the content of the TV series as it acts as a faithful adaptation.

Community Reviews

petra_ste
petra_ste Adult
August 12, 2019
age 6+

Great adaptation of a comic book classic

Tintin was one of my great comic book passions as a kid (the other was Asterix); this series, unlike the Spielberg movie, is an extremely faithful adaptation. The protagonist, reporter Tintin, faces many adventures in various settings. While the tone is lighthearted and there is no graphic violence, this isn't for toddlers: there are lots of references to crimes (smuggling, forgery, theft, piracy, even drug trafficking), wars, plane crashes, a few mildly creepy moments (involving, for example, a curse, a yeti, etc.), plenty of fistfights, shootouts and car chases (although without any blood). Call it Indiana Jones for kids. The body count of the whole series is extremely low and I don't recall any character dying onscreen (although some offscreen deaths are very clearly implied). No sexuality. One of Tintin's friends, Captain Haddock, famously swears a lot but only with humorous "fake profanities" ("Anthropithecus! Certified Diplodocus!" etc) and is a heavy drinker - while his addiction (which gets better through the series) is a source of humor, it isn't glamourized in the least (it always leads Haddock to huge mistakes). Tintin is a fine role model, honest, righteous, exceptionally brave and skilled, almost superhumanly selfless - so perfect, in fact, that most viewers/readers end up identifying with flawed, short-tempered Haddock, the gruff sea wolf with a heart of gold. Recommended age: 6+.

This title has:

Great role models
Hendo H. U.
Hendo H. U. Adult
December 26, 2017
age 7+

Great! Just like the books!

This title has:

Great messages
Too much violence
Too much consumerism
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Based on the worldwide comic book phenomenon created by artist Herge, THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN adapts most of the intrepid Belgian reporter's escapades in an animated format. With his dog Snowy constantly at his side, Tintin constantly finds himself wrapped up in criminal intrigue, often with the aid of his friends Captain Hadock, Professor Calculus, and the laughable detectives Thomson and Thompson. Somehow good usually seems to triumph and the bad guys typically end up meeting the fate they deserve.

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Is It Any Good?

The global phenomenon that is Tintin finds a mostly faithful adaptation in the lovingly animated series The Adventures of Tintin, which originally aired in the US on HBO during the late '80s. For European audiences, Tintin is perhaps as popular as Mickey Mouse in the states, a beloved icon whose history has stretched over decades and whose books have sold hundreds of millions of copies.



American audiences may find a bit of culture shock in trying to understand the appeal of the brave reporter and his faithful canine sidekick, Snowy. Tintin himself is almost a blank slate, moving through his adventures with bravery but more often than not enlivened by the presence of eccentric villains and a creative cast of supporting characters. For kids, this may not prove an issue, as the momentum of the action will be enough to engage their imaginations. Teens and adults, however, will have to adapt expectations to fit the show's more esoteric storytelling and characterizations. It's a worthwhile series, but definitely a faithful adaptation of a bygone era in children's books.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Captain Haddock's occasional use of alcohol. Was it noticeable as part of the stories? How would a series created today handle his alcohol use?

  • Did you find Tintin's adventures to be exciting? How does the TV series compare to the books?

TV Details

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