Parents' Guide to

The Berenstain Bears

By Betsy Wallace, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Kids are welcome in bear country.

TV PBS Kids' Animation 2003
The Berenstain Bears 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 2+

Based on 7 parent reviews

trapperjfc
trapperjfc Adult
August 25, 2022
age 2+

Good for learning lessons

This show is not boring at all. It is sensibly written to appeal to younger children (preschool and kindergarten age) and teach them values at the same time. In this age of redundant stupidity in entertainment, parents need a show like this one to help illustrate how fair life should be, and give a firm footing to children, not overwhelm them with glitz, glam and gloss. By keeping plots simple and allowing children to follow along at their level, this show simply teaches children how to be fair, consider other's feelings and have good sportsmanship. These are core values which are not being taught to children at daycare dumps or underfunded public schools. If a parent expects more out of this show for themselves, they should consider re-viewing and actually listening to the plot. The simple storytelling is charming and perfect for 3-6 year olds. As parents, we need to put our children first and our entertainment expectations last.
lawlorwalter
lawlorwalter Adult
August 25, 2022
age 2+

Important Family Show

This is a very important family show because in recent years so many shows are just a wasteland of pointless silly entertainment with no real point other than a very thin tacked on message tacked on in a klutzy. This show has real morals and lessons taught in an entertaining and non high handed way. Kids like the show but also learn from it and that I like. More shows should be like this.
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE BERENSTAIN BEARS, based on the best-selling children's book series by Jan and Stan Berenstain, is geared around learning experiences and straightforward, literal lessons. Mama, Papa, Sister, and Brother live in a tree house, but otherwise live and act like humans.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (7):
Kids say (22):

The TV show succeeds in capturing the books' fun-loving spirit. Delightful character and scene animation makes bear country a charming place to hang out, even if the books' subtle wit doesn't quite come through on the screen. At first glance, The Berenstain Bears seems to take "traditional family values" to the extreme. Mama wears a housecoat, gardens, and quilts, while Papa wears overalls, fishes, and eats too much of Ma's great country cooking.

Some viewers, even kids, might get annoyed at these unimaginative portrayals, but now and again the show branches out. Ma turned her quilting skills into a business, and one episode featured Sister going out for baseball and doing better than her big brother. Brother had to learn to accept the fact that Sister was just as talented as he was. The series doesn't ignore sibling rivalry, but for the most part paints the siblings as loving and supportive of one another.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the lessons learned in each episode of The Berenstain Bears. How do Brother and Sister Bear learn from their mistakes?

  • How is your family like the Bear family? How is it different?

  • How do the characters in The Berenstain Bears demonstrate gratitude? Why is that 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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