Common Sense Media Review
Kids are welcome in bear country.
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The Berenstain Bears
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 24 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a fantastic and educational experience for young viewers, with enjoyable storylines and positive messages that resonate well with both children and parents. While it appeals to preschoolers and teaches valuable lessons about family, sharing, and moral responsibility, some older kids find it less engaging and there are minor concerns about certain themes that may be unsuitable for the very young.
- educational lessons
- positive family interactions
- entertaining for preschoolers
- some themes may scare
- younger kids love it
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- Premiere date : September 15, 2003
- Cast : Camilla Scott , Michael Cera , Tajja Isen
- Network : PBS
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Book Characters , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Gratitude
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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