The Cuphead Show!

TV review by Stephanie Morgan, Common Sense Media
The Cuphead Show! Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Throwback cartoon recipe adds a dash of sweetness; violence.

Netflix Kids' Animation 2022
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Parents say

age 6+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 17 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

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

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Cuphead Show! is an animated series based on the popular video game. Its vintage-style animation and bouncy pace are modeled after cartoons of the 1930s, and its content is similar as well. Rockets, cannons, gunpowder, and explosions appear frequently. Characters fight and argue about small things, but the central characters ultimately care about one another. They sometimes meet others who lie, steal, or use violence. Insults use mostly antiquated terms: "ding-dong," "oh, banana oil," "dumb yokels," "loser," "punk," etc. There are also some spooky scenes: The devil is the central villain and dwells underground while trying to steal souls. His head floats around, he has horns, and he turns into a serpent with sharp teeth. But his voice is more funny than scary, and he's easily tricked. Between bouts of cartoon violence and name-calling, there are small examples of things like sharing, forgiveness, and teamwork.

Community Reviews

Anthony G.
Anthony G. Adult
December 28, 2022
age 5+

IT'S YOUR OWN PREFERENCE

I think that it's fine for kids just ask parents honestly it's your own preference but like I said I like it's fine for 5 and over
1 person found this helpful.
hij3opo
hij3opo Adult
February 19, 2022
age 6+

Great show

This show is great for 6 and up, the only episode you need to watch out for is episode 7 there are mild alcohol references. Great series for kids to get started on animation series.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE CUPHEAD SHOW! is an animated comedy series following the unique misadventures of lovable, impulsive scamp Cuphead (voiced by Tru Valentino) and his cautious but easily swayed brother, Mugman. As the two scour their surreal world of the Inkwell Isles in search of fun and adventure, they always have each other's back. Unless there's only one cookie left, in which case it's every cup for himself. The show also inspires an occasional dose of the heebie-jeebies -- especially when a ridiculously weird nemesis, the devil himself, arrives on the scene to toy with the brothers.

Is It Any Good?

Despite its frenetic and mostly shallow characters, this charming cartoon accomplishes the formidable goal of making a 90-year-old animation style fresh again. Elementary school-age kids will enjoy the slapstick humor of The Cuphead Show!, while parents will appreciate the sparse dialogue and nostalgic feel. The episodes are short and often violent in a Looney Tunes kind of way, but they exude a largely innocent tone. The personified objects and animals that coexist in the Inkwell Isles each have their own unique charm. The ladybug mayor is a favorite, and even the devil himself is more silly than scary most of the time. The show's violence may get old for some, but it's worth a view, if only to share a few giggles while marveling over the Alexander Graham Bell-era telephones and other retro delights.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Cuphead and Mugman's relationship. How can you tell they care about each other?

  • Why is it funny to watch things blow up and to see Cuphead and Mugman fight? Why can something be funny on television but dangerous in real life?

  • How is this show similar to and different from the old classic cartoons? Families can also discuss the difference between the pen-and-ink animation used in older cartoons and the flash and computer animation techniques seen in modern stuff. Can you see a difference? Which do you prefer?

TV Details

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