The Little Mermaid

TV review by KJ Dell Antonia, Common Sense Media
The Little Mermaid Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 5+

Spin-off sinks for everyone except besotted fans.

Toon Disney Kids' Animation 1992
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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 7 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, like the movie, the cartoon spin-off has its scary moments. Under-the-sea monsters appear for various reasons, humans threaten the sea kingdom, and the main characters are frequently in mild peril that's made more frightening by the powerful animation.

Community Reviews

Vohaul
Vohaul Adult
August 14, 2019
age 9+

Began the Disney renaissance

In 1966 Walt Disney died, putting the company into a dark age. Almost twenty years later The Little Mermaid came out, providing an epic film that proved Disney had fully recovered and could make grand films again. This started a renaissance that lasted until 2000. There are a few instances of violence and some slightly more mature things, but nothing truly harmful. Merely recommended for older kids.
love2
love2 Adult
October 7, 2009
age 4+

not as friendly as it seems

even though most little girls love the little mermaid it isnt as friendly as it looks. there's lots of vilonce and peril. also Aerils costume is completly inapropreat for toddlers. but along there way there is apropreat content and positive messages too.

This title has:

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

What's the Story?

THE LITTLE MERMAID is a spin-off of the popular movie. In each episode, Ariel (voiced by Jodi Benson) has a problem, which intensifies and is then solved.

Is It Any Good?

Ariel, Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright), and the rest of the familiar characters are still splashing about, but the story lines are generally weak. Unfortunately, the most mesmerizing thing about this Mermaid is Ariel's flowing hair.

Trite and uninspired, this is a single-episode cartoon, broken up by Toon Disney's commercials at frequent intervals. It employs a sitcom formula that doesn't leave much room for the fun and magic the movie did so well. Some episodes don't even resolve the initial problem, leaving even the youngest viewer wondering what happened to, for example, the harp Ariel wanted to play.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the moral lessons within each episode, although it's worth noting that it's frequently Ariel's father who's the target of the lessons, rather than Ariel herself. Should the king expect Ariel to follow his dreams rather than her own? Should Ariel obey her father? Are there times when it's OK not to follow the rules?

TV Details

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Themes & Topics

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