Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great reboot encourages curiosity about science and nature.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Magic School Bus Rides Again
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Parents say that the new series has sparked mixed feelings; while some appreciate the educational value and character updates for modern audiences, others are disappointed with the changes, particularly regarding the new teacher and a perceived loss of the original's charm and craziness. Many viewers feel it manages to stand on its own, but nostalgia for the original often influences their opinions, highlighting a divide between fans of the classic version and newcomers.
- educational value
- mixed reception
- character changes
- nostalgia factor
- modern updates
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the reboot of the classic educational show fails to capture the charm of the original, with poor animation and a new teacher who lacks the character of the beloved Miss Frizzle. While some appreciate its educational value for a broader age range, many find the new characters unlikable and the overall plot disappointing compared to the nostalgic original series.
- poor animation
- unlikable characters
- disappointing plot
- lacks original charm
- educational value
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
It's the start of another school year, and students eagerly await the return of their eccentric teacher, Miss Frizzle (voiced by Lily Tomlin). Imagine their surprise when it's a different Frizz -- her younger sister, Ms. Fiona Felicity Frizzle (Kate McKinnon) -- who shows up instead in THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS RIDES AGAIN! With Miss Frizzle embarking on fact-finding journeys across the globe, she hands over the keys to the Magic School Bus to her little sis and bids the class well on their new endeavors. So begins a new chapter in the adventures of the world's greatest field trip vehicle, which can transform into any shape and transport its riders anywhere they want to go.
Is It Any Good?
Science class has never been as fun as it is under the direction of Ms. Frizzle, who's every bit as enthusiastic and quirky as her big sister. With her at the helm, the class delights in getting up close and personal with all different aspects of the natural world, from broad ecosystems to the smallest inhabitants of remote islands. Not only does the bus adapt and transform to the needs of the day, but Ms. Frizzle also has the ability to change the kids' sizes and shapes, which creates some comical scenarios and a unique perspective for viewers to learn.
The Magic School Bus Rides Again doesn't mess too much with a good thing, and kids who have watched the '90s series will appreciate the generally consistent cast and overall style of the show. The new kid in class -- Jyoti (Birva Pandya) -- reflects the show's commitment to continued diversity, and its gender balance among the STEM-interested students is another plus.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the STEM topic explored in each episode of The Magic School Bus Rides Again. Was it a new one to you? What examples of it do you see around where you live? How could you explore it yourself?
How does Ms. Frizzle encourage her students to experiment and learn? How do they respond when they make mistakes? How do mistakes help us learn? What kinds of topics are you most curious about? Why is curiosity an important character strength?
Another theme in this series is adapting to new experiences and situations. Is this something you do easily, or is change hard for you? What evidence of adaptation do you see in the natural world?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 29, 2017
- Cast : Kate McKinnon , Miles Koseleci-Vieira , Birva Pandya
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters , STEM
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : March 13, 2026
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