Parents' Guide to The Pink Panther

The Pink Panther Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Deirdre Sheppard , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 5+

Parents can breathe easy with this clean classic.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 5+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 4+

Based on 9 parent reviews

age 6+

Based on 29 kid reviews

Kids say the show is a classic that balances humor with some cartoon violence, smoking, and mild adult themes, making it suitable for older kids, typically 10 and up. While many enjoy its entertaining charm and animation quality, others find it too spooky or violent for young children, leading to mixed recommendations depending on the child's maturity level.

  • classic humor
  • cartoon violence
  • age-appropriate
  • spooky elements
  • mixed reviews
Summarized with AI

What's the Story?

THE PINK PANTHER cartoon series, a very loose adaptation of the 1963 movie starring Peter Sellers, follows the action adventures of a furry, pink panther with the manners of an English aristocrat as he calmly faces off against his nemesis, a dogged inspector (inspired by Sellers' character, Clouseau). Currently available on DVD and airing on TV in reruns, this show has it all: sophistication, humor, action, and a cool Henry Mancini theme song.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 9 ):
Kids say ( 29 ):

Unlike other shows from this era -- such as Tom & Jerry and The Perils of Penelope Pistop -- The Pink Panther is clever and funny without resorting to violence, questionable language, or sexual innuendo. Fans of almost any age will find the cool cat endearing whether he's starting trouble, running away from trouble, or saving the day. Even though the show is packed with humor and engaging plots, nothing is over the top (except maybe the music). Parents can relax because all of the jokes are cut and dried -- hidden innuendos, violence, and iffy language are nowhere to be found. The panther is a sweet, intelligent, lovable character, and his show is a clean, kid-friendly classic.

A few things to watch out for: Tobacco use is the show's greatest pitfall, with the panther himself smoking a cigarette during the opening credits. Supporting characters also smoke cigars from time to time. Plus, since the show doesn't have any dialogue, kids who can't read or don't understand the concept of money may not completely understand the jokes. This series relies on action, facial expressions, and the reading of signs to tell a story.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about jokes. What makes a joke funny? What kinds of jokes are appropriate? How does the Pink Panther joke around, and when is he the subject of a bad joke? How is the cartoon series related to the live-action Pink Panther movies -- both the original and the remake? Which is funnier -- the movies, or the cartoon? Why?

TV Details

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What to Watch Next

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