Common Sense Media Review
Nasty cat-and-dog duo isn't for little kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Ren & Stimpy Show
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 51 parent reviews
Parents say that while the show is often humorous and nostalgic, it contains a lot of content that is inappropriate for children, including violence, innuendos, and adult themes. Many reviews stress that it is better suited for older audiences, particularly tweens and teenagers, and should not be viewed by younger children due to its graphic and suggestive material.
- inappropriate content
- adult themes
- suitable for older audiences
- gross humor
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 144 kid reviews
Kids say the show is incredibly funny and creative but has a significant amount of mature content, making it unsuitable for young children. Many reviews suggest it's best for older kids or teenagers due to instances of mild profanity, sexual innuendo, and cartoon violence that could be disturbing for younger viewers.
- funny and creative
- mature content
- not for young kids
- cartoon violence
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In its early-'90s heyday, THE REN & STIMPY SHOW was ground-breaking TV, offering cartoon gore, bodily functions and fluids, crushed heads, oozing brains, and an ongoing fascination with the controversial aspects of sexuality, particularly homosexuality (which isn't portrayed very attractively here). It pre-dated South Park and has a lot in common with Bart Simpson's beloved Itchy and Scratchy Show. It was never pretty, but it was fascinating and often funny. Those early, decidedly mature episodes can be found on DVD, but Nicktoons now airs repeats of a somewhat-defanged version of the show, which included the less-offensive original episodes and those made later, without creator John Krisfaluci. (The show's evolution can be seen in its animation, which goes from intentionally rough to much more polished and plushie-toy ready.)
Is It Any Good?
No matter what format it's in, Ren & Stimpy is still too edgy and adult for younger children. Teens may enjoy the scatological humor and the occasional attempt at social satire, but Ren & Stimpy's once-shocking take on classic cartooning is old hat now. It's been done, and it's been done better.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the trends that this series started (or at least heralded), contributing to the current media landscape in which there are far fewer limits than there used to be. Was the show's influence good (South Park) or bad (arguably, South Park), and what affect has it had on the rest of society? Is society different because we've grown used to watching animated creatures defecate on TV?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 11, 1991
- Cast : Billy West , John Kricfalusi
- Network : Nicktoons
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Friendship
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 12, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate