The ZhuZhus

TV review by Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media
The ZhuZhus Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 6+

Lighthearted 'toon brings popular hamster toys to life.

Disney Channel Kids' Animation 2016
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 2 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 ZhuZhus (also known as Frankie and the ZhuZhu Pets or Polly and the ZhuZhu Pets) is a cartoon series inspired by the popular line of ZhuZhu Pets toys, four of whom star alongside their young human. They have vibrant personalities and human tendencies such as walking, talking, and having the run of their owners' house and its surroundings. Every episode shows them and Frankie embroiled in some kind of unpredictable adventure of their own making and an unlikely solution with impossibly little fallout. In other words, it's a typical cartoon that's more an escape from reality than it is anything of real value to viewers. Expect some occasional potty humor (Chunk is chronically gassy, it would seem) but little else of concern. On the upside, Frankie and her parents enjoy a very close relationship and often work together to set right the day's mishaps.

Community Reviews

Brittney26
Brittney26 Adult
April 12, 2021
age 6+

Personally the show is too noisy for me.

I'm an adult, and clearly this show isn't for me. But to listen to it playing without watching the show makes me want to rip my hair out of my head. The show has many different little voices that get annoying, and every little gesture made by characters is followed by some annoying little sound. Literally anything, the characters blinking or moving or any little thing! It drives me nuts and as soon as this show comes on I change the channel.
Ry10
Ry10 Adult
June 30, 2020
age 18+

An Overlooked Show That Needs More Love

When I found out that the Zhuzhu pets got their own show and got one season, I was like "Was it that bad?" So I watched and finished it this year in January and loved it. From its awesome theme song, terrific lead character Frankie, cute characters like Nums Nums and well written episodes, it's a show everyone should watch for those who love My Little Pony and Littlest Pet Shop. It so needs a second season and hopefully Nelvana and Disney will do it or I will have to push them to make it happen. Cute show, go watch it,

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE ZHUZHUS follows the wacky adventures of a gregarious girl named Frankie (voiced by Jenna Warren) and her walking, talking hamster friends, Mr. Squiggles (Richard Binsley), Num Nums (Stephany Seki), Pipsqueak (Tajja Isen), and Chunk (Robert Tinkler). There's no happenstance too small for this group of pals to turn into an unforgettable experience, usually with hilarious results and the need for some help from her mom (Stacey DePass) and dad (Zachary Bennett) to set things back in order again.

Is It Any Good?

This fast-paced cartoon's comical characters and frivolous scenarios lack substance, but they're entertaining enough to make you overlook the show's significant commercial ties. Exuberant Frankie's big ideas always get her into some kind of hot water that kids will find hilarious, like accidentally setting her parents aloft in an inflatable castle on their anniversary. Safe in the cartoon dimension's reality of minimal consequence, though, these kinds of predicaments play out in hilarious ways for her and her furry friends.

And speaking of those furry friends, they're more human than they are animal, letting the show have fun with the contrast between their domesticated lifestyles and their wild roots. They also have distinct personalities that will draw viewers to a favorite or two, increasing the likelihood that they'll notice related merchandise on the next trip to the store. The ZhuZhus does well to stand on its own entertainment merit, but it can't avoid commercial tie-ins altogether.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about pets and pet care. What animals do you have in your home? Who is responsible for their needs? What are the benefits of having pets?

  • Frankie and the ZhuZhus seem to find trouble wherever they go. When you're faced with a quandary or make a mistake, do you turn to others for help or try to solve it on your own? How does having mentors help you learn from your experiences?

  • Kids: Were you drawn to this show because of the ZhuZhu Pets toys? If not, are you more interested in them now that you've watched this series? How are we influenced by the toys, foods, and games we see on TV and in movies?

TV Details

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