Parents' Guide to

Thomas & Friends

By Joly Herman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Thomas and his train friends huff and chuff around.

Thomas & Friends Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

age 4+

Based on 32 parent reviews

age 2+

Too immature

Personally, I disagree with the many Chads saying that this is suitable for all ages. Do you see a normal adult watching such a childish TV show? It is probably too immature for children above 8-9 years old to watch. It's a very simple TV show, and can easily brainwash and hinder children from growing up.

This title has:

Too much consumerism
age 4+
I like the show. Used to watch it as a child. My 2 year old loves train but he got bord with the show. I think it's set up for a older audience.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (32):
Kids say (66):

Parents can be assured that this series has educational aspects as well as behavioral modeling. The Thomas the Tank Engine stories were conceived by a young British boy early in the 20th century, who would listen to the trains as they chuffed through the countryside. The stories he told his son -- who has consequently passed them on to his own son -- have been documented in books and toy train models. Since the series was introduced to television viewers in the 1980s, Thomas & Friends has seen a healthy fan base sprout worldwide. Some of the expressions on the train's faces can be a tiny bit creepy, but the intention behind the animation is good, as follows the tradition of a well-told story.

TV Details

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