Parents' Guide to

Thomas & Friends

By Joly Herman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Thomas and his train friends huff and chuff around.

TV PBS Kids' Animation 1984
Thomas & Friends Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 32 parent reviews

Chuckyoface H.
Chuckyoface H. Adult
January 19, 2023
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
Ashley L.
Ashley L. Parent of 2-year-old
March 15, 2022
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
See all 32 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In THOMAS & FRIENDS, on the fictional island of Sodor, Thomas the Tank Engine and his other engine friends are kept busy porting loads of steel, food, and passenger cars to meet the demands of their human counterparts. Model engines with expressive faces are the media with which this tale is told, creating a fascinating fictional world that many young viewers will enjoy. By staying true to the single-voice narration, the storybook aspect of the show has been well maintained.

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the role that Thomas and his friends play in the Sodor community in Thomas & Friends. How do they help their community and each other?

  • Do you think the various train characters enjoy their jobs or not? Why aren't there more female trains?

  • How do the characters in Thomas & Friends demonstrate perseverance and compassion? Why are those important character strengths?

TV Details

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 suggesting a diversity update.

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