Parents' Guide to

Zig & Sharko

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Slapstick-style violence doesn't dampen fun in silent 'toon.

TV Online Kids' Animation 2010
Zig & Sharko Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 4+

Based on 6 parent reviews

infinitO2021
infinitO2021 Adult
May 13, 2021
age 8+

funny but too much sexually implicit jokes

I think the show is funny, dynamic, with nice drawings and good music, it's made with good aesthetically sense. Episodes are rather short which makes average people like it. But for more critical minds, stereotypes can be a bit shocking and implicit sexuality can be a bit worrying. Stereotipes are in the fact that sharko and marina are like models just getting out of the gym. The typical curves of Marina and her overall stupidity and extreme passivity, makes her like a fun-loving-top model, which is okay... but do we really want next generations to keep reproducing this exaggerated ideals which will at the end make them feel low self esteem? Regarding Marina's relationship with Zak, it's a bit shocking that he always want to eat her - basically to have sex with her-, and she never really resists. Only Sharko who is extremely jaleous and protective saves her from being "eaten"; basically because he would like to do so, but he is too old for that and prefers to respect her and entertain her. But he always shows that his loyalty has romantic origins... I think that's the underlying plot here. I think they are far worst shows for kids and it's hard to find a good one, but this modern version of action silent cartoons is fun.

This title has:

Too much sex
fkelley
fkelley Parent of baby, 2 and 4-year-old
February 3, 2020
age 7+
This show does have a lot of slapstick violence as Sharko tries to protect the mermaid Marina (who my son insists is Ariel) from being eaten and other peril. Her general lack of agency and cluelessness is a bit troubling as she is the only female main character in this show. The level of hitting, slapping, punching, etc is also a bit too much for our household, including our 4 year old. Unlikely the Roadrunner cartoons, this is direct physical violence and fighting to protect or eat Marina, not someone's plans backfiring on them.

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 6 parent reviews

What's the Story?

ZIG & SHARKO is about a hyena named Zig who lives on a volcano island with his crab pal, Bernie, and plots against a beautiful mermaid, Marina, whom he wants to eat. Through a series of schemes and elaborate inventions, Zig attempts to snatch Marina from her ocean rock perch, but he's always thwarted by Marina's protector, Sharko. At times other sea dwellers make attempts as well, including the self-absorbed King Neptune, who hopes to win the affections of the beautiful mermaid.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6 ):
Kids say (16 ):

Zig & Sharko takes a page out of Wile E. Coyote's playbook in revamping a classic cat-and-mouse relationship between its characters. Zig pulls out all the stops in his efforts to nab Marina for a meal, but no amount of extravagant disguises or mechanical wonders ever does the job, thanks to the timely interference of Marina's fiercest friend. Even so, it's light-hearted, slapstick comedy that's just plain fun to watch.

The show might have improved upon Marina's character by making her a bit more self-reliant in her own defense, but as it is, she seems blissfully oblivious to the onslaught of attempts on her life. Of course, this paves the way for Sharko's gallantry in protecting her, and their relationship is a testament to friendship that defies the odds. The bottom line? There's not a lot of substance to this cartoon, but there's little to worry about either, and its silent format is a fun departure from the norm.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about friendship. Kids: What qualities do you most appreciate in a friend? Do you have any friends who are notably different from you in hobbies, culture, or personality? How do those differences benefit your friendship?

  • Kids: Why do you think Zig never gives up on his goal? What goals do you have for yourself? How do you learn from past failures to improve your future chances of meeting these goals?

  • What makes the violence in this series funny rather than upsetting? If the characters were human, would the effect be different? What place, if any, does violence have in kids entertainment?

TV Details

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