Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slapstick-style violence doesn't dampen fun in silent 'toon.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Zig & Sharko
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say this show is entertaining and offers fun slapstick humor, often comparing it to classics like Tom and Jerry. However, many parents express concern over its repetitive plot, violent antics, and problematic gender stereotypes, suggesting it may not be suitable for younger viewers.
- entertaining slapstick
- repetitive plot
- violent antics
- gender stereotypes
- not suitable for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- Premiere date : December 21, 2010
- Network : Online
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Friendship , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 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