Arthur
A great pick
Ages 5–10First shown 1996
The adventures of Arthur, an 8-year-old aardvark, and his family and friends as they grow up and learn how to be good neighbors to one another.
Our verdict
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 4/5
Not toy-led
This long-running series is highly regarded for its ability to tackle serious life lessons with wit and emotional honesty. While the animation quality dips in later seasons, its sophisticated humor and clever parodies ensure it remains as engaging for adults as it is for children.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
5out of 5
The series is widely celebrated for its sophisticated and realistic handling of complex social issues, including diversity, illness, and bereavement, without becoming preachy. However, a significant number of viewers criticize the show for recurring parental double standards, where a younger sibling's tantrums often go unpunished while the protagonist faces strict discipline. Despite these character-dynamic frustrations, the overall arc consistently rewards empathy, persistence, and creative problem-solving.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
5out of 5
The show is frequently cited as being genuinely enjoyable for adults due to its witty writing and layered humor. It features numerous pop culture parodies and clever references that provide entertainment beyond a child's level, making it highly rewatchable for parents.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
4out of 5
The writing is award-winning and consistently praised for its realistic dialogue and intelligent handling of complex themes. While the early hand-drawn seasons are noted for high-quality backgrounds and expressive animation, later seasons are criticized for a shift toward stiffer computer animation and weaker script construction.
Watch-outs
Overstimulating: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Not toy-led
The show was adapted from an established children's book series for public broadcasting with a focus on promoting literacy and library visits rather than selling merchandise.
Grating audio: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Where to watch
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DVD and Blu-ray
Streaming availability from Watchmode.
Last updated 10 October 2026.