Mr. Bean: The Animated Series
Worth a closer look
Ages 5–10First shown 2002
The animated antics of hapless bumbler (and chronic mumbler) Mr Bean. He lives with his brown teddy bear, he has a long-suffering girlfriend, and he is always getting into trouble!
Our verdict
- Good influence 2/5
- Parent appeal 4/5
- Well made 4/5
Reviewers are split on this animated adaptation; many praise it as a masterclass in non-verbal comedy and physical storytelling that translates the character's essence into a creative new medium. While often enjoyed by both children and nostalgic adults, the show is frequently criticized for the protagonist's selfish and sometimes mean-spirited behavior, as well as inconsistent animation quality in later seasons.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
2out of 5
The central character is widely described as a self-centered, narcissistic, and often mean-spirited protagonist who frequently ignores the feelings of others and makes poor choices. While some reviews highlight his determination, creativity, and rare heartwarming moments of loyalty, others point out frequent instances of him being a 'jerk' to children, an unkind boyfriend, and even engaging in crude gestures or animal cruelty for a laugh. There are also notable concerns regarding the sexual objectification of female characters and the use of aggressive stereotypes.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
4out of 5
Opinion is sharply divided; a large number of parents and reviewers find the show highly entertaining for all ages, praising its sophisticated silent humor, slapstick, and nostalgic connection to the original series. However, a significant minority of viewers find the animated version a disappointment compared to the live-action original, describing it as boring, repetitive, or too childish for adults. Some parents also note the inclusion of minimal adult themes, such as brief nudity or 'dirty' jokes in early episodes, that might catch families off guard.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
4out of 5
The series is widely praised for its exceptional non-verbal storytelling and brilliant voice work, particularly Rowan Atkinson's recreation of the character's iconic vocalisms. The visual style is distinctive and stylized, though there is a clear disagreement regarding animation quality; while many enjoy the retro, elastic look, others criticize later seasons for becoming stiff or 'lazy' due to changes in production methods. The musical score is consistently highlighted as a high point that effectively captures the atmosphere of the original show.
Watch-outs
Overstimulating: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Toy-led: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Grating audio: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Where to watch
Stream for free
- Not that we know of
Stream with a subscription
- Not that we know of
Rent or buy
- Not that we know of
DVD and Blu-ray
Last updated 18 October 2026.