The Penguins of Madagascar
A great pick
Ages 6–10First shown 2008
The penguins carry their missions in their habitat in Central Park. Julien, the king of the lemurs, and his subjects Maurice and Mort, his new neighbors, appear, who constitute the exhibition of lemurs at the zoo. Now the penguins must keep things under control, often despite the antics of the lemurs as well as helping out with unusual chores or out-of-the-ordinary adventures.
Our verdict
- Good influence 4/5
- Parent appeal 4/5
- Well made 4/5
The series is widely praised for its sharp writing and sophisticated humor, which includes pop-culture references that make it enjoyable for adults as well as children. While the core themes of loyalty and teamwork are strong, the show often favors comedic antics over traditional moralizing. Reviewers are divided on the visuals, with many noting a drop in animation detail compared to the Madagascar films, though the attention to character performance remains high.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
4out of 5
The series consistently portrays strong teamwork, loyalty, and problem-solving within the penguin group. While traditional moral lessons are sometimes subverted for comedic effect, the central characters model positive themes of cooperation and courage for a primary-age audience.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
4out of 5
Most reviewers find the show highly engaging for adults due to its witty writing, clever pop-culture homages, and sharp comedic timing. There is some disagreement, with a minority of critics finding the humor shallow or only tolerable as background viewing.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
4out of 5
The production shows high levels of care, particularly in its award-winning writing, voice performances, and the use of specialist consultants for accurate sign language. While some viewers find the CGI textures and lighting a significant step down from the original feature films, the overall technical execution is considered strong for a television series.
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 8 October 2026.