Ads are featured in every episode. Ads aren't necessarily kid-centered -- there's a reoccurring ad for a law firm.
Violence & Scariness
a little
Wickleson Wickedby, the show's spooky host, introduces and closes each episode with a chilling voice. Includes scary characters, voices, and sounds effects. The Demon King is scary and tries to harm the members of the Spooky Troop. In one episode the Demon King traps the kids in bubbles and sends them into space, telling them they'll be trapped there and stuck having nightmares for the rest of their lives. Several other characters are intentionally mean to others.
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Strong and clear message about underdogs coming out as heroes. Themes of courage, persistence, and teamwork. Examples that good can defeat evil even from unlikely sources.
Educational Value
very little
Positive social-emotional lessons about dealing with scary situations and teamwork.
Positive Role Models
very little
Kids are kind and respectful to each other and family. They demonstrate critical thinking and teamwork through solving problems together. The Demon King is often described in negative terms. Some secondary characters who demonstrate cruel behavior get away with no repercussions. Some key characters have brothers who fit the stereotype of showing bullying behavior toward their sibling. There are more negative role models whose actions go without consequence than positive role models. One adult character tries to be supportive, but several others are portrayed as rude and hurtful to their children. Repeated references to politicians as useless and corrupt.
Diverse Representations
very little
Characters seemingly represent some different backgrounds, which is often portrayed through different types of monsters, but the show is generally lacking in diversity. Kid characters stand out as misfits because they are different from the other members of their families, and don't represent what their cultures expect of them (for example, the Werewolf doesn't like to hunt and the Monster smiles all the time).
Parents need to know that Spooky Troop: The Last Halloween is a scary Halloween-themed podcast series centered around underdogs trying to defeat the evil Demon King. The seven tween main characters of the Spooky Troop demonstrate teamwork, perseverance and courage as they battle their nemesis, the Demon King throughout each episode. This show may be scary for younger listeners with creepy music and sound effects and chilling voices of the Demon King and mysterious host Wickleson Wickedby. More often than not characters demonstrate negative or mean behavior toward others, without consequence. The Demon King is always trying to hurt and destroy the members of the Spooky Troop. While this may be a fun Halloween listen for some kids and families who like not-too-scary entertainment, there are only a few episodes and a few production errors that may be distracting.
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What’s It About?
In SPOOKY TROOP: THE LAST HALLOWEEN, seven tween "misfit monsters born to do good in a wicked world," live in the supernatural "Netherworld". Stewart, the sorcerer and Valerie, the vampire accidentally overhear the evil Demon King's plot to destroy humankind and take over the universe. They're motivated to try to save humans (referred to as the Pitifuls), and gather the rest of their friends together to try to stop the Demon King. The kids face scary and dangerous characters and situations as they try to save humankind. Tense and eerie music add to an overall feeling of spookiness.
The scary voices and soundtrack of this podcast are sure to spook and chill young thrill-seekers. In Spooky Troop: The Last Halloween, the Spooky Troop tweens are up against the evil Demon King, who wants to take the souls out of humans with a magical gem. Though the kids are friendly and relatable, the show lacks a realistic depiction of emotions. A good amount of this podcast relies on stereotypes -- good cop/bad cop parenting teams, painting all politicians as useless and corrupt -- to move the plot line forward. The members of the Spooky Troop are painted as misfits, but are the saving grace of the show as they work together to save humans.
Overall this good-versus-evil podcast falls a little flat in the delivery due to a lack of details and explanations, as well as disappointing adult figures. *Note: it's not possible to hear the second episode of the podcast because the first episode is mistakenly uploaded in its place.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the main characters in Spooky Troop: The Last Halloween use teamwork to overcome obstacles. What are some ways that working with a friend has helped you when you were in a tough situation?
The Spooky Troop shows perseverance when trying to fight against the Demon King in each episode. Why does that turn out to be such an important character strength in this podcast?
What does it mean to be courageous? What do you do to make yourself feel better when you are scared?
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
suggesting a diversity 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.
By Debra Alvarado
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
