Maya is a charming and irrepressible heroine who often lets her good intentions run away with her; Miguel thinks before he acts and tends to be quieter and calmer. They make good foils for each other, and both are devoted to their large and loving families and supportive communities. Parents will appreciate the many scenes showing kids and adults interacting together positively.
Positive Messages
some
Teaches kids about other cultures and languages. Themes include communication and empathy.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know Maya & Miguel is well-written, funny, and full of upbeat charm. The program focuses on a set of Spanish language vocabulary words that are repeated throughout the episode. Kids will find the animated twins a delight.
I cannot believe PBS would air this program. This show does not teach Spanish. The show is about a girl named Maya and her brother Miguel who cause trouble for their family and friends. Maya's voice is enough to give you a migraine, and the theme song will get stuck in your head and annoy you. The program does not teach anything at all, it is not educational. If this show must exist, put it on Nickelodeon, not on PBS, where people come to be educated. None of my children like this show.
Animated twins MAYA & MIGUEL introduce viewers to their family, friends, culture, and the Spanish language in this PBS series. In addition to language skills, the show teaches kids about cultural diversity in a fun, engaging way.
The mostly English dialogue in is peppered with Spanish words and phrases in a way that's totally natural, teaching kids about language while keeping them thoroughly entertained. In one episode, for example, cousin Tito, who's learning English, is "nervioso" about trying out for the school play, which is adapted from a Mayan folk tale. With Maya's help, Tito gets through his audition, only to discover that during the production, he's crippled by stage fright without Maya on stage with him to lend support. Maya devises ingenious and humorous ways to get on stage to help her cousin, who eventually discovers that he's found the confidence to perform without Maya's help.
This well-written show doesn't forget the parents who are viewing with their kids. Some things may fly over young viewers' heads, but Maya & Miguel is infused with such heart and good humor that even its youngest fans won't ever feel like they're missing anything.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different cultures and languages presented in Maya & Miguel. Does the show spark an interest in kids to learn more about their own family background?
What do kids think about the importance of family and being a good friend?
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.
