Parents' Guide to

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

TV PBS Educational 1968
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Emily Ashby By Emily Ashby , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 3+

Classic series gently promotes social skills, imagination.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 3+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Mister Rogers' Neighborhood TV Show: Scene #1
  • Mister Rogers' Neighborhood TV Show: Scene #2
  • Mister Rogers' Neighborhood TV Show: Scene #3
  • Mister Rogers' Neighborhood TV Show: Scene #4

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 3+

Based on 11 parent reviews

barneyhater
barneyhater Adult
November 30, 2014
age 2+

IMPRESSIVE

so much good messegagesand rolemodels
Lowe's man
Lowe's man Adult
March 30, 2014
age 2+

much to be gained

If you haven't seen MISTER ROGERS'S NEIGHBORHOOD in ages, it's easy to forget how educational the show is. Mister Rogers and his neighbors and guests show how things are made, what they're used for, etc. The field trips are interesting as well, as they show kids (and adults) places that they otherwise might not see. Mister Rogers also tells his audience that their emotions are ok, that it's their behavior that they need to watch (a message we all occasionally need to hear). The Neighborhood of Make-Believe also does a good job at reinforcing the messages of the day's show, and with a story and characters that kids can relate to and understand. But the best part of the show, at least from my perspective as an adult, is that a job is a job. For example, Mister Rogers doesn't put his doctor on top, Mr. McFeely farther down, his garbage collector on the bottom, etc. In Mister Rogers's Neighborhood, all jobs are important in their own way. This is something we all sometimes need to be reminded of. There are many good things about this show. And if any of you ever go near Latrobe, PA, be sure to stop at the Mister Rogers Visitors Center.
See all 11 parent reviews

What's the Story?

MISTER ROGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD is a long-running preschool series that stars Fred Rogers as the titular host who opens his doors to his TV audience and invites them to share in his daily experiences in and around his neighborhood. Rogers uses songs, visits with friends, field trips to factories and local events, and everyday tasks like caring for his goldfish to teach kids important life lessons in responsibility, overcoming fears, and respecting differences. A regular segment of the show also transports kids -- via a bright red Trolley -- from Rogers' living room to an imaginary place called the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, where puppet characters like King Friday XIII, Henrietta Pussycat, and Lady Elaine Fairchilde (all voiced by Rogers) interact with human ones and explore a problem related to the episode's theme.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (11 ):
Kids say (29 ):

Since this series' start in 1968, Rogers has invited his viewers to be a part of everything he does, from lacing up his famous sneakers to taking a field trip to the circus, and every aspect of the show encourages curiosity, imagination, and self-expression. Throughout its 30-year run, the show explored nearly every imaginable concern that kids face, including competition, caring for the Earth, and even death, always with Rogers' trademark gentle honesty and in a way that preschoolers will understand.


What makes this series most notable is its adherence to wholesome social mores like loving your neighbor, showing kindness to others, and respecting differences. The show makes a point of including people of various ethnicities and physical abilities, and Rogers' own appreciation for each person's uniqueness set the tone for reminders to not only respect each other, but to truly appreciate the things that make each one special. For a generation of parents who were raised on Mister Rogers Neighborhood, the timeless nature of the show's messages is a great reason to settle in for some quality TV time with your kids.


This program is purposefully slow-paced, precisely because young children need time to digest the information they receive. The topics are big enough to hold interest, while the details of the set, the field trips, and general discourse have been well considered. Mister Rogers isn't afraid to tackle big issues like "What is love?" He discusses divorce, shyness, fear, grandparents, "being so angry you could bite," and being unique. Most of all, Rogers never loses touch with the notion that "We have to remember to whom the airwaves belong, and we must put as great an emphasis on the nurturing of the human personality as we can."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about respect and how Mister Rogers is always respectful on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. What does respect mean? Why is it important to treat other people with respect? How do our differences make us special? What are some of your best qualities?

  • Kids: How does Mister Rogers' neighborhood compare to your own? How do neighbors rely on each other? What jobs are important in a neighborhood? How can you show you care about your neighbors and friends?

  • If you could create a make-believe land, what would it look like? Who would the characters be? What kinds of troubles would they face? How would they overcome them?

  • Mister Rogers teaches many different character strengths on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, especially compassion and curiosity. , and teamwork. How does he demonstrate communication, empathy, and gratitude? What about courage, and perseverance? Can you think of anyone who shows humility, integrity, or self-control? Why are these character strengths so important?

TV Details

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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.

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