Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thomas and his train friends huff and chuff around.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Thomas & Friends
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 34 parent reviews
What's the Story?
In THOMAS & FRIENDS, on the fictional island of Sodor, Thomas the Tank Engine and his other engine friends are kept busy porting loads of steel, food, and passenger cars to meet the demands of their human counterparts. Model engines with expressive faces are the media with which this tale is told, creating a fascinating fictional world that many young viewers will enjoy. By staying true to the single-voice narration, the storybook aspect of the show has been well maintained.
Is It Any Good?
Parents can be assured that this series has educational aspects as well as behavioral modeling. The Thomas the Tank Engine stories were conceived by a young British boy early in the 20th century, who would listen to the trains as they chuffed through the countryside. The stories he told his son -- who has consequently passed them on to his own son -- have been documented in books and toy train models. Since the series was introduced to television viewers in the 1980s, Thomas & Friends has seen a healthy fan base sprout worldwide. Some of the expressions on the train's faces can be a tiny bit creepy, but the intention behind the animation is good, as follows the tradition of a well-told story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role that Thomas and his friends play in the Sodor community in Thomas & Friends. How do they help their community and each other?
Do you think the various train characters enjoy their jobs or not? Why aren't there more female trains?
How do the characters in Thomas & Friends demonstrate perseverance and compassion? Why are those important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 9, 1984
- Cast: Michael Angelis
- Network: PBS
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Adventures , Book Characters , Friendship , Trains
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Perseverance
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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