Fantastic reboot beats original, with extra energy and fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
very little
Dora and her friends explore a fantastical forest where they find a few creatures that may look scary at first, but Dora is quick on her feet and shows there's nothing to fear. Characters scream in excitement as they fly on a dragon, ride on a jaguar, ski on tree leaves, or swing on vines.
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Series is based on the established franchise Dora, The Explorer, which has licensed lines of toys, books, games, clothes, stationery, and more.
Educational Value
some
Characters speak words and phrases in Spanish, often translating them to English and encouraging viewers to repeat them out loud. Dora also asks questions to help viewers remember and test what they've learned. Songs often encourage movement, which is good for developing motor coordination.
Positive Role Models
some
Dora is energetic, kind, and so helpful. She's always positive and rarely gets discouraged, even when things go wrong. She also knows when to ask for help and is eager to collaborate with her friends.
Positive Messages
some
Stories demonstrate that it's OK to keep trying and it's fun to help others. Helping can be a lot of fun! Cooperation and working together with friends make us stronger.
Diverse Representations
some
Offers basic cultural exposure to pan-Latino culture through language, family dynamics, music, folklore, and food. Most voice actors and writers on the show are Latino.
Parents need to know that Dora is the reboot of Nickelodeon's beloved show Dora, The Explorer, with CGI versions of familiar settings and characters. It looks similar enough not to jar fans, with a few adjustments to improve pacing and storytelling. Episodes now run for just 11 minutes and focus on character-driven stories, and characters have more detail in terms of both visuals and personalities. While Dora (voiced by Diana Zermeno) and Boots (Asher Colton Spence) sometimes stumble on spooky situations in the forest, they learn to overcome fear and make wise decisions. Expect some exciting moments, like flying on a dragon or riding on a jaguar, but it's all for fun, and characters are never in real danger. Always positive and unafraid to try, Dora is eager to help her friends and family members with various tasks while they explore the fantastical forest. The show promotes important themes such as persistence and compassion, as well as exposure to the Spanish language and celebrating Latino heritage. It incorporates Latino culture into its architecture, food, and folklore.
This t v show sucks don't watch it go back and see the original dora. This TV show is a eyesight hazard for children. You don't learn as much in the new Dora. Than the old one, my baby still hasn't even learned how to say hola from the new one, and the original should know how to count to 3.
Very interesting. Even on our local Nick Jr. station in Latam (operated from Europe) is airin' soon. My niece will be watchin' even on the original language. My nephew grews up with the original series, so me and him we recommend this programme for our daily basis. Even at 4, is learning new words and skills at the preschool in northern Chile. We are delighted to be part of the Hispanic culture, even as a descendant of Croatian citizens who came to northern Chile in 1920. Now I'm the 3rd generation and my niece is the 5th. As a uncle, I will be there. We will be watchin'.
What's the Story?
DORA follows the adventures of Dora (voiced by Diana Zermeno), a kindhearted, bilingual Latina girl, and her best friend, the monkey Boots (Asher Colton Spence). Whenever a friend or family member needs help, Dora and Boots are ready to explore the fantastic forest where many animal species—real and folklore—live. With the help of Map (Marc Weiner) to find their way and Backpack (Sasha Toro), who carries their gadgets, the kids save the day and celebrate: super bien!
It's not often that a reboot makes a series better, but this new CGI adaptation manages it in half the time. The new Dora is more exciting, has better stories, and embraces Latino culture even more than before. While there's room to improve in naming specific ethnicities, the changes have freshened up the series for a new audience. Still, kids who love the original will not be disappointed; they'll get to reconnect and meet up with all old friends like Map, Backpack, Tico, Benny, Isa, and even Swiper. Dora, The Explorermade a cultural impact, but sometimes it felt slow, especially when waiting for Dora to talk to the audience. Now, the wait time is shorter, and the reaction seems more appropriate, allowing young kids to feel like they're part of the story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the representation of Latinos in Dora. What are some words you learned on the show? Have you ever heard them said by other people in your life?
Boots and Dora are best friends and are always together, but they have different personalities and abilities. What are some things Boots can do that Dora can't? What does Dora teach Boots?
In each episode, Dora is eager to help a friend or family member. Do you also enjoy helping people? Talk about the nice feelings you get from helping.
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.