The show isn't out to convey any specific constructive messages/take-aways. But you could argue that it promotes creativity with its interesting storylines and characters.
Positive Role Models
very little
Although Mordecai is more levelheaded than Rigby, he always ends up going along with his friend's schemes. Occasional "guest" characters are based on racial/ethnic stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this animated series is pretty edgy for non-Adult Swim Cartoon Network fare. It includes a fair amount of fantasy violence (kicking, punching, throwing, etc.) and some crude humor that isn't age-appropriate for younger tweens. There's also some salty language ("pissed," "screwed," "crap"), and characters are seen drinking beer, sometimes to the point where they act drunk and/or get sick. Occasional secondary characters are based on racial/ethnic stereotypes.
This is proof that CN knows how to make great shows. However, there were a few "no no words" in the show that parental snowflakes keep screaming about in reviews on google, but they've shown a bit worse on the channel, so it's not that big of a deal. But, there is also a bit of gun violence that shows up every blue moon, so it might make a few parents raise an eyebrow. But I watched every episode with my brothers since I was 5, and I can say with confidence, that this program is one of the many shows along with Adventure Time, Steven Universe, and Gumball that make CN worth watching. Thank you, JG Quintel, for giving us 2000's kids a great childhood.
I was around 10/11 when the show first aired and when I watched it, I thought it was hilarious and exciting. I didn’t understand a lot of the adult jokes but that’s what makes it so fun to go back and rewatch when you’re older.
Being born in an age of technology, kids are bound to experience the free realm of the internet and all it’s good, bad, and ugly.
I can assure you, the things your child is exposed to on the internet such as: youtube, twitter, Instagram, tiktok, etc. is 100x worse than some edgy cartoon for kids.
As far as the representation of “drugs” and “alcohol” through “wings” and “soda,” I promise that your child is not understanding these symbols. As a child, you just think they like soda and wings a lot. They’re already goofy characters so them acting in a manner that would be considered “drunk,” is actually seen as normal in the show.
Overall I would recommend this show for kids 10+ but just to avoid complaints I would officially rate it as 12+ 10/10 show.
What's the Story?
REGULAR SHOW is an animated series about a six-foot-tall blue jay named Mordecai (voiced by J.G. Quintel) and a hyperactive raccoon named Rigby (William Salyers). The two friends are groundskeepers at a local park owned by Pops (Sam Marin), who's an eccentric, life-sized lollipop. Moredecai and Rigby try to keep themselves entertained while on the job, often at the expense of co-workers like High Five Ghost (also voiced by Quintel) and a Yeti named Skips (Mark Hamill). As a result, they usually find themselves in some strange situations ... and they always manage to annoy their boss, Benson, a walking, talking gumball machine.
This easygoing series is the brainchild of J.G. Quintel, who based its unique cast of characters on a series of independent short films that he produced while in art school. It's definitely creative, but some of the fantasy violence and mildly crude humor aren't appropriate for younger viewers -- and neither is the characters' drinking. But older viewers who are into creative animation will definitely appreciate the wit featured here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the real-life consequences of some of the behavior shown in this series -- such as the drinking.
What audience do you think this show is aimed at? The Cartoon Network's younger viewers or its Adult Swim fans? Why?
If you were to create an animated series, what kinds of characters would it have? How can you create animated characters without relying on stereotypes to tell their stories?
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 Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
