Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming reboot faithful to '90s cartoon classic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Rugrats
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
What's the Story?
Tommy Pickles and his crew of baby pals return in this 2021 reboot of the classic 1991 Nickelodeon cartoon. Many of the original voice actors reprise their roles. There's loyal friend Tommy (E.G. Daily), constantly-nervous Chuckie (Nancy Cartwright), spunky Susie (Cree Summer), and mischievous twins Lil and Phil (Kath Soucie). Together they go on tons of both real and imagined adventures, like being chased by a T.rex or running away from Grandpa to find the cure that will prevent Chuckie from turning into a worm. Three-year-old Angelica (Cheryl Chase) knows how to manipulate the babies for both her own amusement and to avoid getting into trouble. The babies' possibly neglectful parents are mysteriously absent for much of the shenanigans, but they do appear occasionally for great comedic effect. Several of the parents are voiced by well-known actors like Angelica's ruthless career-driven mother (Anna Chlumsky), Chucky's anxious dad (Tony Hale), and Susie's mom (Nicole Byer). After all that they go through, the babies miraculously make it home safe from their adventures just in time for their naps.
Is It Any Good?
If grown-up 90s kids are worried that this redo will ruin the series, don't be: this CG-animated update to the classic series is fantastic. It feels very vintage Nickelodeon-y: a little bit of grown-up disapproved edginess, a little bit of poopy diaper jokes, and a lot of imagination and heart. Today's kids will enjoy this series with its funny baby characters and the love-to-hate Angelica. While the adventures are fantastical, they do get at the root of many issues real kids face (like honesty, sharing, and friendship).
What's new in 2021? Three dimensional characters give a fresh look to the series, and the updated character designs are superb interpretations of the flat originals. There's lots of current cultural references and jokes meant for adults. A barista calls out an absurdly long coffee order for someone named "Jen Z." who then takes a selfie with the coffee. One plot revolves around Angelica accidentally summoning many women (and one man) to Grandpa's house when playing with his seniors-only dating app. Twins Lil and Phil's mom is now identified as a lesbian character. Kids will love the show on its face value, and grown-ups will enjoy watching along with them: just put on your slap bracelets and neon rollerblades and let the waves of childhood nostalgia wash over you.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Angelica. How does she always end up getting what she wants? Do you think she sets a good example for kids?
What would happen if real-life babies followed the Rugrats' example? Does the show feel scary to you, or does it feel so unrealistic that their adventures are just funny?
Tommy Pickles is always a dependable friend. How does he help Chuckie when he's feeling scared, or sad, or worried?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 27, 2021
- Cast: E.G. Daily , Nancy Cartwright , Cheryl Chase , Cree Summer , Kath Soucie , Nicole Byer , Anna Chlumsky
- Network: Paramount+
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Friendship
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Award: Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated: May 14, 2024
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