Classic characters get mechanical in fun STEM series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Products & Purchases
a little
As with many Sesame Street properties, there's lots of tie-in merchandise available to purchase.
Educational Value
a lot
STEM concepts are explored clearly in each episode; subjects include asteroids, outer space, rocks, dust, and more. Characters also learn to make hypotheses and solve problems together.
Positive Messages
a lot
Work together to solve problems best. Communication is key to making things happen and helping others.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Elmo, Cookie, and Abby are lively, quick-thinking, and great communicators when they're stuck with a problem. They know how to pivot when something doesn't work and are always concerned with putting their community first.
Diverse Representations
some
Diverse body types in the animated characters; characters are voiced by White and Black voice actors.
Parents need to know that Sesame Street Mecha Builders is a CGI series about mechanical, or "mecha," versions of puppets Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Abby Cadabby. The characters' personalities remain the same, but they have new skills and physical attributes (a la Inspector Gadget). They help their town by doing things like using a laser cutter to slice an alien space pie and solving problems together. They also learn STEM concepts on their adventures, like what asteroids are, how to make a hypothesis, and collecting data. These superhero-esque bots definitely enter new territory for the franchise, but preschoolers who like a little sci-fi with their Sesame will be thrilled to learn along with fave characters in a fresh format.
Our daughter (almost 4yrs) LOVES this show. She’s outgrown the original Sesame Street, but still loves the characters so this is a perfect show. It’s hard to find a show/movie these days without bullies, or rude language, or something scary. This show is great!.. educational, and fun!
What's the Story?
Mecha Elmo, Mecha Abby, and Mecha Cookie Monster are "mecha," or mechanical, friends with some special robot skills. These skills allow them to solve various problems around Pretty Big City; their communication and teamwork skills also help in keeping their community happy and safe.
Robot versions of Sesame Street characters sounds pretty weird on paper, but this lively series is sure to please action-loving kids. Plus, parents can be reassured that the learning embedded in each episode of Sesame Street Mecha Builders is legit; the characters learn STEM concepts in clear ways. Plus, even though they look a little different, Elmo, Cookie, and Abby remain their lovable selves -- with a few extra skills like the ability to fly, become giant, and produce lasers from their arms.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about building. Why is it fun? What can you learn from making and creating something?
How are Mecha Elmo, Abby, and Cookie different from their usual characters? How do they use their special skills?
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 Polly Conway
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
