Arthur is a great show for kids that is not only charming, relate- able and fun and taught great morals to watch but also had great characters. Like the ever reliable best friend Buster who had a running gag of eating questionable food, the tom boy Francine who is hinted to be a love interest for Arthur, Binky the on and off again bully, Fern the adorable shy girl and many more. But for every good character on this show there is a bad trait put in to 1 of the worst characters of any show ever DW! DW is annoying, bratty, mean, selfish, loud, snot nosed, whiny, rude, greed and just plain a shot in the foot to the show for having so many episodes with her put in the lead role. For a show called Arthur their sure is a lot of his sister and some episodes really could have been better if they just swapped her out for someone else. Their are good episodes with her in the lead role like the fire drill episode or Bleep. But there are the bad ones like the one where she gets an allowance but is jealous that her friends get more and does some pompous bull crap to trick her parents into giving her more or one of the episodes I hate the most, "Never, Never, Never" where she has to donate toys she doesn't play with anymore but obviously she doesn't want to get rid of them, so you know what she dose, she gives legit all her toys to the tibble twins and like the brats they are don't give them back and she acts like a brat for the rest of the episode and doesn't really learn anything at the end of episode. Or The episode DW flips she could have been replaced with Sue Ellen or any other girl character. Overall I was just ranting about DW a bad character in a show full of great ones.....but really there should have been less of her.
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It is the only show from my childhood that I still watch from time to time. In spirit it gets a 12/10. It would be the Highest rated on imdb.
Its a great, mature, funny and adventurous show That doesn't mean its a perfect or an A+ show.
What this show does wrong as of 2018. Is the new animation is horrible. Sure it was probably a money issue and some of the newer episodes are still fun to watch but the animation is terrible and choppy.
D.w. hasn't evolved as a character in 20 years. She is still the greedy, bossy, mean little girl that has the anger of a teenage girl on her period. The parents do nothing to discipline D.W. They do maybe once every 60 episodes but it means nothing because usually its at the end of the show so we don't get to see her being punished. (Other than that 1 episode where she was grounded and whining about being selfish.)
Arthur is a great brother to D.w. Arthur sometimes does selfish things but most of the time he sympathizes, apologizes and looks after his sister. D.w.'s response to that is to keep on bugging Arthur and the parents do nothing. It as well seems like Arthur doesn't learn either from always trusting D.W where it always leads to Arthur being fooled.
The Pal-Kate episodes where the babies can talk to the dog and other animals. These episodes are dumb and boring ever since the first time they did a dog, baby episode.
Francine is the 2nd worse character after D.W. because she bosses and teases Arthur and Buster. She Never apologizes then when something happens to Francine, Francine has to be pittied, then we all have to feel sorry for Francine. Francine continuously yells and is mean to others. Why Arthur is still friends with her, I'll never know.
Muffy has gotten worse ever since her debut. She also has parents that don't discipline, teach her about money, morals or at least mention to her to not spend so much money. Muffy is spoiled, selfish, greedy and rude to her friends. She enslaves her darling butler and treats him like a child. How anyone like Buster or Arthur can be friends with a snob like Muffy you must have low self-esteem. Plus Muffy Episodes are usally awful and boring. Its always about her being selfish and ignorant. Its the same formula all the time in Muffy episodes. She learns by the end by the next episode then nothing changes.
D.w, Francine, Muffy are 3 female characters that are portrayed the worse and in many episode we have to turn a blind eye and forget about all the bad things they have done for 20 years to sympathize with them when they are very rotten characters.
Other borderline bad characters that are tolerable are the Tibble Twins and sometimes Binky.
Tibble twins cause a ruckus and the grandmother like D.w's parents and Muffy's don't discipline their children.
Binky is a strange one. He is the school bully and also hangs around Arthur and his friends. Its so silly and makes no sense when you think about it. He picks on George and George allows the abuse and he doesn't fight back which is sad. I feel THIS SHOW promoted Bullying to a degree. Binky bullies Geoge then by the next episode George is friending up Binky.
I wish we got to see more character development from other children and adults in the show like Arthur parents, Francines Parents and many other students of the school like Gina. Some characters are seen in 1 or 3 episodes then they disappear or are only cameoed in the back like Arthurs cousin.
What's good about the show.
That its not your typical children show. They touch base on a lot of sensitive issues and pop culture. This show has jokes only adults can understand. The characters mesh together real well and you can have a great laugh and many episodes make you think.
The animation before it went choppy was superb for its time. The singing episodes are fabulous. The weird characters like mr. ratburn, the male music teacher and the community garden guy make a huge impact on the children and the viewers. They are the most meaningful characters (Gardener and music teacher are only seen in a couple episodes, which is sad).
At times Mr. Ratburn is used for comedy but overall he cares about his students and has a lot of knowledge.
As I conclude. Arthur is a great show. but due to Bad characters, character contradictions, character development this show gets a 6. (5.8 if I could). D.W. Muffy, Francine, the Pal-Kate episodes really hurt this show for me.
I've spent over 20 years watching Arthur and I recommend this show to all. -
gamertoy24 September 2018I loved this show when it came out! Their first 17 season were solid! But after they changed the animation which I don't like Arthur slowly went downhill! They air too much new ones and less old ones on pbs kids!
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david-34510 February 2000A recent article in (I believe) USA Today named a critic's picks for top shows of the 1990s. As someone who despises mainstream movies and television, I laughed at every show picked. With the notable exception of one. "Arthur." Now there was a show the critic and I could agree on. Arthur features more intelligence, wit, humour and maturity than just about anything else out there and that includes prime time shows. Arthur is a rare children's series that can be enjoyed by both children and adults and truer words were never spoken. Arthur is not "dumbed down" in any way. It refuses to treat it's young audience with anything but respect for their intelligence and feelings. Problems are dealt with in a realistic manner and each of the characters has a distinct personality and come from diverse backgrounds. This is shown in several stories that do not focus on Arthur and his sister, DW (she steals the show by the way) but the supporting cast like Buster, Muffy and my favorite character, the tomboy Francine. Muffy is a rich priss, Francine and her family come from a working class background, the gluttonous Buster's parents are divorced, Sue Ellen and her family have travelled the world and the perceived bully, Binky Barnes, is anything but. The producers need to be commended in their effort to make every character a seperate individual and to give them stories in which they can shine.
I'm 28 and cannot miss an episode of this series. Arthur proves that children's shows can (and should) "grow up." TV wouldn't be such a vast wasteland if more shows (for children and grown ups) would take a lesson from Arthur. It really is "that good." -
PiperGilmore055 November 2005I am 19 years old and I still watch Arthur. This show is a very good series chock full of important life lessons. In each episode, there is a problem that the kids have to deal with that does actually happen in real life. Sometimes, the problems cannot be solved at the end of the show and the writers don't try to solve them. I think this is important as in real life not all problems can be solved. Arthur sets the bar for what children's television should be. It is a show that teaches about friendship, family, love, dealing with bullies, siblings, responsibility, growing up, and even death with grace and style. It's topics are very relevant in our society today. Arthur has been a hit in my family for years and will continue to be for many more to come. Based upon Marc Brown's popular Arthur Adventure series, Arthur is a class-A hit for all ages!
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LBell4902 January 2007Growing up I always really enjoyed this show. My brother, sister, and I would rush home from school and watch it. It always kept my attention. In fact as a child I would say it was one of my favorite shows. I had the books, the movies, and I made sure to catch every episode on TV. However, now that I am older I see some of the flaws kids tend not to pick up on. The children throughout the years tend to be very bossy. They have an it's my way or the highway type attitude. So before letting your children watch this show I would recommend you watch it first and decide whether or not you are comfortable with the children's attitudes.
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benaboo2 April 2018This show is up there with Little Bear, Franklin, Sesame Street, and Veggie Tales as one of my all time favorite kids show. I love most of the characters. There are a lot of classic episodes such as Arthur's Eyes, Locked In The Library, Arthur's Family Vacation, Grandpa Dave's Old Country Farm, The Chips Are Down, The Cave, Best Of The Nest, as well as the special Arthur, It's Only Rock and Roll and many more. And there are some not so great episodes like So Funny I Forgot To Laugh, You Are Arthur, and the one I stopped watching after five minutes Vomitrocious. I would say that after Season 15 the show became a lot less great but there are still great episodes such as Lend Me Your Ear. I mean come on it's awesome seeing Mr. Ratburn play a Nirvana like song. This show does have problems but like some other children's shows it holds a special place in my heart and I still like to watch it but mostly the older episodes.
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hdoerr-0210812 January 2024I watched the Arthur show while growing up, and it was a good experience. The show targets kids, but I found it quite entertaining as an adult. The characters are relatable and funny, and the storylines are engaging and well-written. The animation is also top-notch, with vibrant colors and smooth movements.
While there were a few episodes that didn't capture my attention, the majority of them were enjoyable and kept me entertained throughout. I especially appreciated how the show tackles important issues such as diversity, friendship, and bullying in an approachable way for children.
Overall, the Arthur show is a solid 7 out of 10 stars. It's an excellent option for kids to watch and learn essential life lessons through the adventures of Arthur and his friends. -
I like the books, but I love the show. It is one of the rare instances where the show is better than the books. At 18, I loved the show when it first aired and I still love to watch it now. It teaches simple important life lessons, but it is also very funny and endearing as well with an original concept. The animation is wonderful, very bright, fluid and colourful, and the music is delightful with a catchy theme song. The dialogue is amusing and touching and the story lines are always interesting and told in a way that appeals to both kids and adults. And the characters are wonderfully engaging, studious Arthur, obnoxious DW, caring Francine, endearing Binky, loyal Buster and teacher Mr Ratburn all to name a few, and the voice actors do really well to convey these characters and their unique personality traits. Overall, a wonderful show for everybody! 10/10 Bethany Cox
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studioAT5 September 2010Arthur seems to have been going on forever and it continues to entertain new generations of children who weren't even born when the series started.
The series remains as charming as ever with the stories having the same heart and humour that it always had. Despite various cast changes the show goes on and continues to be fun and educational at the same time which is a crucial mix in kids TV.
Although I think the early series' were strongest the standard is still high and I look forward to seeing the show continue to be loved for many years to come. -
grantmangec12 August 2020Unfortunately I cannot recommend Arthur due to it being propagandized as exposed by Brandon Tatum and Anthony Brian Logan. Disturbing.
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arielsiere9 March 2022Great job Pbs Kids you had done the right thing the longest running cartoon until 2022 too bad it got cancelled this year i hope this show gets a reboot have a great time arthur you can do it better.
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alex992010 July 2023This cartoon show is very badly drawn and the most terrible characters and plots in an episode I have ever seen. Really it hurts my eyes to see how badly the characters are drawn. The title character what is supposed to be? Arthur sure doesnt look like an aardvark, thats not how aardvarks are supposed to look like. And years have passed without knowing what animal he represents until I found out he is an aardvark. All the characters are drawn pretty bad. I dont know if Prunella is a rat or a dog. And the characters are obnoxious, stupid and innacurate. Thats not how 8 years old kids are in the real life. The Christmas episode in this series is the worst holiday special I have ever seen. So boring and so lame. Also in one episode when the kids are being invited to their teacher's wedding, they are surprised to find out that teachers get married too...Seriously? I already knew that when I was five. I would never let my kids watch any episode of Arthur, they would make them very dumb.
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music31013 July 2003This show is so great. it deserves a lot more credit. its a show for all ages. its not just for the little ones, which most people assume. Also, its WAY different than the books. The books are for kids, and the show is for everyone. Which is why i love this show so much! Actually it reminds me of the show doug, a cartoon that aired on nickelodeon a few years ago. I recently found out that doug arthur have the same writer! But arthur is a lot better. I heard that there is gonna be an arthur movie? did any one else hear this?
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cgkosw9226 March 2007I was introduced to the series when i was in my childhood,somewhere in 1998 and i still love the show as much as i did then...my two older sisters were 11 and 14 and were themselves huge fans of the cartoon.adding to the list now is my younger sis who is now about 8.even though i'm a lot older now and both my older sisters are in college we all absolutely love the show!!the characters are simply cool, Buster being my favorite, and the jokes are really funny, innocent and clean..the cartoons are appropriate for any and every age and you don't have to feel awkward or bored or anything during the show.they are a 100% better than the crap we get from cartoon network and stuff...every time an episode gets over there is a big smile on my face(because i enjoyed it and not because it got over) and i'll be eagerly waiting for the next one...i assure you that i loved the show, i still love it and i'll certainly keep loving it....
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Arthur is my Favorite show I have Ever watched my good old elementary days as a younger kid. and It's been on PBS since 1996! Thank you so Much Marc Brown! I Love this show! and D.W. is still Annoying I Don't Like Her! and NEVER WILL!! but Buster is still the likable funny character and Binky can still be a Bully but Likeable good character too. Brain is a Boy Genius! and Francine is still into Sports and a Tomboy. Muffy still a rich spoiled brat. and Finally that one Rabbit girl Maria finally talks now and her problem was She has a stuttering problem. They finally gave her a chance to talk now. and the rest of the characters are Great Mr. Ratburn turns out to be Gay now but Still being the best as a Teacher.
oh Whatever! Still I'm an Arthur fan! Love Arthur! til the day i die! -
This January I been recently watching Arthur again & I still Love it. Its has Great Characters and I still love the Theme Song and messages but I will admit D. W. can be little annoying as an adult but I still love this show also April 9th is great episode:) 10/10 Review Updated on September 3, 2021 Arthur is ending next Year & its been on for 25 Years Now. R. I. P. Arthur (1996-2022)
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guidessuperyoshi25 March 2020Many refrences to adult cartoons and many adult refrences, this is some cartoon like the The Simpsons where it is for kids and sometimes it is not.
Refrences South Park and LGBTQ. -
Hollywood_Yoda26 September 2018Arthur is probably the best show that PBS has offered on its network in the last 30 years. It's right up there with Sesame Street and Mister Rogers Neighborhood. The only difference is that Arthur is entirely animated.
Fun for the entire family too, the stories originate from the children's books by Marc Brown. Each episode is a learning experience for the viewer, dealing with almost every sort of subject; from chicken pox to bullying to a new baby and even religion.
One of the best episodes was when Fred Rogers guest starred. The show still seems to be going strong after more than 20 years, which is great for PBS. If you enjoy Arthur, be sure to check out the Christmas special. -
Arthur's Parents: Jane and David were mean, silky, domestically violent, and abusive. They just punish Arthur and DW whenever their mood strikes them, like confining TV for a week, shaming, jailing to their rooms for 10 minutes or more, time-outs, unrelated logical consequences, and bribing. That's why DW became a bossy boots girl, and that's also why Arthur and DW don't get along sometimes! Couldn't Jane and David try unconditional methods, like modeling, time-in, natural consequences - the Judy Arnall way, explanation, hugs, guidance, counseling, showing examples and gentle firmness? They also letted Baby Kate cry it out for her diaper change whenever Jane is sick. So abusive! Arthur and DW only misbehave for attention, their needs not being met and love, not punishment! Everyone knows punishment means to bully, humiliate, discourage, and suffer, while discipline means to teach, model, and guide. They also send Arthur and DW to school. That's crazy! Shouldn't they try homeschooling, sending them to a Waldorf or Montessori based school or sending them to a democratic Sudbury school instead? DW's preschool teacher also supports nasty time-outs, which is considered emotional abuse. Mr. Ratburn also gives out too much unbelievable homework which comes from his giant homework machine that's in his brain. Disgusting! Mr. Ratburn is really toughest, meanest, and scariest teacher in the whole history of the world! Shouldn't Jane and David chose Mrs. Sweetwater or Mrs. Fink instead? Jane, David, Mrs. Morgan, Mr. Ratburn, and the other adults in Elwood City do not understand child psychology, plus they don't even know emotions are not bad behavior. Jane also discouraged DW for horse back riding because all she ever thinks is that DW is too young and she could have gotten hurt.
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music31023 June 2004This show gives off such a great message of friendship. Even though all the characters are so lovable, they each have their own unique flaws. Like how Arthur complains about D.W all the time or like when Muffy gets her snobby attitudes. Also when Francine gets competitive, and the brain brags about his I.Q. Then there's also how Binky can be a bully and how Fern isn't very social. Well, anyway, back to my point: They're all friends even though none of them are perfect, which is one of the main reasons why I love this show so much. Its not like one of those perfect, happy all the time "kiddy shows". This show represents life's imperfections and how to deal with them. Arthur and his friends have so much fun together because they except each other for who they are, which i think is definitely a message kids should learn early in their lives. Does anyone agree/disagree with me?
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stephenchase-6350413 February 2021The greatest guest voice is Fred McFeely Rogers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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FilmBuff04098 May 2019This show takes me back to my childhood. Great for kids and adults alike.
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ultrarobbie-127 April 2010THE FOLLOWING REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE SHOW FOR YOURSELF, OR DO NOT WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SHOW, OR THE WAY CHARACTERS ARE, PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW.
This is without doubt one of THE best cartoons ever made. It's original, creative, and never fails to make you think, educate you, or make you laugh.
The characters: Each character has a distinct personality, whether they are clumsy, intelligent, kind, boastful or mean etc. Not a single character is repetitive including Timmy and Tommy, who are both annoying twins yet are both different in ways of personality. The characters are realistic by personality, shape and size, and by races, even if they are animals.
The plot: The show revolves around a kid named Arthur who has a Mum, Dad, and two younger sisters D.W and Kate. The episodes involving the family, and friends are all realistic, showing what we would easily come across in real life, and how it relates to us in the real world. It's an Animal-Human take on real life.
How it's drawn: Arthur is a cartoon. And a very well done one at that. The show uses proper animation. All characters and objects in the world of Arthur are realistically drawn, showing proper shading, and details within the objects. Everything is drawn properly with great smooth animation.
Originality: The show is original. You won't find a show with talking animals involving realistic episodes as good as this one. The animation style is unique and well drawn and really pulls you into the world of Arthur.
Seasons: It does seem the show isn't as great as it used to be. The style is noticeably done by computer nowadays, and it lacks the effect it used to have on people. People have also complained about the voice changes which I have noticed too, and they definitely aren't as good as they used to be.
Conclusion: If you haven't seen this show before... you have missed out A LOT. Get this on DVD, catch it on TV whatever, just see this show. It's fun to watch, and you might learn something you thought you'd never know.
I give this incredible cartoon a rating of 9.4/10 -
heywhatsupilikepie-147462 September 2016The animation sucks, the voicing sucks, the character development sucks, the plot sucks, the idea sucks, the fact that it was re-aired sucks. Everything about this show sucks! Oh my God. Why do people like it? First off... The animating is terrible. It looks like a four year old drew those graphics. Second of all... What was going on? The show doesn't follow a plot so yeah. Third of all, the theme song. It makes you want to blow up like Cailou's theme song. And finally... The reviews. Why do people like it, you ask? Well, it's because they are drunk. The theme song is nothing like the good PBS show theme songs (such as Liberty's Kids, Square one Television and the like), it's more like on the Cailou & Barney level. So yeah, my review. Thanks for taking a peek at it and have a good day.