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Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks TV Review

Common Sense Media Review

age 7+

CGI update has mayhem, laughs, and some edginess.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 7+?

Any Positive Content?

Where to Watch

age 9+

Based on 34 parent reviews

June 21, 2023

age 12+

Unacceptable language and stereotypes

I let my kids watch because I assumed it was as harmless as the original. Big mistake. After 2 weeks of watching my angels start being rude to me and each other, I realized what was happening. This show is not for young children. The words “stupid” and “idiot” are used constantly. Many of the characters show very aggressive behavior that is normalized. “Make love to the camera” is used and my kids repeat it when I get my phone out to take a picture of them. They refer to smart kids as nerds, they talk about being the shortest freshman in the class… it’s insane that this is even allowed to be marketed to young kids.

February 8, 2023

age 13+

Terrible

This show has nothing but a negative effect on one of my students. He comes into class and starts pushing people and throwing paint all over the classroom and makes fun of the special needs class and when I asked why he was doing it he said he got it from this show when it was on Nick Jr. I sat down and watched it and I'm disgusted. This show clearly teaches kids that Bullying, Talking Back, and being Messy is OK. Don't let them watch. Disney offers much more suitable programs for kids.

What's the Story?

ALVINNN!!! AND THE CHIPMUNKS chronicles the antics of three brothers -- Alvin (voiced by Ross Bagdasarian Jr.), Simon (Bagdasarian again), and Theodore (Janice Karman) -- who just happen to be walking, talking chipmunks and singing sensations, making them big stars in their town and school. Led by the self-confident Alvin, the boys get into all kinds of wild adventures that call for scheming, which is Alvin's special talent, and drive their dad, Dave (Bagdasarian), a little crazy! Their escapades usually involve their chipmunk friends Brittany (Karman again), Jeannette (Karman), and Eleanor (Vanessa Chambers) as well.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:

Parents say (34 ):

Kids say (30 ):

CGI gives these classic characters a welcome makeover that bridges the gap between their original animated selves and the versions in the more recent movies that rekindled their fan appeal. Here they're jeans-wearing, high school-attending American teens dealing with teachers, girls, and all the little inconveniences that arise along the way. Their experiences are laughable at times, but in some cases they impart memorable lessons about positive character, even as they come to better appreciate the gifts others have to share.

Of course, no self-respecting Chipmunks production would get far without capitalizing on the characters' distinctive high-pitched voices, and each episode incorporates an original song as well as some more recognizable ones. It's not destined to be a standalone classic, but this update is a respectable addition to the Chipmunks conglomerate.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the recent trend of updating classic shows. Do series such as this one introduce a new generation of viewers to proven characters such as the Chipmunks? Which other vintage shows do you like? Do you think an update would improve those characters, or is it iffy to mess with a classic?

  • Is Alvin ever held accountable for his mischief? How do consequences in shows such as this one compare to what they would be in the real world? Is it always understood that discrepancies such as that are for the sake of entertainment, or could they be misinterpreted as representing the truth?

  • Kids: Do you like the music on this show? Are you tempted to seek it out and buy it now that you've heard it here? How are your buying habits influenced by what you see on TV?

TV Details

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