Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby , based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 7+
CGI series has some violence, but also fun and friendship.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
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Violence & Scariness
a little
Explosions, blasters, bombs, and flying objects never result in lasting injury. Robots are dismembered. Some hand-to-hand fighting.
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Language
very little
Name-calling like "stupid," "loser," "whackjob," and "eggface."
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Products & Purchases
very little
The show joins an extensive franchise of other series, movies, and multiple videogames.
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Sex, Romance & Nudity
none
A character's crush on Sonic is played for laughs.
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Positive Messages
a little
Conflict usually leads to violence, but the characters also show they're able to set aside their differences and work together when it's beneficial, and revenge is not a motivation. Even so, negative behavior yields few consequences for anyone. Among the heroes, each character's special ability (strength, speed, invention, etc.) plays an important role. Friendship is a binding force, and teamwork is important.
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Positive Role Models
very little
Dr. Eggman plays the aggressor, creating conflict through sabotage or trickery. Sonic and his friends respond with force but usually back down as tensions ease.
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Educational Value
none
The show intends to entertain rather than to educate.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Sonic Boom is a CGI series that adds another chapter to the fast-paced antics of Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends. As in the four previous shows inspired by the videogame character, violence (blasters, explosions, and bombs, mostly) is the main issue for parents, but the show's humor keeps the mood light even in these scenes. Kids will hear some name-calling ("loser," "stupid," "whackjob"), and there's an ongoing struggle between Sonic's gang and a villain who tries to upend their cohesiveness for his own gain. On the other hand, friendship and teamwork are recurring themes.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sonic Boom
Parent and Kid Reviews
See all
- Parents say (13)
- Kids say (36)
age 6+
Based on 13 parent reviews
Alexis H. Adult
January 31, 2023
age 8+
A poor excuse for a children's show
This show was very disappointing especially because my daughter really enjoys the sonic movies. Sonic is temperamental and portrays a man with very toxic masculinity. The girls are referred to as "broads" and other demeaning terms that is not sending a good message. This show lacks educational value and uses the vocabulary of a 6 year old. Terms like "loser" and "butthead" are used commonly. I sat down with her to watch the first episode and everything seemed fine but as the show went on there were a few concerns.
Crystian I. Adult
January 4, 2024
age 12+
Its awful
This show is terrible. It contains sexism, bullying, and name calling. It is hard to listen to, and it breaks my soul that someone would produce this for kids. This is not an example of how the future generations should act. Whew.
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See all 13 parent reviews
What's the Story?
SONIC BOOM follows the misadventures of the videogame-inspired blue hedgehog and his friends as they thwart the evil plots of their nemesis, Dr. Eggman (voiced by Mike Pollock) and his robot underlings, in their jungle home. Between fending off the scheming villain's plans and managing relationships within their own group, Sonic (Roger Craig Smith), Tails (Colleen Villard), Knuckles (Travis Willingham), Amy (Cindy Robinson), and Sticks (Nika Futterman) always have plenty to keep them busy.
Is It Any Good?
Our review:
Parents say (13):
Kids say (36):
Sonic Boom is the first series based on the '90s videogame character to be cast in CGI. The change is a welcome one, bringing new vibrancy to this energetic bunch and giving the show a more modern feel than its predecessors enjoyed. This makes it all the more appealing for kids, who will see the humor in the posturing between the protagonists and antagonist as well as the dialogue's rapid-fire quips. The fact that the characters are endearingly quirky doesn't hurt, either.
While this series doesn't break any new ground in its content or the messages it sends kids, it offsets its violence with a sympathetic villain who's more concerned with his own gain than he is bent on harming anyone. As many scenes show lighthearted exchanges between Dr. Eggman and Sonic, it's hard to get too worried over those that include the videogame-style explosions and other scuffles. Ultimately the show's intent is for viewers to have fun watching it, and that they're sure to do.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Sonic and his friends. What unites them? In what ways is each character unique? What differences do your kids most appreciate in their own friends?
Kids: Were you familiar with Sonic's character before this show? If so, did that make you want to watch? Do TV shows and commercials influence what you like? Why is it fun to have clothes or accessories with pictures of characters on them?
What are some of your kids' go-to shows and movies? What, if anything, do they learn from them? What rules does your family have about screen time? What screen-free activities do you enjoy together?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 8, 2014
- Cast: Roger Craig Smith, Mike Pollock, Cindy Robinson
- Network: Cartoon Network
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Adventures, Robots
- TV rating: TV-Y7-FV
- Last updated: March 17, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
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.
Sonic Boom
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