Poster for Franklin

Franklin (1997) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Franklin is an Canadian educational animated television series, based on the Franklin the Turtle books by Brenda Clark and Paulette Bourgeois. The television series was named after its main character, Franklin the Turtle. It was produced by PolyGram Television, Alphanim, LuxAnimation, Nelvana, Neurones Enterprises, Reader's Digest for Young Families, TF1, Funbag Animation Studios, Europool, Mini TFO, and Family Channel, and syndicated by Summit Entertainment.

TV-Y • 1997 • 6 seasons

6.7
100+
Average rating by Bontent members
Sign up for full access
Age
8+

Franklin is a gentle, educational animated series based on the classic children's books, perfect for preschoolers and early elementary viewers. The show's TV-Y rating accurately reflects its content, which is entirely free of violence, inappropriate language, sexual content, and substance use. Instead, each episode focuses on a common childhood dilemma Franklin must navigate, such as being afraid of the dark, learning to share, or… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Richard Newman
Richard Newman
CC
Cole Caplan
MM
Marc McMulkin
Elizabeth Saunders
Elizabeth Saunders
Leah Renee
Leah Renee
Bryn McAuley
Bryn McAuley
Janet-Laine Green
Janet-Laine Green
Vivien Endicott Douglas
Vivien Endicott Douglas
Sign up to get 40,000+ Bontent parent guides
Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is Franklin appropriate for kids?

Franklin is a gentle, educational animated series based on the classic children's books, perfect for preschoolers and early elementary viewers. The show's TV-Y rating accurately reflects its content, which is entirely free of violence, inappropriate language, sexual content, and… Read more — free account

Content severity in Franklin Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances None 0/10
Language Mild 2/10
Sex/Nudity None 0/10
Violence/Gore Mild 2/10
Mature Themes Moderate 4/10

Sex and nudity in Franklin

Sex and nudity are entirely absent from this season. There is no romantic or sexual content, nor any innuendo, as the series focuses exclusively on platonic friendships and family dynamics. Characters are always fully clothed, and the tone remains strictly juvenile and wholesome.

Violence and gore in Franklin

Violence is absent. Moments of mild peril or conflict, such as a rough play (in 'Franklin and Wolvie') or a minor injury (like a cracked shell in 'Franklin's Advice'), are brief and quickly resolved without any graphic depiction or lasting harm. These instances serve as plot devices for lessons rather than intense action.

Language in Franklin

No profanity or coarse language is present. Dialogue is always mild and appropriate for young children, focusing on polite interactions and expressing feelings in a constructive way. In "Franklin's Word," Harriet repeats a 'hurtful word' she heard, but the word itself is never spoken and the episode clearly frames it as inappropriate.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Franklin

There is no use of illegal substances or references to alcohol and drugs in this program. The dialogue is educational and polite, focusing on resolving childhood conflicts through clear communication. The characters speak in a respectful manner appropriate for preschoolers, with no mature themes present.

Mature themes in Franklin

Themes include learning to compromise ("Franklin's Visitor"), dealing with guilt after making a mistake ("Franklin and the Broken Globe", "Franklin's Library Book"), understanding the value of homemade gifts ("Franklin's Gift"), and the importance of honesty and apologies ("Franklin Says Sorry", "Franklin's Test").Franklin also explores themes of growing up, responsibility, and overcoming boredom. These themes are handled gently and are always resolved positively with clear moral lessons.

Scary moments in Franklin

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Franklin yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

Bontent Member Reviews

Register for free to join the conversation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Franklin appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Franklin is best for ages 8+. It's rated TV-Y. Franklin is a gentle, educational animated series based on the classic children's books, perfect for preschoolers and early elementary viewers. The show's TV-Y rating accurately reflects its content, which is entirely…

What age rating does Franklin have?

Franklin is rated TV-Y. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 8+.

What is Franklin about?

Franklin is a gentle, educational animated series based on the classic children's books, perfect for preschoolers and early elementary viewers. The show's TV-Y rating accurately reflects its content, which is entirely free of violence, inappropriate language, sexual content, and substance use. Instead, each episode…

How many seasons does Franklin have?

Franklin has 6 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in Franklin?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Franklin.

How violent is Franklin?

Violence isn't a standout concern across Franklin per our reviewers.

Is the language in Franklin appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Franklin.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Franklin?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Franklin.

What mature themes appear in Franklin?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Franklin.

Where can I read the full Franklin parent guide?

Create a free Bontent account to unlock season-by-season notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your watchlist.

Sign up for access to 40,000+ parent guides.