Mad Apple is a popular new animated series that premiered earlier this year. The show features the adventures of two quirky school-aged characters named Zane and Maddie as they explore their offbeat world. With its colorful animation, over-the-top humor, and absurd situations, Mad Apple has quickly become a favorite among kids and tweens. However, some parents have questioned whether the show’s content makes it appropriate for young audiences.
What is Mad Apple about?
Mad Apple follows best friends Zane and Maddie, two imaginative 12-year-olds with big personalities. Zane is laidback and loves music, while Maddie is excitable, mischievous, and obsessed with space, sci-fi, and conspiracy theories. In each 11-minute episode, the duo find themselves in wacky scenarios that involve anything from time travel to crazed robots to mythical creatures come to life.
The show is fast-paced, oozing with whimsy, and never takes itself too seriously. It’s packed with absurdist humor, silly dialogue, and trippy imagery. The characters often break into humorous songs and never seem fazed by the strange occurrences around them. At its core, Mad Apple is about embracing imagination, weirdness, and finding adventure in everyday life.
What content might concern parents?
While Mad Apple is undeniably amusing and creative, some parents have voiced valid concerns over its suitability for young kids. Here are a few elements of the show’s content that parents should be aware of:
- Frequent potty humor – Jokes about bodily functions like burping, farting, and poop are very common.
- Comic violence/peril – The characters endure slapstick violence, including getting squashed, blown up, or electrocuted. These scenes are played for laughs.
- Mischief – The main characters Zane and Maddie frequently get into trouble and disobey authority figures.
- Fantasy peril – The characters deal with menacing (though silly) monsters, robots, and supernatural threats.
- Mature themes – Occasionally the show touches on more mature themes like dystopian futures or the characters’ personal anxieties.
Though it’s all done in a lighthearted, unrealistic manner, some parents may find the show’s darker or edgier elements inappropriate for their youngest kids. The show’s tone is heavy on absurdism, sarcasm, and anti-authority humor, which may go over the heads of very young viewers.
Is the content age-appropriate?
Determining age-appropriateness is subjective, but here are some general guidelines to Mad Apple’s content by age group:
Age Group | Appropriateness |
---|---|
Under 6 | Not appropriate – Fantastical elements and mild peril may frighten some. Humor will likely go over their heads. |
7-8 | Use caution – Parents should preview show and watch together. May need to explain some humor. |
9-11 | Likely appropriate – The target audience that will best appreciate humor and content. |
12+ | Appropriate – Older tweens and teens will understand more satirical, mature elements. |
Generally, because of its quick pace, absurdity, and mature sense of humor, the show is best suited for older elementary school kids, ‘tweens, and young teens. Younger elementary school kids will probably find it confusing or upsetting.
Positive messages for kids
While Mad Apple is irreverent, it does convey some positive themes that parents may appreciate:
- Creativity and imagination – The show celebrates out-of-the-box thinking and creative problem solving.
- Individuality – Zane and Maddie embrace their quirks and interests without caring about fitting in.
- Friendship – The two friends have an unbreakable, supportive bond.
- Curiosity – The characters are always curious and eager for new adventures.
- Cleverness – Zane and Maddie exercise intellectual cleverness and resourcefulness to get out of jams.
Parents may appreciate the show’s ultimate message that creativity, brains, and being yourself are more valuable than conformity. These themes can spur discussions about expressing individuality, thinking outside the box, and using imagination.
Is Mad Apple right for your kid?
As with any show, parents should consider their child’s maturity level and sensitivities. Here are some final thoughts on deciding if Mad Apple is a good fit for your family:
- Preview the show yourself before letting kids watch so you know what to expect.
- Watch together and be ready to pause and discuss any concerning content.
- Set clear expectations about imitating any mischievous behaviors.
- Talk about examples of positive messaging like friendship and creativity.
- For sensitive kids, point out that perilous scenes are imaginary and played for humor.
- Focus viewing on older elementary and tween ages that will best comprehend the humor.
- Look up content advisories and parental ratings for each episode for clues on content.
While Mad Apple may not be right for every family, the show can spark meaningful discussions about responsible creative expression. With the right context, it can be a fun, imagination-fueling show for older kids and families.
Conclusion
Mad Apple features some content that may be inappropriate for very young viewers, especially for kids under 7. Parents of elementary school ages should thoroughly preview the show first to determine if its offbeat, sarcastic humor and energetic peril and mischief align with their family’s values. With the right context, the show can be appreciated by its target ‘tween and young teen demographics who will best comprehend the satire and imaginative spirit behind the absurdist humor. For these older kids, Mad Apple can be a fun conversation starter about creativity, individuality, and using your imagination to solve problems. But it’s ultimately up to each parent to decide if the show’s irreverent tone and comical mishaps are right for their developing child.