Franklin and Friends is a CGI-animated reboot of the beloved Franklin series, bringing fresh adventures to the classic characters created by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark. The show follows Franklin Turtle and his group of animal friends, including Bear, Rabbit, and his younger sister Harriett, as they navigate childhood experiences in their woodland community. Produced by Nelvana, this Canadian children's series maintains the gentle, educational spirit of the original while updating the animation style for contemporary audiences. With Franklin's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Turtle, providing guidance, each episode explores themes of friendship, problem-solving, and growing up through the eyes of these endearing characters. The series aired on Treehouse TV and Nickelodeon, offering young viewers relatable stories that celebrate imagination, cooperation, and the everyday challenges and joys of being a kid.

Where To Watch: Franklin and Friends

Franklin and Friends Reviews From Parents

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Parental Feedback

Franklin and Friends offers a gentle, slow-paced viewing experience designed to feel calm and reassuring for young viewers. The show maintains a lighthearted tone throughout, focusing on everyday childhood situations and simple problem-solving without intense drama or conflict. Parents can expect straightforward storytelling with clear emotional beats and a consistent emphasis on friendship and family values, making it an easy choice for quiet viewing time.

Why Kids Should Watch Franklin and Friends

This CGI-animated series provides several developmental benefits for preschool-aged children.

The show models positive social interactions through Franklin Turtle and his circle of friends, including Bear, Rabbit, and his younger sister Harriett. Each episode demonstrates how young characters navigate common childhood challenges with patience and kindness.

The animation style is bright and approachable, making it visually engaging without overwhelming sensory input. The 15-minute runtime per episode is perfectly suited to younger attention spans and allows for manageable viewing sessions.

Franklin's family dynamics, particularly his relationship with Mrs. Turtle, showcase supportive parenting and open communication. Children see examples of asking for help and talking through problems with trusted adults.

The comedy elements are age-appropriate and accessible, relying on situational humor and character interactions rather than slapstick or mean-spirited jokes. This creates an environment where laughter comes from relatable moments rather than embarrassment or conflict.

Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Franklin and Friends

While generally wholesome, there are a few considerations parents should keep in mind.

The slower pacing and gentle storytelling may not hold the attention of children accustomed to faster, more action-oriented programming. Some kids might find the predictable structure and low-stakes conflicts less engaging than more dynamic shows.

With 103 episodes across three seasons, the formulaic nature of the storytelling can become repetitive. Parents may notice similar lesson structures and problem-resolution patterns appearing frequently throughout the series.

The show's very young target demographic means older preschoolers or early elementary students might find the content too simplistic. The straightforward moral lessons and uncomplicated plots may not provide enough challenge for children ready for more complex narratives.

Verdict: Parent Approved

Franklin and Friends is a safe, educational choice that prioritizes emotional development and social skills in a calm, predictable format ideal for TV-Y audiences.

What Parents Should Know About Franklin and Friends

Question	Answer
Does this TV Show model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat?	Yes, Franklin and his friends consistently demonstrate sharing, cooperation, and respectful communication in age-appropriate scenarios.
Does this TV Show include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense?	No, emotional moments are gentle and clearly resolved, with characters expressing feelings in simple, understandable ways.
Does this TV Show show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior?	Yes, characters learn from mistakes and misunderstandings are addressed through conversation and apology.
Does this TV Show reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork?	Yes, these skills form the foundation of nearly every episode's central conflict and resolution.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message?	Yes, each episode delivers an explicit lesson about friendship, problem-solving, or emotional regulation appropriate for preschoolers.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

Parents generally appreciate Franklin and Friends as a trustworthy option for young children, particularly those in the toddler and preschool years. The show's educational focus on social-emotional learning resonates with caregivers looking for content that reinforces values taught at home. Many note the calm atmosphere and absence of aggressive behavior or scary elements as major positives. However, some parents mention that the show's gentle pace and simple storylines mean it works best as background viewing or for wind-down time rather than active engagement. The CGI animation update from the original Franklin series receives mixed reactions, with some preferring the classic style. Overall, families view it as a solid, if unremarkable, addition to early childhood programming that delivers consistent, age-appropriate messages without surprises.

Franklin and Friends Official TV Show Trailer

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Why Kids Love Franklin and Friends

Franklin and Friends brings the beloved turtle and his companions to life through vibrant CGI animation that captures young viewers' attention. The show features Franklin Turtle alongside his friends Bear and Rabbit, creating a world where animal characters navigate everyday situations together. Each 15-minute episode presents stories that feel accessible and relatable to preschool audiences.

The series showcases the close relationship between Franklin and his little sister Harriett, highlighting the special dynamics of sibling connections. Mrs. Turtle appears as part of Franklin's family life, grounding the animated adventures in familiar household settings. These family interactions give children recognizable touchstones within the colorful animated world.

The bright, cheerful CGI animation creates an inviting visual landscape that draws kids into Franklin's neighborhood. The show's TV-Y rating ensures content remains appropriate for its youngest viewers, while the comedy elements keep episodes entertaining and light. With over 100 episodes across three seasons, Franklin and Friends offers plenty of adventures featuring this turtle and his animal companions.