Zoboomafoo – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Zoboomafoo

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show1999

68%

WISE Score

The Kratt Brothers and a talking lemur teach preschoolers about animals—if you can get past the 1999 production quality.

Zoboomafoo

show

TV-Y, 1999

68%

WISE Score

The Kratt Brothers and a talking lemur teach preschoolers about animals—if you can get past the 1999 production quality.

Jump to

Also rated on

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Zoboomafoo is the definition of wholesome PBS Kids content—safe, educational, well-intentioned, and starring a lemur puppet that somehow became a cultural touchstone for millennials. The Kratt Brothers bring genuine enthusiasm for wildlife, and the show does teach real science about animals and habitats.

But let's be honest: this show is 25+ years old and it shows. The production quality, pacing, and format feel ancient compared to what kids consume today. Even Wild Kratts (the Kratt Brothers' modern show) leaves this in the dust for watchability. If your preschooler is already obsessed with animals and you need something safe and educational, it can work as background content. But don't expect it to compete with Bluey or modern nature documentaries for actual engagement.

The WISE fundamentals are solid, but the dated execution and low entertainment value by 2025 standards significantly drag down its practical usefulness for most families.

Age Fit

Squarely aimed at 3-6 year olds who are in their animal-obsessed phase. The educational content and gentle pacing work for preschoolers, but by early elementary most kids will have moved on to more dynamic programming. Not something older siblings or parents will enjoy watching.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Classic PBS format with the Kratt Brothers modeling curiosity, kindness toward animals, and gentle humor. The talking lemur and animal visitors create a warm, cooperative environment without meanness or conflict. Pacing is calm and educational rather than chaotic.

Imaginative

The concept of 'Animal Junction' where nature's rules change and animals come to visit is creative, and the talking lemur adds whimsy. Encourages curiosity about wildlife and habitats, though the format is fairly predictable episode-to-episode. More about sparking interest in real animals than open-ended creative play.

Safe

Pure PBS Kids content with Common Sense Media rating of 3+. No violence, scary content, or inappropriate material. The show is entirely focused on animals and nature education. Kids mode available on streaming platforms. Zero concerning elements for young viewers.

Enriching

Strong educational foundation teaching about animal behavior, habitats, and biology through direct observation and the Kratt Brothers' explanations. Builds empathy for wildlife and basic scientific thinking. IMDB 7.6 suggests it resonated with audiences. However, entertainment value is modest by modern standards.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Pure educational content from PBS with zero commercialization or manipulation—just two enthusiastic guys and real animals
Introduces young kids to diverse wildlife and habitats with genuine animal footage and scientific accuracy
The Kratt Brothers' energy and the puppet lemur create a gentle, engaging format for the preschool set
Completely safe content that parents can put on without worry—no surprises, no edge, just wholesome animal education

⚠

What to Watch For

The production quality screams late-90s PBS—think clunky sets, dated graphics, and a general vibe that modern kids may find boring or unwatchable
Episodes follow a very predictable formula that can feel repetitive quickly, especially for adults watching alongside
If your kid is used to high-energy YouTube content or modern animation, this slow-paced educational format might not hold their attention at all

Conversation Starters

"What was your favorite animal that visited Animal Junction today?"
"Why do you think lemurs jump around like that? What helps them live in trees?"
"If you could have any animal come visit you like they visit the Kratt Brothers, which one would you pick?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic