Big Nate
Big Nate is an American animated television series based on Lincoln Peirce's popular comic strip and book series, following the adventures of sixth-grader Nate Wright and his friends. The show premiered on Paramount+ in February 2022 and ran for two seasons, comprising 52 episodes, each approximately 22-23 minutes long. While it was removed from Paramount+ in March 2024, episodes remain available for purchase on digital platforms. The series targets a middle-grade audience and is rated TV-Y7, generally receiving positive feedback for its humor and relatable school-life scenarios, though some critics note issues with 'gross-out humor' and character development. The narrative centers on Nate's ambitious, often rebellious, pursuit of 'awesomeness' within his dysfunctional school and family life. Accompanied by his diverse group of friends, Nate navigates common middle school challenges, frequently employing imaginative schemes that often lead to humorous misadventures. The show utilizes a distinct 3D animation style that sometimes incorporates 2D notebook-style gags, praised for its visual creativity. Despite a mixed reception regarding its humor and character depth, the series is noted for its updated inclusivity and diverse character portrayals.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe TV series explicitly features LGBTQ+ characters, which is a significant adaptation from the original comic strip. Dee Dee Holloway, one of Nate's main friends, is portrayed as a lesbian. She is shown in a romantic relationship with a new character named Amy, who is also identified as queer. The show includes an 'Official Couple' in Dee Dee and Amy.
Dee Dee Holloway, a core member of Nate's friend group, is explicitly identified as a lesbian in the animated series, a change from her comic strip portrayal where she had a boyfriend. Amy, a character specifically created for the TV series, is Dee Dee's girlfriend and is also identified as queer. Amy first appears in the episode 'Sixtween Candles' as part of this confirmed relationship.
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighDisrespect towards authority and rebellious behavior are central and recurring themes in 'Big Nate.' The protagonist, Nate, is characterized by his rebellious nature and often acts defiantly towards teachers and rules, with consequences often minimized or played for laughs. This theme is a fundamental aspect of his character and the show's humor.
Nate consistently displays disrespect towards his social studies teacher, Mrs. Godfrey, whom he frequently refers to as his 'arch-nemesis' and uses derogatory terms such as 'Kaiju monster' and 'the school's Godzilla.' Nate's rebellious actions are central to the plot, such as when he draws on a detention room desk and attempts to justify it, or celebrates setting a school record for the most detention slips.
Violence
MediumThe show includes mild and comedic forms of violence, consistent with its TV-Y7 rating. These instances are generally slapstick in nature and are not graphic, often used for humorous effect rather than depicting serious harm. There are elements of implied threats or fantastical consequences rather than overt physical confrontation.
An example of comedic physical interaction is Teddy giving Francis a 'purple nurple' during a moment of stress in the episode 'Go Nate, It's Your Birthday.' In 'The Legend of the Gunting,' a school myth suggests that students who accumulate too many detentions 'disappear,' creating a mild, non-graphic element of fantastical peril.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe series features typical middle school crushes and romantic interests, including Nate's unrequited crush on Jenny. It also includes explicit same-sex romantic relationships, notably between Dee Dee and Amy. The show incorporates 'gross-out humor' and references to puberty, which some reviews have found 'appalling.'
Nate frequently attempts to win over his crush, Jenny, despite her being in a relationship with Artur, highlighting common middle school romantic themes. The character Dee Dee Holloway is explicitly shown in a romantic relationship with Amy, referred to as her girlfriend, representing a confirmed same-sex couple.
Profanity
MediumWhile not frequently featuring strong profanity, the series includes instances of irreverent language. Specifically, Nate's friend Teddy is noted for inappropriately using God's name in Spanish. The show's general 'gross-out humor' may also contribute to occasional crude language that aligns with common Nickelodeon content standards.
Nate's friend, Teddy Ortiz, is mentioned for 'inappropriately us(ing) God's name in Spanish' in the show. The overall 'gross-out humor' prevalent in the series, criticized by some outlets, suggests a broader tolerance for crude or indelicate language, though specific explicit curse words are not detailed.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe show includes casual, often comedic, references to supernatural and occult themes rather than depicting serious or dark practices. This includes an episode featuring a 'coven of man witches' and Nate expressing interest in fortune-telling and other mild supernatural elements.
In one episode, Nate and his friends encounter and become locked in the school with a 'coven of man witches.' Nate also shows interest in 'horoscopes and Magic 8 balls' and likes 'getting his fortune told,' indicating a casual, non-serious engagement with minor occult themes.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe show incorporates mild suspenseful elements and comedic threats, consistent with its TV-Y7 rating which allows for content that 'may frighten children under the age of 7.' These instances are generally not graphic and are often resolved humorously, but can create brief moments of tension for younger viewers.
The episode 'Valentine's Day of Horror: Chapter II' features a plotline where a 'mysterious man intends to go after Nate,' creating a mild sense of peril and suspense. In 'The Legend of the Gunting,' a school legend about students 'disappearing' due to detentions introduces a fantastical, slightly intense premise that could be unsettling for very young children.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe series contains an instance of taking God's name in vain. Additionally, Nate expresses an interest in practices like fortune-telling, horoscopes, and Magic 8 balls, which can be seen as conflicting with Christian teachings. While not directly anti-Christian, these elements represent a casual approach to spiritual matters that may be a concern for Christian parents.
Nate's friend, Teddy Ortiz, is noted to 'inappropriately use God's name in Spanish.' Nate also states a personal interest in 'getting his fortune told' and engaging with 'horoscopes and Magic 8 balls,' which are practices often discouraged within Christian belief systems.
Substance Use
LowNo explicit instances of substance use, such as characters consuming alcohol or drugs, or engaging in smoking, were found in the available content reviews for the 'Big Nate' TV series. The show maintains a TV-Y7 rating, which typically avoids such depictions.
The content reviewed does not contain any specific scenes or dialogue referencing the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or smoking by any characters. The series is produced for a younger audience under a TV-Y7 rating, which generally restricts such content.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The series is officially rated TV-Y7, indicating it is suitable for children aged 7 and older. This recommendation is based on the presence of mild fantasy or comedic violence and themes that may be too intense for very young children. Parents should consider that the show features prominent themes of disrespect and rebellion towards authority figures, as well as explicit LGBTQ+ representation, which may require parental guidance and discussion.
Additional Notes
The 'Big Nate' TV series significantly deviates from its comic strip origins by introducing explicit LGBTQ+ characters, enhancing its inclusivity but also presenting content not present in the original material. The show's humor, including 'gross-out humor,' may be a point of contention for some parents. While technically competent, some reviews suggest a lack of deeper moral lessons or character development, with a reliance on cynical humor. The show's removal from Paramount+ after two seasons may affect its long-term availability on streaming platforms, but episodes are still accessible for purchase.
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