"Dragons: Riders of Berk" According to Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media's Parent's Guide to "Dragons: Riders of Berk"

My analysis of the television show Dragons: Riders of Berk, and the Common Sense Media Ratings predominantly align with each other. The Parents Guide rates the “Educational” components with a one out of five, stating positive aspects are found in character relationships. I similarly found the program focusing on teaching moral lessons. The category, “Positive Messages” was given three out of five, while “Positive Role Models” was given a four. These categories analyze how Hiccup and his friends are courageous and the program’s message is rooted in teamwork, both of which are points I noticed while studying the program. In my analysis, I noticed the characters demonstrate how teamwork plays out in life. I also agree with the “Consumerism” category which has a two of five rating because of the type of products they tie their brand to. The “Violence” category only had a two of five rating surprisingly. From acts of aggression, dragons fighting, or wars within the story-line, I would rate it at least a three.

This topic is also where I noticed a difference between reviews written by Kids and their Parents. Kids said the program suits ages eight and up, while Adults suggest seven and up. Despite the “official weapons tester” position held by characters and the almost countless acts of aggression and weapon imagery within the show, parents stated, “No significant violence” as well as “Less scary stuff than many other popular movies (Tangled)...” While the Kids described it containing, “action and dark themes.”

Through this research, I discovered new dragons and characters are introduced later on in the series, therefore creating the possibility for children to make different connections to the brand. I also found the talking points interesting. One question that stuck out to me was, “Why are there so few female characters in this series? Is Astrid a positive female role model?” These questions made me look at the values within the show through a different lens, as well as helping the child viewing the program to think more critically about the media they are consuming.