Raising Clifford the Big Red Dog: what parents of kids 4–7 should know
Clifford the Big Red Dog, the animated PBS Kids series, is rated TV-Y, meaning designed for all children, on PBS's own episode pages, and the UK's BBFC rated it U. Common Sense Media, an independent nonprofit, lists both the 2000 series and the 2019 reboot for ages 3 and up. The 2021 live-action movie is different: the BBFC rated it PG for mild bad language and violence, and Common Sense Media lists it for ages 6 and up.
Clifford the Big Red Dog at a glance
- –Official rating above age 7
PBS: TV-Y; BBFC: U (2021 movie: PG) - –Violence in rating descriptors
No descriptors in TV-Y or BBFC U - –Scary content in rating descriptors
No descriptors in TV-Y or BBFC U - –Bad language in rating descriptors
No descriptors in TV-Y or BBFC U - –Sexual content, drugs, or alcohol in rating descriptors
No descriptors in TV-Y or BBFC U - –Rated 12 or higher in the UK or Germany
BBFC: U (series), PG (movie)
Each flag is a yes-or-no fact from the sources on this page. The number is a count of flags, not a safety score. How we count. Rating reasons marked mild, very mild, or brief don't count.
| Type | Animated PBS Kids series (2000) and Amazon/PBS reboot (2019) from Norman Bridwell's books source |
|---|---|
| US (TV rating) | TV-Y (designed for all children), per PBS episode pages source |
| UK (BBFC) | U (universal) for the series — "no material likely to offend or harm" source |
| Common Sense Media | 3+ for both the 2000 series and the 2019 reboot |
| 2021 movie | Live-action film: PG in the UK (BBFC: mild bad language, violence); Common Sense Media 6+ source |
Checked October 2026. Ratings and settings change; check the official source before you decide. What do these ratings mean?
Facts for parents, not medical or legal advice. If you're worried about your child, talk to your pediatrician.
What is Clifford the Big Red Dog?
Short answer: An animated series about a girl, Emily Elizabeth, and her giant red dog, based on Norman Bridwell's books.
The first series premiered on PBS Kids on September 4, 2000, and ran 65 episodes, set on Birdwell Island. A new animated series premiered on Amazon Prime Video on December 6, 2019, and aired on PBS Kids the next day. A live-action movie came out in theaters and on Paramount+ on November 10, 2021.
Clifford the Big Red Dog: what's in it
Short answer: The series is rated for all children; the movie is PG.
- US: TV-Y on PBS.
- UK (BBFC): U for the series, "no material likely to offend or harm."
- Common Sense Media: 3+ for both series. It lists no violence, language, or consumerism and highlights fairness, kindness, and cooperation.
The Clifford movie (2021)
Short answer: It's rated PG in the UK, and Common Sense Media lists it for 6+.
The BBFC lists mild bad language and violence: chases by villains, brief threat, fart and burp jokes, and very mild bullying that isn't condoned. Common Sense Media describes a brief brawl, punching and slapping, a cruel taunt from a wealthy classmate, and potty humor, alongside messages of compassion and teamwork.
The habit kids may copy: too big to fit
Clifford's size causes accidents, and his friends help him fix what he knocks over.
Try tonight: help the helper
When something spills or drops at dinner, don't fix it yourself right away. Ask your child: "How can we help fix this together?" In our program, this is the lesson "Stepping In": we're here to help each other.
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FAQ
What is Clifford the Big Red Dog rated?
The animated series is TV-Y on PBS and U in the UK. The 2021 movie is PG in the UK.
What age is Clifford for?
Common Sense Media lists both animated series for ages 3 and up and the 2021 movie for 6 and up.
Is the Clifford movie rated PG?
Yes, in the UK the BBFC rated it PG for mild bad language and violence.
Is there a new Clifford series?
Yes. A new animated series premiered on Prime Video in December 2019 and aired on PBS Kids.
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