Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Ghostbusters: The Animated Series is inspired by characters from the 1975 live-action series The Ghost Busters and is not related to the popular movie series or The Real Ghostbusters, its sister cartoon series. Character details aside, the premise is fairly predictable: Paranormal hunters wage war on a squad of ghosts out to take over the world. Both sides use force and some weapons, including explosives, guns that entrap or disintegrate their targets (who are said to have gone to another dimension), and, in the case of the ghosts, some unique skills like shooting shock waves from their hands. None of the violence is bloody or graphic, and victims even quip about their fate to the very end, so most kids won't be bothered by it. Female characters' curvaceous bodies are shown off by their skimpy and clingy attire, but they hold their own among the men. On the upside, the series incorporates touches of mythology, history, and science through the characters' time travels, which find them in places like Transylvania, ancient Rome, and Camelot.

Sexual Content

Female characters are shapely and well endowed, and their figures are accentuated by clingy dresses with plunging necklines and, in one case, a skimpy leotard costume.

Violence

Ghostbusters use a variety of weapons to eliminate ghosts, including a gun that ensnares them in ropes, one that makes them disappear, and another that "dematerializes" them, or sends them to another dimension. For their part, the ghosts fight back with electric shock, bombs, and mind control. Prime Evil has a nefarious plot to control the world and everyone in it, but his repeated failures prove more comical than scary.

Language

Rarely phrases like "Shut your snout."

Social Behavior

The Ghostbusters use teamwork to execute their plans against the ghosts, but they often succeed despite bumbling Eddie's mistakes and cowardice. Courage and quick thinking are shown to be more important than a person's (or animal's) size or strength.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable