Is ‘The Cuphead Show’ OK for Kids to Watch?
Netflix’s take on Studio MDHR’s hit video game, Cuphead, is almost here. In February, the streaming service will release a cartoon series, called The Cuphead Show, with animation styles inspired by 1930s Fleischer cartoons. The Cuphead Show trailer teases a zany and fun adventure, but is it appropriate for kids to watch?
What is ‘The Cuphead Show’ about?
The Cuphead Show follows two brothers named Cuphead (voiced by Tru Valentino) and Mugman (Frank Todaro), a pair of anthropomorphic mugs. Cuphead tends to be more impulsive, while Mugman tends to follow Cuphead’s lead with a sense of caution. This often leads the brothers to trouble throughout their hometown of Inkwell Isles.
The trailer, as seen below, teases a run-in with the Devil at a local carnival, called CarnEvil. When Cuphead and Mugman discover the Devil’s plot to steal souls via a skeeball game, they must escape his wrath before he can steal their souls, too.
The cartoon follows a similar storyline to the video game, where Cuphead and Mugman must collect souls after a deal with the Devil goes wrong. Some of Cuphead’s secondary characters and bosses will appear, like Elder Kettle and King Dice. However, those who haven’t played the game should still be able to follow and enjoy The Cuphead Show.
‘The Cuphead Show’ is ‘safe’ for kids to watch
Cuphead creators Chad and Jared Moldenhauer designed The Cuphead Show to be more for adults, but it’s still OK for kids to watch, too. In a 2019 interview, Chad revealed to IGN what they had in mind for the cartoon.
“It’s safe for kids but written so there are also things that adults find funny and appeal to a wider audience,” he said. “It’s not a toddler show or a little kids cartoon. … The showrunners are] aiming for the same kind of vibe that the game hints at. They’ll be taking that idea and expanding it.”
Later, Jared compared the plot style to Mickey Mouse cartoons. The episodes don’t necessarily blend together, which could make it easier for kids to follow. The show also won’t directly tie into the game.
“In any given episode, Mickey Mouse could’ve been a pilot, or selling hot dogs, or a musician. There’s not this intention that the two must mesh and fit together,” Jared said.
Cuphead itself isn’t necessarily inappropriate for kids, either. According to Common Sense Media, the game is best suited for ages 8 and up. However, it has developed a reputation for being extremely difficult. The Cuphead Show might be a fair alternative for kids (and adults) interested in the game’s story rather than its gameplay.
What is the age rating for ‘The Cuphead Show’?
The Cuphead Show’s official age rating is TV-Y7, which means it’s best suited for children 7 years old and up. According to Age Rating Juju’s parents guide, the show has “a lot of animated violence, rude humor, and some evil characters.”
Is ‘The Cuphead Show’ scary?
In terms of its horror factor, The Cuphead Show isn’t necessarily meant to be scary. However, some episodes do have horror-themed imagery like ghosts, skeletons, and monsters. Some of these scenes can be seen in the trailer.
The Cuphead Show premieres on Netflix on Feb. 18.
