Very good show, but the word horrid doesn't actually fit with him. His parents are the worst and don't treat there children equally, but this is a kids show, so it still deserves a high rating.
34 Reviews
Very good show
joshuabrowie-1307927 December 2018
Horrid Henry Review
sumiaahassg27 April 2022
Horrid Henry used to be the posterboy of CITV, Having been made exclusively for the fact CITV was going to become its own full-fledged channel and it was going shut down its in-house production for making orginal live-action programmes in a matter of months, futher emphaizing the pressure on its originated animated programmes to entain its audience.
Horrid henry launched a few months after the launch of the CITV channel, it quickly became one of the channel most popular animated programmes, so much that it even got its own movie a couple years later.
On the other hand, the programme is infamous having animation and sound errors, most of which is more prominent in the first series, but thankfully the programme improves its animation and sound in the later seasons. Even the actual animation and sound errors itself are minor and insignificant and hard to notice at first glance.
Series 1-3 of Horrid Henry are the most memorable due to having hilarious, exhilarating and great moments in those episodes. The first theme tune of the programme was also catchy and memorable.
Series 4 and 5 whilst being good, is considered the weakest seasons of the programme as it introduced alot of changes. Series 4 introduced new intro scenes as well as having a completely different theme tune. Horrid Henry's behaviour and personality is completely changed, as well as the blaintant fact that Henry becomes surprising less Horrid and becomes a lot nicer to the people around him. The formula of series 4 is full of episodes showcasing simplistic slice-life episodes the whole programme from thenward out simply becomes a generic children's animated sitcom. Series 4 was also the last ever series of the Programme to air on CITV.
Series 5 does not improve on any of the problems that series 4 had instead even making some of those problems worse in some episodes of the series. Series 5 also switched networks and was only broadcast on Nicktoons UK. Nicktoons UK gained the rights of the programme in May 2018 so it seemed both channels were airing series 1-4 repeats of Horrid henry now, around the same time a fifth series of the programme was commissoned, and both channels were raring to go to broadcast series 5, however CITV fully lost the rights to the programme in January 2019 and as a consequence not only was CITV barred from airing the new series, it also was not allowed to broadcast anymore repeats of series 1-4 of the programme, effectively marking the end of an era for Horrid Henry on its time on CITV. The style of animation in series 5 slightly differed depending on episodes, some episode of series 5 was still animated in handrawn animation just like the older seasons, whilst other episodes was animated in flash animation instead probably due to lack of budget. The flash animated episodes are still good and not too downright bad, the flash animations causes changes the character's features and makes the movements of the character look too stitly and jilted and rigged. Series 5 was the shortest season overall probably because ideas could not be thought out for ten worth of episodes so the number of episodes decreased by ten, making it have 42 episodes in total when series 1-4 of Horrid Henry had 52 episodes each instead. Series 5 was full of bad to medicore episodes.
Horrid henry launched a few months after the launch of the CITV channel, it quickly became one of the channel most popular animated programmes, so much that it even got its own movie a couple years later.
On the other hand, the programme is infamous having animation and sound errors, most of which is more prominent in the first series, but thankfully the programme improves its animation and sound in the later seasons. Even the actual animation and sound errors itself are minor and insignificant and hard to notice at first glance.
Series 1-3 of Horrid Henry are the most memorable due to having hilarious, exhilarating and great moments in those episodes. The first theme tune of the programme was also catchy and memorable.
Series 4 and 5 whilst being good, is considered the weakest seasons of the programme as it introduced alot of changes. Series 4 introduced new intro scenes as well as having a completely different theme tune. Horrid Henry's behaviour and personality is completely changed, as well as the blaintant fact that Henry becomes surprising less Horrid and becomes a lot nicer to the people around him. The formula of series 4 is full of episodes showcasing simplistic slice-life episodes the whole programme from thenward out simply becomes a generic children's animated sitcom. Series 4 was also the last ever series of the Programme to air on CITV.
Series 5 does not improve on any of the problems that series 4 had instead even making some of those problems worse in some episodes of the series. Series 5 also switched networks and was only broadcast on Nicktoons UK. Nicktoons UK gained the rights of the programme in May 2018 so it seemed both channels were airing series 1-4 repeats of Horrid henry now, around the same time a fifth series of the programme was commissoned, and both channels were raring to go to broadcast series 5, however CITV fully lost the rights to the programme in January 2019 and as a consequence not only was CITV barred from airing the new series, it also was not allowed to broadcast anymore repeats of series 1-4 of the programme, effectively marking the end of an era for Horrid Henry on its time on CITV. The style of animation in series 5 slightly differed depending on episodes, some episode of series 5 was still animated in handrawn animation just like the older seasons, whilst other episodes was animated in flash animation instead probably due to lack of budget. The flash animated episodes are still good and not too downright bad, the flash animations causes changes the character's features and makes the movements of the character look too stitly and jilted and rigged. Series 5 was the shortest season overall probably because ideas could not be thought out for ten worth of episodes so the number of episodes decreased by ten, making it have 42 episodes in total when series 1-4 of Horrid Henry had 52 episodes each instead. Series 5 was full of bad to medicore episodes.
My favourite childhood show
sh-6503030 May 2020
Maybe Im missing something.
kalvin5100831 March 2015
I am only on here because my 4 year old daughter discovered this show through Netflix. So maybe I needed to read these books first, or discover this show when I was younger, as these other reviews seem so good???
My opinion on this show: Henry's behavior is indeed horrid. Peter is a spoiled brat, treated as a favorite of his parents. His parents are horrible parents. Everyone on the show could be called HORRID.
One quote I heard the mom say once is "Henry, why can't you be more like Peter?" Maybe you should love all your kids equally even though they are all different with different personality traits and all that? Maybe when you say things like that it makes the kids behavior even more awful? Maybe it makes him feel like he will never be good enough for his parents??? The whole concept of this show makes me shudder. The introduction of "Perfect Peter" makes it all the more worse for me.
I don't know, but this show hit a nerve because I normally don't bother reviewing kids shows, but I would give it ZERO starts if I was able to, sort of like the episode my daughter just finished watching where Henry got zero stars for cleaning his room!!!
My opinion on this show: Henry's behavior is indeed horrid. Peter is a spoiled brat, treated as a favorite of his parents. His parents are horrible parents. Everyone on the show could be called HORRID.
One quote I heard the mom say once is "Henry, why can't you be more like Peter?" Maybe you should love all your kids equally even though they are all different with different personality traits and all that? Maybe when you say things like that it makes the kids behavior even more awful? Maybe it makes him feel like he will never be good enough for his parents??? The whole concept of this show makes me shudder. The introduction of "Perfect Peter" makes it all the more worse for me.
I don't know, but this show hit a nerve because I normally don't bother reviewing kids shows, but I would give it ZERO starts if I was able to, sort of like the episode my daughter just finished watching where Henry got zero stars for cleaning his room!!!
Don't be Horrid Henry.
rajatbajajrjb18 March 2020
Overall the show is good. But not for children below 12. The way Henry pranks his brother Peter, Margaret and every other character is fun to watch.
The reason why i gave 9 is because the same show looks completely different and better in Hindi. Weeks ago, i watched same episode in both English and Hindi simultaneously. And honestly, English version wasn't funny and some dialogues weren't good. For example in Halloween episode of season 1, Henry cuts Peter's hair just for fun. Their mother comes and in English version she says, "Don't be Horrid, Henry!" with a soft voice. But in Hindi, the same dialogue is 'Thappad padega, Henry' (you're gonna get slapped Henry) with angry and loud voice. I'm not saying that Hindi>English but the English voice acting isn't that good honestly.
first 2 seasons were good season 3 eh but 4 TOXIC and DRY!!!
Ninja1918 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this show when i was watching season 1 and season 2 was definately fun to watch and season 3 was alright but could be better but season 4 was TERRIBLE it had cringy singing and terrible songs (like the girls are cool down with boys one) and margaret and henry being happy together and great aunt gretas cringy boyfriend donald and everyone is happy even henry and the parents and they shout NOOOO for no apparent reason sometimes and i could not believe that there is a season 5 coming out despite an overall TOXIC season 4
Amazing Comic Childhood Show
anirudhktg2 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Maybe my review is based on Nostalgia but I cant help it, I am 16 and still enjoy watching it. I enjoyed it as a kid and enjoy as an teen and hope I would enjoy it even as a adult. I regret that why am I not like Horrid Henry in my childhood days. If I were like him I would have enjoyed my childhood more. I like his attitude and confidence in whatever he does and love he turn the tables around every situation he is in and at last be cool. Definitely recommend to anyone who want to enjoy comic childhood shows.
Oh my god
s-sougnez20 August 2018
Are we serious with this? This cartoon is about a spoiled mean kid that keeps on doing bad things over and over again without any consequences.. The kid keeps on saying his brother that he hate the fact that he's born and everyone seems to find this normal...
No wonder why kids are more and more mean to each other...
No wonder why kids are more and more mean to each other...
No lesson at all
blondichic17 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
My four year old son found this show on Netflix and we were watching the birthday episode together. I kept waiting for there to be some sort of lesson for the children watching the show to learn. Henry was horrible. Repeatedly told his parents how awful the birthday party was that they threw for him at their home (had to be there since he has been banned every where else in town). The parents are complete push overs and never reprimand him. Then at the very end I thought something would be accomplished. It concluded with the parents finally getting up he courage to discipline him after he destroyed their house and beat up his friends they told him " no more birthdays for you." He simply laughed at them and said "they say that every year and kept being a horrible brat. I would highly not recommend this for any children as there is no lesson and simply teaches your child to be awful and there will be no repercussions.
Non-preaching, non-moralising kids' TV at last
jimmers15 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Firstly, of course, this is a pretty straight adaptation of the excellent books by Francesca Simon. They're written very much in the Roald Dahl style, where things are approached from a refreshingly different angle, so if you haven't read any of them, now would be a good time to start.
My young kids started watching Horrid Henry a while ago and I almost ignored it, expecting another run-of-the-mill trudge through the well worn path of trying to smuggle moral messages into kids via the gift of cartoons. BUT! Give it a chance, because it's a real break from the normal "and remember kids, never tell lies" rubbish we've all seen so much of. In Horrid Henry, the baddie, or rather anti-hero (Henry himself) invariably gets his way, and better than that he always gets away with it.
So if you want fairytale endings and a 30 minute sermon about how to eat your greens and be polite to middle aged people, watch your Disney films and your Cbeebies. If you want to see a boy throw his brother in the bin, and announce to his mother after the bin men take him away that the brother has "gone to live at the dump because he's rubbish", give Horrid Henry a whirl.
My young kids started watching Horrid Henry a while ago and I almost ignored it, expecting another run-of-the-mill trudge through the well worn path of trying to smuggle moral messages into kids via the gift of cartoons. BUT! Give it a chance, because it's a real break from the normal "and remember kids, never tell lies" rubbish we've all seen so much of. In Horrid Henry, the baddie, or rather anti-hero (Henry himself) invariably gets his way, and better than that he always gets away with it.
So if you want fairytale endings and a 30 minute sermon about how to eat your greens and be polite to middle aged people, watch your Disney films and your Cbeebies. If you want to see a boy throw his brother in the bin, and announce to his mother after the bin men take him away that the brother has "gone to live at the dump because he's rubbish", give Horrid Henry a whirl.
Good show for kids. Not much for adults. "Good! said Henry, I hate grown-ups!"
jcs_stanley12 October 2011
No doubt this show has been faithful to the original books it's based on. It's also one of the few animated shows on Citv that's popular. Most other series on that network tend to be broadcast ed but get no attention what-so-ever. It's like there there to fill out Citv's time slot on the condition they get no popularity at all. Horrid henry is different. Probably cause It's based on a book and stuff. Heck it even got a Movie! This show's got a lot of stuff for kid's to enjoy, however there is lot of empty space there that could have been used to interest Adult viewers or viewers of my age (I'm 15). The shows cute and realistic and all however nowadays I yearn more for the surrealism of Regular Show, The Destructivness of Ed,Edd n Eddy and the politically- Incorectness of South Park.
It's a decent show for kids though and It used to be one of my childhood favourites!
It's a decent show for kids though and It used to be one of my childhood favourites!
I don't see how this is for kids
pawsplay31 December 2016
My kids found this on Netflix. It's a light-hearted comedy about a kid with severe conduct disorder who abuses his family. It has its moments, like when Henry asks if he can go to a sleepover, and his mother asks, "With whom? Hasn't everyone already had you over?" But I don't want my 4yo encountering a cartoon about a kid who calls his brother a "worm," throws food, and terrorizes his elderly aunt. I think there is a context problem here. I don't have an issue with people thinking this show is amusing. But it's rated for all viewers, and I don't know how that is. It's animated and scripted for young viewers, but the material is very dark (like when Henry trusses his brother up and sends him in for medically unnecessary surgery). Who is this cartoon for? I can't recommend this to anyone, except maybe the parents of a disturbed child who need some gallows humor.
CITV's number 1 cartoon series!!!!!!!!
chrisbishop500026 March 2009
Hoo, hoo, hoo, ha, ha! As soon as I so much as glance at this show I'm in hysterics - IT IS SO FUNNY!!! Horrid Henry (aged about 12) has got the most hilarious and horrid voice that's, if I'm to tell a lie, so, so soothing and done by a WOMAN (Lizzie Waterworth). The things he gets up to are unbelievable and so bad they're fabulous. I know he's nasty to his little brother Perfect Peter (aged about 7) and sometimes attacks him but, to be fair to the star, he completely brings it on himself provoking his big brother and being boastful. I don't know why Horrid Henry and Moody Margaret don't see eye to eye! They're so much alike and I think when it suits them they're work quite well together - a gruesome twosome! Despite all his dirty-work to cover up his actions everything always goes wrong for Horrid Henry; The Birthday episode sees him having a party for the BIRDS and no Lazor-Zap, just when he "Gets Rich Quick" by stealing his mother's perfume and his father's tennis racket and selling Peter he ends up buying all of them back and loses the money, when he plays hookie he ends up nursing his sick mother and Peter and keeping the house clean instead of playing computer games. I suppose that's his comeuppance for being horrid! I love it when at the end of an episode his horrid plans fail and he screams "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" - it's so funny!
Wtf
3HK3 December 2021
I don't and have never understood why Henry always seems to think "triple detention" is such a big deal. Bart Simpson got about a hundred times that in the Simpsons episode The Boy Who Knew Too Much, all for speaking out the truth and not having an innocent person convicted. Now clearly by this example the punishment doesn't fit the crime, but my point still remains: Henry should be lucky not to have someone like Seymour Skinner in his life.
At last, a good CITV show!
ian-12114 June 2007
CITV has really gone downhill with the likes of "Potatoes and Dragons", "Avater" and "Atomic Betty" so they must have a boost, what do they find HORRID HENRY! A cool show which I never miss, COOL! This is so brill because it's not like other modern day kids' shows. It doesn't have any morals, it doesn't talk down to children and it's not politically correct! Brilliant! I think Horrid Henry is the best that has happen to CITV since Danger Mouse back in the 80's. Horrid Henry is a cool show and you should watch it! The episode where Henry is competing for the ticket to see Manchester United is ace. Did they actually draw an animated Edwin van der Sar? P.S: Horrid Henry is hosting the Half-Term CITV line up! Watch out for him!
10/10
10/10
I would never let kids watch this garbage
stereo_199914 February 2019
Wonderful, very funny series
TheLittleSongbird4 June 2011
Francessca Simon's books are a real pleasure to me. When I am feeling stressed and need someone to uplift or amuse me, I always read one of the Horrid Henry books and I feel so much better already. In fact the books are so good with hilarious situations and dialogue and a naughty but still endearing titular character, that when I occasionally work at my mum's school and there's nothing for me to do the Horrid Henry books are something I love to read.
When I first heard of this series, I wasn't so sure whether it would work. The books are so good and wholly deserving of a series, but I was worried it would perhaps turn it into some moralistic programme with little of the humour that helped make the books so engrossing. Actually, it wasn't that. In spirit, this respects the books very nicely and it is a wonderful and very funny series on its own.
The animation is very nice. The characters in general are drawn very well, and the background and colours are plentiful and easy on the eyes. The music is good too, the background music doesn't intrude too much while the main theme is zany. The stories are a lot of fun, with lots of hilarious situations, the pace is fast and crisp, and the writing often makes me laugh.
The characters are engaging too, Henry is everything his counterpart in the books is, and all the other characters show great personalities and are endearing in their own way. The voice acting is excellent with no weak links but also nobody who outclasses everybody else.
Overall, this is a wonderful and very funny series. 9/10 Bethany Cox
When I first heard of this series, I wasn't so sure whether it would work. The books are so good and wholly deserving of a series, but I was worried it would perhaps turn it into some moralistic programme with little of the humour that helped make the books so engrossing. Actually, it wasn't that. In spirit, this respects the books very nicely and it is a wonderful and very funny series on its own.
The animation is very nice. The characters in general are drawn very well, and the background and colours are plentiful and easy on the eyes. The music is good too, the background music doesn't intrude too much while the main theme is zany. The stories are a lot of fun, with lots of hilarious situations, the pace is fast and crisp, and the writing often makes me laugh.
The characters are engaging too, Henry is everything his counterpart in the books is, and all the other characters show great personalities and are endearing in their own way. The voice acting is excellent with no weak links but also nobody who outclasses everybody else.
Overall, this is a wonderful and very funny series. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Bad Behavior
droblesguardado19 October 2020
This show is completely horrible! After my son watched this show. He has completely CHANGED!! He started acting like Henry. Henry almost gets away with like everything!! He never learns from his mistakes and he never learns his lesson! The creators should know the bad things they had done! Shame on you creators of Horrid Henry!
Henry Might Be Horrid, but this show is not!
Raja7928 January 2022
Henry Might Be Horrid, but this show is not!
Many people and reviewers here only dislike this show cuz muh Henry is naughty and horrid, but that is such a dumb boomer reason to dislike a show.
Let your kids watch the freaking show, Karen, as this show is AMAZING!
Many people and reviewers here only dislike this show cuz muh Henry is naughty and horrid, but that is such a dumb boomer reason to dislike a show.
Let your kids watch the freaking show, Karen, as this show is AMAZING!
Can't stand this
usersince0316 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I discovered this while watching with my sister's kids and dislike the show. I wasn't happy with the way the parents handle Henry being mean to his brother who is a bit annoying. All they do is day don't be horrid Henry. I can't stand the mother in the show. If this was not a kids show someone would punch him in the face.
If you don't like this.. QUIET WORM!
marq_bryant22 February 2021
What to say...
Nitpicking19 April 2008
I saw this and assumed straight away it was an American product re-voiced for the British market.
But on inspection I see that its in fact a British production that could be re-voiced for the US market, maybe thats already happened? Genie in the House is based on a similar marketing concept. It happens to be made in the UK with British actors but could easily be sold in any market. Careful attention to universal themes strips it of any local relevance.
Its blandness and political correctness (a black nerd kid for instance, there seems to be one in every children's prog these days).
How does the commenter who thinks its not politically correct come to their conclusion?
But on inspection I see that its in fact a British production that could be re-voiced for the US market, maybe thats already happened? Genie in the House is based on a similar marketing concept. It happens to be made in the UK with British actors but could easily be sold in any market. Careful attention to universal themes strips it of any local relevance.
Its blandness and political correctness (a black nerd kid for instance, there seems to be one in every children's prog these days).
How does the commenter who thinks its not politically correct come to their conclusion?
Stop humorizing unruly kids!
tiffanie_says_stay_in_your_lane10 June 2023
This show gets on my nerves. It's dumb, weird, and teaches kids absolutely nothing. Horrid Henry reminds me of Caillou, the only difference is that he's older. It's the story of an 8-year-old boy living in the UK who, I guess if he was evaluated psychologically in the human world, would be diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder. Look, let's keep it 100 - the kid is just a straight up brat. There's plenty of kids like him in real life, and if you ask me, nothing is wrong with them. If the parents were implementing structure, and the child was still acting rebellious, then I could understand a chemical imbalance in their brain as an explanation. But children who get labeled with ODD are usually spoiled. They have all kinds of gadgets, eat tons of candy and processed food, go to bed whenever they want, aren't made to pick up after themselves. No wonder they challenge authority! They don't follow rules at home, so of course they're going to be disruptive in school and other places. Horrid Henry, although a cartoon, reminds me too much of the kids in this day and age who are the product of lazy parenting. He doesn't say please or thank you. Burps out loud at the dinner table and doesn't excuse himself. Terrorizes everyone around him. I've watched this a few times, and I never laughed or even smiled once. I don't see anything funny about out of control kids. He has a younger brother named Peter. He's incredibly respectful, but I have to admit, he even gets annoying after a while. The animation is bizarre, and I find it to be quite distracting. Why are the tips of all the characters' noses red?? It looks like they have a cold. I don't have kids, but I can unequivocally say I wouldn't allow them to watch Horrid Henry. I don't see how it fosters a child's development in any kind of way. All it does is encourage troublemaking behavior. I'm surprised Horrid Henry is a British production. I thought Europeans were more strict with kids than Americans. No values or morals are being offered here. This is the type of junk parents should have an issue with, not books about black history and gay people. As impressionable as children are, the last thing they need to watch is a show where a smart mouthed kid is never put in his place. There's so many other kids' programs that are more wholesome and don't have problematic elements.
See also
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