38 reviews
An original and funny children's show.
I was letting my 3 yo cousin be in charge of the Netflix choices one evening and she was pulled, as if by some magnetic force, to "Barbie: LITDH". Believe you me; I tried everything in my power to get her to make another choice, but I eventually gave in and was very happy I did.
This show is very clever, they\ characters live their lives as dolls and it is hilarious to see them build their new sports cars fresh from the box and bake treats by jamming random ingredients into their toy oven. Barbie's house is so ridiculously over-the-top, it really is the 'Dream House' I would have created in my childhood. It is silly and playful, the characters are distinct and interesting (especially Ken, hubba hubba...).
Some people don't like the portrayal of Barbie on this show. I'll say this much: Barbie is perfection. She has everything you could possibly dream of, and yet she remains humble and generous throughout the series. The Barbie brand was always a form of escapism for me; I wouldn't expect her to be living through some real-world struggle, that's simply ridiculous.
Give this show a chance. Even if you're not a fan of Barbie movies, you might be pleasantly surprised!
This show is very clever, they\ characters live their lives as dolls and it is hilarious to see them build their new sports cars fresh from the box and bake treats by jamming random ingredients into their toy oven. Barbie's house is so ridiculously over-the-top, it really is the 'Dream House' I would have created in my childhood. It is silly and playful, the characters are distinct and interesting (especially Ken, hubba hubba...).
Some people don't like the portrayal of Barbie on this show. I'll say this much: Barbie is perfection. She has everything you could possibly dream of, and yet she remains humble and generous throughout the series. The Barbie brand was always a form of escapism for me; I wouldn't expect her to be living through some real-world struggle, that's simply ridiculous.
Give this show a chance. Even if you're not a fan of Barbie movies, you might be pleasantly surprised!
- saxonsky000
- Feb 10, 2014
- Permalink
A wonderfully hilarious take on the "Barbie" world
The previous reviewer of this series unfortunately totally missed the point of this show. It is MAKING FUN OF the "OLD" stereotype of Barbie. It is NOT trying to say it is the way things should be. I have two girls (aged 7 and 3), and BOTH of them understand the humor (in different developmental stages). The 3 year old just thinks they're funny. My 7 year old laughs and asks questions and understands how a doll's life is nothing like real life.
The original reviewer's issue, it seems, is that she does not understand that and wants Barbie to be the shining example of how a girl should be.
I agree that previous Barbie movies have tried to put Barbie in a better life and showing values, but she still has an endless supply of money and is basically NEVER struggling to get the thing she wants (Except for not being GOOD ENOUGH at it or overcome the evil-doer). My two little girls would LOVE to ride horses all the time. They can't. So Barbie is a horrible role model, and Mattel should be shamed! I'm joking of course.
I actually applaud Mattel for allowing this take on Barbie to be made. They're making fun of themselves, and wonderfully so.
The original reviewer's issue, it seems, is that she does not understand that and wants Barbie to be the shining example of how a girl should be.
I agree that previous Barbie movies have tried to put Barbie in a better life and showing values, but she still has an endless supply of money and is basically NEVER struggling to get the thing she wants (Except for not being GOOD ENOUGH at it or overcome the evil-doer). My two little girls would LOVE to ride horses all the time. They can't. So Barbie is a horrible role model, and Mattel should be shamed! I'm joking of course.
I actually applaud Mattel for allowing this take on Barbie to be made. They're making fun of themselves, and wonderfully so.
- FrumpyJones
- Nov 30, 2013
- Permalink
Surprisingly good
Having worked in the computer animation industry, I sometimes check out shows to see how good (or bad) their CGI is. And that's how I stumbled upon this show on Netflix. A lot of shows targeting younger audiences really cut corners, so it was a complete surprise when I checked this out and discovered that the computer animation is very well done, the editing is tight, audio mix is clear and clean, and the writing is brilliant.
Rounding this is off is an excellent set of pop-culture references, including Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Star Trek.
The characters are all unique from one-another and the writer clearly put a lot of effort in distributing lines to as many characters as possible (not an easy task). The comedic timing is spot on, with plenty of little details to the character's actions and facial expressions.
Now I'm curious to know more about the team that worked on this show.
Nicely done and hopefully something that will set the standard for other programming of this type to live up to.
Rounding this is off is an excellent set of pop-culture references, including Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Star Trek.
The characters are all unique from one-another and the writer clearly put a lot of effort in distributing lines to as many characters as possible (not an easy task). The comedic timing is spot on, with plenty of little details to the character's actions and facial expressions.
Now I'm curious to know more about the team that worked on this show.
Nicely done and hopefully something that will set the standard for other programming of this type to live up to.
Laugh Out Loud Funny
My 6 yr old started watching the show and it was just on in the background. I caught a snippet of one show and laughed at the jokes Barbie makes at her own expense. Soon I found myself paying more attention than my daughter. I was surprised to find myself laughing during every episode. From Ken's "Barbie Sense" (like Spidey sense, but specifically for Barbie) to the ongoing "Shlond Poofa" joke, this is not your standard kid-cartoon. Frequent jokes include Barbie's many, many career choices, and her seemingly weekly anniversaries with Ken. The series is stylized as a mock reality show featuring confessionals of the characters in between scenes.
I hate to admit this....
I'm a 48-year old guy and this might be one of the funniest things I've seen. Completely exaggerated characterization of excess and materialism, evident in every single character on the show. My daughter was watching this and I started checking it out for a few minutes.... I recommend it. If you're a parent and are concerned that it might teach negative values to your child, don't worry - it's so over-the-top ridiculous that there's no way they'd miss the joke. Unless they're very young, in which case you might want to skip this. Young kids don't get jokes - they just absorb stuff. But any kid with a sense of humor who is old enough to catch the fact that it's a parody will enjoy this. And unlike many other "kids" shows on TV, there's no gross humor, bad language, etc. here. At least not that I've seen.
- mike_and_kathy_garcia
- Jan 22, 2016
- Permalink
Sarcastic and Slapstick - Fun for kids and big kids too! :-)
A cute show that's clearly a joke
laugh out loud funny !
I agree with the other reviewers. Many of the jokes only adults will understand. Like that one Godfather scene. It's written way different from other barbie series. Life in the Dreamhouse is about plastic dolls living in a plastic world, the other series show Barbie as a human. What makes it unique is it makes fun of the idea of Barbie, and girls in general. Barbie's dog and horse adds so much hilarity ! In between scenes, the characters and even the animals, will talk to the camera like they are being interviewed in a reality TV lol
Think of this series as, mixed of Totally Spies, Spongebob, Toy Story, Madagascar and Open Season. Every episode is very well written and funny. Something kids will enjoy, and will make adults laugh.
Think of this series as, mixed of Totally Spies, Spongebob, Toy Story, Madagascar and Open Season. Every episode is very well written and funny. Something kids will enjoy, and will make adults laugh.
This is what the live action movie should have been.
This show is funny & very clever. It appeals to young & old alike. We see Barbie deal with the real world like any 11" doll would do. Plus we get to meet new friends and learn more about her old ones. We even get to learn more about her pets and their thoughts and feelings about living with Barbie. We watch as Barbie over comes challenges, helps friends and even turns enemies into friends. It's the life you knew your own doll was living when you weren't around. And questions are answered. For instance: "How big is Barbie's closet?" "Where does Ken live?" "How does Barbie afford all these accessories."
- VintageMovieGirl67
- Jul 26, 2023
- Permalink
The epitome of why people hate the Barbie doll
I have always been a Barbie fan, practically from birth. Now, as a mother of 3 daughters who LOVE Barbie everything, and who has seen every single Barbie movie at least once with those girls, I am disgusted by this Barbie television show.
I sat through one episode with my daughters, and was appalled that every character was portrayed as a superficial caricature that perpetuates every reason why feminists hate Barbie. The characters are extremely shallow, and even though some of them are "smart" and can use scientific words in a vaguely applicable context, somehow the writers have made even "intelligent" characters seem like air-heads. Barbie and her multitude of friends and sisters are placed in plots completely focused on superficial things like fashion shows, being in the spotlight, looking pretty--even her male friends.
I am so disappointed that after I had a dialogue with my girls (ages 5, 7, and 9, the Mattel demographic) about why this version of Barbie doesn't send the right message or portray the values we hold dear for girls even they agreed that it's a stupid show. The Barbie movies (back when Kelly Sheridan voiced them, before the new, young, shallow Mattel makeover in 2011) used to portray a better image for Barbie--even if the movies themselves were a little cheesy. We enjoyed those movies, and purchased every one of them. But after the ridiculous Fashion Fairytale, we have rented and rejected every movie since. Judging what I have seen of these recent Mattel productions and especially since seeing two episodes of this awful show, I'm *this* close to jumping on the anti-Barbie bandwagon.
I sat through one episode with my daughters, and was appalled that every character was portrayed as a superficial caricature that perpetuates every reason why feminists hate Barbie. The characters are extremely shallow, and even though some of them are "smart" and can use scientific words in a vaguely applicable context, somehow the writers have made even "intelligent" characters seem like air-heads. Barbie and her multitude of friends and sisters are placed in plots completely focused on superficial things like fashion shows, being in the spotlight, looking pretty--even her male friends.
I am so disappointed that after I had a dialogue with my girls (ages 5, 7, and 9, the Mattel demographic) about why this version of Barbie doesn't send the right message or portray the values we hold dear for girls even they agreed that it's a stupid show. The Barbie movies (back when Kelly Sheridan voiced them, before the new, young, shallow Mattel makeover in 2011) used to portray a better image for Barbie--even if the movies themselves were a little cheesy. We enjoyed those movies, and purchased every one of them. But after the ridiculous Fashion Fairytale, we have rented and rejected every movie since. Judging what I have seen of these recent Mattel productions and especially since seeing two episodes of this awful show, I'm *this* close to jumping on the anti-Barbie bandwagon.
- weaversgrrrl
- Oct 10, 2013
- Permalink
Surprisingly clever!
Turned on this show for some mindless background noise but soon found myself actually paying attention- the jokes are surprisingly clever for a kids show! Most of the episodes kind of make fun of the Barbie doll stereotypes, so because of that I can see this show as something adults genuinely getting a kick out of it while watching it with their kids! It's not just another Barbie animation about "dreams and friendship and magical butterflies"- so if you're used to that being the general (and serious) theme of most Barbie movies, this show might catch you off guard at first (which I think has been the case with the negative reviewers on here.)
- oizuf_oiuxa
- May 7, 2014
- Permalink
a series based on Barbie's negative influence on younger kids
After watching a few episodes with my much younger sister, I was stunned. The script is oriented towards teenagers as opposed to young children! I think the attempt for this show to be a parody of the stereotypical Barbie is too extreme. For one the romanticism involving the characters leads to childish plots to win the other's affection. Apparently a makeover will lead a guy to like you...who knew? This is sending the message to younger girls that they should change themselves to look like an idealized character that does not exist! This version of Barbie portrays her in the most superficial context compared to her other movies. Barbie is idolized by her friends for having every material possession imaginable. This idea is evident through various episodes; the characters constantly desire more artificial items than they already have. Furthermore, their vocabulary is horrendous; the characters demonstrate the need to abbreviate every single word in the dictionary. I would suggest to stay away from this series to prevent from losing any IQ points.
- silversliced
- Dec 17, 2013
- Permalink
Actually funny/enjoyable
I was surprised to enjoy this show, and don't mind watching it with my daughter. Sorry to see there is only the one season. We watch this version much more often than the newer show released in 2018.
- jfields1285
- Mar 21, 2019
- Permalink
Entertaining
As a relatively conservative father of two young girls, I am skeptical of any shows for kids. I'm typically bored to tears when having to watch animated kid shows (at my daughters' request), but I make an effort to appease them. To my surprise, this show had me laughing out loud several times. It is clever, funny and the animation is amusing. There is nothing in it that I would deem inappropriate for young kids. My girls are 4 and 2 and it is their favorite show. Compared to all the other mindless kids shows out there, this one stands alone. It made me laugh 10/10
Barbie clever cynical parody
This is a highly enjoyable series that will keep you entertained as well as amused with witty dialogues and sarcastic plots. Here Barbie and friends are dolls and act like them, with lots of accessories that do not pretend to be real. A table tray turns around to show a chocolate cupcake or a giant tv sticker from where a tv is taken. Writers make fun of Barbie's world and character, showing her at the same time as a compulsive shopper or multi professional worker but also as a good loyal friend and bright to solve problems with love and care. Music and songs are nice too and secondary characters are great. Hilarious plots not for everyone this series will amuse both children and adults with enough judgment capacity to discern between clever jokes and mere exemplary childish plots.
- MegaSuperstar
- Apr 24, 2019
- Permalink
Excellent, funny and entertaining
Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse is nothing less that a modern entertaining series for those who like "slap stick" humor and hidden hints from a lot of other high profiled Hollywood productions.
There are a lot of details in every episode containing hints to either the Barbie franchise, everyday situations, and certainly also the stereotype behavior of the characters.
They are all sweet, clumsy, silly, nice, in their own rights. The characters all have their own personality and sometimes they are having trouble doing things because their limited way of movement (as they are dolls in the series and therefore not pretending to be human). So warning against haircuts do have a point; the hair does not grow out again.. ;-)
This is combined with the silly oversize of driver license, spray bottles and other stuff that comes with a Barbie doll.
And if you watch it closely you can learn a lot of trivia about Barbie, as a lot of Barbie fact are present in some episodes.
This series is an absolute must for every Barbie fan.
There are a lot of details in every episode containing hints to either the Barbie franchise, everyday situations, and certainly also the stereotype behavior of the characters.
They are all sweet, clumsy, silly, nice, in their own rights. The characters all have their own personality and sometimes they are having trouble doing things because their limited way of movement (as they are dolls in the series and therefore not pretending to be human). So warning against haircuts do have a point; the hair does not grow out again.. ;-)
This is combined with the silly oversize of driver license, spray bottles and other stuff that comes with a Barbie doll.
And if you watch it closely you can learn a lot of trivia about Barbie, as a lot of Barbie fact are present in some episodes.
This series is an absolute must for every Barbie fan.
Excellent show
Honestly, I have nothing to say apart from the fact that it's amazing. If you haven't watched you NEED to do so.
- mayakat-98248
- Jun 24, 2021
- Permalink
Skip It
If I can give one positive for the show, it's that at least they're short. It won't take you too long to get through the episodes to see how terrible they are. Yeah I don't like this show. I don't care if it's a self parody. All the characters are awful in one way or the other. They either act like jerks, idiots, or shallow people, with any niceness being superficial. Barbie is hit the worst, being someone who's so obnoxious and superficial and really stupid. I wouldn't mind this if it was funny, but it's not. Thank goodness no future Barbie media took inspiration from this show. Skip it.
- blytheandferb-91172
- Jul 1, 2022
- Permalink
BRILLIANT satirical masterpiece (this review is not a joke!)
What A Joke
This show is bad. I mean it. It tries to be a self aware parody of Barbie, but it just makes the characters act like shallow caricatures, jerks, or idiots. Barbie gets hit the worse, acting like an idiot who can't do anything right, and her morals are all superficial. I could forgive this if it was funny or had something interesting to say, but it doesn't work. The only positive I can give is that at least the plots are short. Skip this one.
- blytheandferb-10967
- Jul 1, 2022
- Permalink
Such a fun show!
GREATEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME EVER
Not only is this movie better that Godfather Part 1, This is the ONLY movie you should ever watch. The characters are well written, the jokes land, and Barbie herself is an interesting character. The Barbie saga has been going strong since 2001. All of the movies in the series are incredibly emotional and intersting. The only gripe I have with it is that the CGI looks too real. They look too real to be in a kids show. Don't ever watch a Pixar film, because this is the definitive animated movie experience. Dare I say that it's almost as good as Motu Patlu, Which is also a great classic show.
- colelander
- Jan 7, 2018
- Permalink
this show, ironically, aged really well
Ever since I was younger, I hated girly stuff, and I was (and still am) a tomboy. So, when my sibling would always drag me to the TV, she would beg I turn on Barbie. I always hesitantly complied, since, y'know, I didn't want my sister to whine and get me into trouble. Thus slowly began my fascination with this show.
That was years ago, and I had totally forgotten all about it 'til recently. I watched all of the series, and I can say that this show has aged really well. I still laugh out loud at the dumb jokes and situations in the show. It makes fun of the ridiculousness of Barbie's perfection and flawlessness. Ken and Ryan's rivalry for Barbie is hilarious, and some of the quotes from this show still make me kick my feet and gasp for air because sometimes they are just so out of pocket.
Obviously, this show isn't for everyone, but you can't deny that this show is the epitome of Barbie content, along with the Princess and the Pauper ("How can I refuse?"), even today. It is a gem amongst kid's shows. An oasis in the desert of children's shows. It may not be up there with Bluey, but it's definitely a good show. Your kids will enjoy it and you might too, if you don't mind silly antics and dolls.
That was years ago, and I had totally forgotten all about it 'til recently. I watched all of the series, and I can say that this show has aged really well. I still laugh out loud at the dumb jokes and situations in the show. It makes fun of the ridiculousness of Barbie's perfection and flawlessness. Ken and Ryan's rivalry for Barbie is hilarious, and some of the quotes from this show still make me kick my feet and gasp for air because sometimes they are just so out of pocket.
Obviously, this show isn't for everyone, but you can't deny that this show is the epitome of Barbie content, along with the Princess and the Pauper ("How can I refuse?"), even today. It is a gem amongst kid's shows. An oasis in the desert of children's shows. It may not be up there with Bluey, but it's definitely a good show. Your kids will enjoy it and you might too, if you don't mind silly antics and dolls.
Watch it with your kids. Don't miss the opportunity to laugh your adult head off!
This is a good -> great show. Very tongue in cheek humor, doesn't take itself seriously, but the writing stays intelligent every episode. Highly recommend..
Terrible Toxic Drivel
I hate this cartoon. I thought maybe it was a spoof for adults it was so bad, but it's not. Toxic behavior, unkind characters, and just ridiculously bad plots. I have to tell to my daughter about all the things wrong with this show every time she puts it on.
- sb_livingston
- Jul 30, 2022
- Permalink