Knuckles parents guide: The Sonic spin-off is LOL fun for the whole family

All six episodes of Knuckles are now streaming on Paramount+. The Sonic the Hedgehog spin-off features the fiery red echidna (voiced by Idris Elba) partnering up with Wade Whipple (Adam Pally) for an action-packed, yet wholesome, adventure.

The first Sonic the Hedgehog movie and its sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, are stamped with a PG rating. This rating was given due to mild language, action, rude humor, and some violence. It's pretty typical PG stuff that parents are, for the most part, okay with. A lot of the "rude humor" and "mild language" goes over the heads of young children. That said, parents may be wondering if the latest addition to the Sonic universe follows the same fun, PG-rated formula as the movies. After all, Knuckles is not a movie, it's a mini-series, so it could have been created to follow its own beat.

Knuckles makes its debut Friday, April 26, dropping all six episodes exclusively on Paramount+, the platform where you can also stream both of the Sonic the Hedgehog movies. Based on the character from the popular video games and following the story of the movies, Knuckles was created by John Whittington and Toby Ascher.

Whittington served as one of the screenplay writers for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and returns as a writer in the upcoming movie, Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The film writer is also known for his work in The Lego Batman Movie and DC League of Super-Pets, among other projects. So not only is Whittington familiar with the character Knuckles, he also knows a thing or two about kid-friendly comedies.

Knuckles Parents Guide: Explaining the TV-PG age rating

Sonic fans all know that Knuckles the Echidna packs a punch, but Knuckles on Paramount+? Not so much! The miniseries is a toned-down version of the movies.

Sex and Nudity: None. Zip. Nada. Other than a few jokes about the male anatomy that will go over kids' heads, there's nothing to worry about.

Violence: Knuckles is known for punching first and asking questions later, something he very much continues to do in the Paramount+ miniseries. However, much like in the Sonic pictures, the fighting and violence are never graphic. Guns and laser machines are used, but there is never any blood, and no one is killed or severely injured. Most fighting sequences are over the top and silly, particularly when Wade is involved. Kids will be laughing out loud instead of fearing for the character's safety. Jokes also always follow a serious moment or scene, keeping the series fun and light.

Language: The words "idiot," "dumb," "loser," and "you suck," are used as insults when characters are arguing.

Drinking and Drugs: All clear! Other than characters enjoying a glass of wine during dinner, Knuckles is a drug-free zone.

Overall Verdict: What age is Knuckles appropriate for?

Knuckles is appropriate for fans of all ages, though to understand the story and what is happening, I recommend the mini-series to fans over the age of seven. Still, the humor is fun and silly, with over-the-top scenes that are sure to keep all children entertained and on the edge of their seats.

All six episodes of Knuckles are now streaming on Paramount+.