‘Peppa Pig’ Got Real-Life Doctors Concerned About One Thing

If you have a child, then you're probably familiar with Peppa Pig. Chances are even if you don't have kids, you've heard of the show.

At first glance, the cartoon follows Peppa Pig and her family: her little brother George, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig. However, Peppa Pig may not be as harmless as it seems. In fact, it got doctors talking (all for the wrong reasons).

The main issue: the unrealistic standards the show set for doctors and NHS in general.

'Peppa Pig's' Healthcare Is Too Good to Be True

In Peppa's world, healthcare seems almost magical. Dr. Brown Bear manages to be everywhere at once, ready to help anyone even at the slightest sniffle. That would be neat in real life, wouldn’t it?

Yes, but: this kind of mindset can harm both doctors and those who truly need their help.

“Pedro's Cough” (Season 3, Episode 3) is a great example. When Pedro Pony coughs a couple of times, Dr. Brown Bear arrives to save the day faster than you can say “prescription.” In the real world, most people would offer Pedro a glass of water and keep an eye on the situation.

Real Doctors Speak Out on ‘Peppa Pig; Unrealistic Portrayal of NHS

Dr. Catherine Bell took to the British Medical Journal (BMJ) to talk about her concerns. Particularly, she pointed out “Not Very Well” (Season 1, Episode 25), in which Peppa's minor face rash leads to an immediate house call and medication.

“It is also an example of unnecessary prescribing for a viral illness, and encourages patients to attempt to access their GP inappropriately,” Bell argues.

There’s more: even TV's own Dr. Hilary Jones couldn't help but chuckle during his Good Morning Britain appearance when discussing the show.

“We don't have a GP like Dr. Brown Bear,” he said, pointing out the difference between Peppa's idealized medical care and the actual NHS system.

Where to Watch ‘Peppa Pig’ Right Now?

You can catch the episodes of Peppa Pig on Paramount+, Netflix, Netflix Kids, Amazon Prime Video or fuboTV.