Carl's Date
Carl's Date
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Watch-outs
What this film brings
Content barometer
Violence
1/5
Mild
Fear
1/5
Mild
Sexuality
1/5
Allusions
Language
0/5
None
Narrative complexity
0/5
Simple
Adult themes
0/5
None
Expert review
This Pixar short has a gentle, humorous atmosphere and follows Carl, an elderly widower, as he nervously prepares for a date with clumsy help from Dug. The main sensitive material comes from the background theme of grief, since Carl openly refers to the wife he lost, along with a few moments of mild emotional anxiety as he worries about going out with someone new. There is almost no real violence, only very light cartoon style chaos when Dug gets overexcited and breaks a phone, and the romantic content remains completely innocent. The intensity stays very low and brief throughout, with a warm and reassuring tone that fits young viewers well. For parents, the most helpful support is simply to reassure children that the story is about remembering someone you loved while still being allowed to enjoy new friendships and new experiences.
Synopsis
Carl Fredricksen reluctantly agrees to go on a date with a lady friend—but admittedly has no idea how dating works these days. Ever the helpful friend, Dug steps in to calm Carl's pre-date jitters and offer some tried-and-true tips for making friends—if you're a dog.
Difficult scenes
Carl tells Dug that he has not been with anyone since Ellie, his wife, died. This moment may affect children who are sensitive to loss, although the scene is calm, affectionate, and does not include distressing detail. As the date gets closer, Carl becomes anxious and tries to cancel over the phone. Dug jumps in with playful chaos, grabs at the device, and the phone gets broken in the commotion, which may briefly startle younger children even though it is clearly comic and harmless.
Where to watch
No verified platform for the US market yet. We keep this section updated as availability changes.
Availability checked on Apr 01, 2026
About this title
- Format
- Short film
- Year
- 2023
- Runtime
- 9m
- Countries
- United States of America
- Original language
- EN
- Directed by
- Bob Peterson
- Main cast
- Ed Asner, Bob Peterson
- Studios
- Pixar
Content barometer
Violence
1/5
Mild
Fear
1/5
Mild
Sexuality
1/5
Allusions
Language
0/5
None
Narrative complexity
0/5
Simple
Adult themes
0/5
None
Expert review
This Pixar short has a gentle, humorous atmosphere and follows Carl, an elderly widower, as he nervously prepares for a date with clumsy help from Dug. The main sensitive material comes from the background theme of grief, since Carl openly refers to the wife he lost, along with a few moments of mild emotional anxiety as he worries about going out with someone new. There is almost no real violence, only very light cartoon style chaos when Dug gets overexcited and breaks a phone, and the romantic content remains completely innocent. The intensity stays very low and brief throughout, with a warm and reassuring tone that fits young viewers well. For parents, the most helpful support is simply to reassure children that the story is about remembering someone you loved while still being allowed to enjoy new friendships and new experiences.
Synopsis
Carl Fredricksen reluctantly agrees to go on a date with a lady friend—but admittedly has no idea how dating works these days. Ever the helpful friend, Dug steps in to calm Carl's pre-date jitters and offer some tried-and-true tips for making friends—if you're a dog.
Difficult scenes
Carl tells Dug that he has not been with anyone since Ellie, his wife, died. This moment may affect children who are sensitive to loss, although the scene is calm, affectionate, and does not include distressing detail. As the date gets closer, Carl becomes anxious and tries to cancel over the phone. Dug jumps in with playful chaos, grabs at the device, and the phone gets broken in the commotion, which may briefly startle younger children even though it is clearly comic and harmless.