Max from the children’s show "Max and Ruby" rarely talked or only spoke in very short phrases in the early seasons because he was portrayed as a very young toddler character who was shy or barely verbal. Over time, as the series progressed and Max grew older, he began to speak in longer sentences. The show's creator, Rosemary Wells, explained that Max and Ruby’s parents were mostly absent in early seasons to emphasize how kids resolve conflicts independently, and that Max’s minimal speech was likely due to his young age rather than any trauma. Although dark fan theories exist—such as Max being mute due to trauma from a car accident or abuse—these are not supported by the creators or the show’s official narrative. In later seasons, Max can be seen speaking full sentences and his parents do appear, dispelling those theories.