The Emperor's New School - TV-G
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Disney Channel Cast: Patrick Warburton, Jessica Di Cicco, J.P. Manoux
Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
Available on: 
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Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this show is intended for entertainment purposes only -- despite the potentially interesting and educational setting (an Incan empire), there's no learning about history or the culture of these people. The main character, Kuzco, is a self-absorbed teen. He lies and cheats in order to secure his high school diploma. He's also disrespectful to adults.
Families who watch this show can discuss why Kuzco faces challenges with friends and administrators at school and what changes he could make to be more likable. Could his terrible attitude and actions be a way to cover up his normal adolescent feelings of insecurity? Would kids want to be friends with someone like Kuzco given how he treats others?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
THE EMPEROR'S NEW SCHOOL is a feeble attempt to ride on the coattails of the popular animated film The Emperor's New Groove. Featuring the same characters, this cartoon focuses on Kuzco, a pompous would-be emperor teen who has been forced out of the palace and lives with his peasant buddy Pacha and family. He cannot become emperor without earning his high school diploma, so he does what he does best, which is lie and cheat his way out of every obstacle between him and the diploma.
His arch rival in school and life is the brawny, dim-witted Kronk and the evil Yzma, who uses her magic to prevent Kuzco from obtaining his diploma. As expected, her tricks always fail with dramatic results. Nevertheless, the voice of Eartha Kitt and her famous snarls and guttural vocalizations are the best part of the show and the only reason to tune in, if you must.
Narrated by Kuzco, The Emperor's New School follows his silly escapades around school and the Incan community. Despite his unlikable personality, he's supported by not only kind Pacha, but also a female classmate named Malina, who Kuzco describes as a "hottie hot hottie." Though the cartoon is targeted at young elementary-aged kids, even these viewers are savvy enough to ask, "Why would anyone want to help him?" The show is free of violence but its lackluster animation and annoying characters are not worth even a half-hour of down-time.
Kids may also want to check out other shows based on Disney movies, like Lilo & Stitch, or spin-off videos like Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins.
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Sexual ContentA female classmate is called a "hottie hot hottie." |
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Social BehaviorMain character is disrepectful to people of authority. He lies and cheats to get his way. |
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