American Dragon: Jake Long (Disney Channel, Disney XD)

common sense media says

Descendant of dragons fights dark magic in NYC.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that some of the racial stereotypes are confusing. Though there is an attempt to present a representation of urban mixtures, there is not much respect in the characterization of cultural background. There can be violence against females in the fight scenes and some macho fronting by Jake.

Positive messages: Confusing racial stereotyping.
Violence & scariness: Fight scenes abound. Some torture, threats.
Sexy stuff: Some side comments might go over kids' heads, but parents might catch a thing or two.
Language: Jake does not usually speak respectfully to his Grandfather.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on American Dragon: Jake Long

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what it would be like to keep a secret about heritage the way Jake and his mom and sister withhold information from Mr. Long.

What's the story?

What's the story?

AMERICAN DRAGON: JAKE LONG is about an Asian-American boy, Jake Long (voiced by Dante Basco), who lives in New York City. A typical teenager who loves to skateboard, Jake is protecting a family secret: He is in fact a dragon, and it's his duty to protect the magical creatures that live in New York City.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

While kids will enjoy the pratfalls and goofy behavior of Jake and his crew, parents might cringe at the awkward portrayal of urban life in this show. Jake's posturing when talking to his grandfather, who happens to be his spiritual master, goes against the Chinese tradition of respect for one's elders. Also confusing is the "ghetto" speak of his African-American friends. It's true that cultural differences in urban living are very real; perhaps this show would be better off sticking to the action, rather than the social commentary.

The pace of the show is bouncy and entertaining, though some of the fight scenes can present scary dark forces that Jake must defeat. Some humorous moments come through, but the iffy aspects of the show outweigh the treats here. In other words, there are better programs out there for young martial arts aficionados to pursue.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Disney Channel
Cast: Charlie Finn, Dante Basco, Mae Whitman
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Disney Channel

This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7

Most useful reviews by all members

karatedude
teen, 18 years old
 
Very entertaining, but...
This show is surprisingly entertaining. But it gets old after awhile, I couldn't see this exactly being someone's favorite show. There are a few bathroom jokes in most episodes. There is also alot of fighting. The main character isn't very respectful. Surprisingly, being set in New York, there is no drugs or alchohol or commercialism. But kids of different nations judge each other by their races. Overall this is an above average show.

icefire22
teen, 18 years old
 
Awesome!!
This is my favorite show.me and my friends watch it whenever it's on. My mom even likes it. And she's 35! It's entertaining and even funny to watch Jake juggle his social life and his duties as the American Dragon.This show is a must watch. Some people don't approve of the violence or "bathroom jokes" but you gotta remember-it's Disney channel. Every show is rated g on disney channel. They wouldn't put anything that was really bad on Disney channel. Parents have to remember-it's just a tv show.

Moogles
adult
 
My my my...
I am 13 years old but my godsister makes me watch this show alot. I gotta say. This show is RACIST! My worst fear (Being asian american myself) is that a child who watches the show may say to me somethign like "Look a chinese person! Do you think he can tur nint oa dragon?" This also misinforms the masses about chinese culture. Jeff Goode should be sued so disney can fall along with the many other incredibly (But subtly) racist shows it shows on TV.

bunniesferrets
teen, 17 years old
 
I love this show !!!
I think "American Dragon" is a fun, great show for everyone. Some good episodes are The Academy, The Ski Trip, and Breakout ! Good job Disney Channel !!

Blue-Bunny
teen, 18 years old
 
The last of its kind...
Seriously, CommonSense? Two stars? That's all you can give it? Why does it seem like you hate every good show? Oh, just because it has a little violence, it's automatically bad? American Dragon: Jake Long is the the last of its kind (as far as Disney Channel cartoons go), sadly. Jake is a great role-model (despite some of his disrespectful traits). There are also a few lessons in each episodes, which is a plus for parents. There is plenty of action and martial arts, but not too much to the point where it becomes unwatchable for kids. The humor is great, with the occasional inside joke and the episodes have actual plots, unlike most cartoons these days. Ignore CSM, their review does not make any sense. This is an awesome show!

CSM Screen ...
kid, 12 years old
 
Jeremy
Jeremy- 6 and a1/2.

PurpleKat
teen, 15 years old
 
Fun and Fluffy!
American drogon janke long, is a show about a teen wo life is good, then he finds out he is the "Am-Drag", as he calls himself. This show is total check your brain at the door, slap-stick comedy fun-to-watch kind of show! Sometimes he disrespect and disobays his grandpa and parents, but he learns his lesson. Typical of whats is on disney chanel!

DisneyChannelFan
kid, 10 years old
 
American Dragon Jake Long
Its Good.I Miss The Old Disney Channel.But This Is Atleast On Disney XD.7+.

savitar
educator and parent of 15 year old
 
Not racist, violent
Wow, just cause one black chick talks slang the show is racialy stereotyping? It has nothing to do with her being black it has to do with where she grew up. And otherwise many of the jokes are stupid tho the dog makes me laugh, might be to violent for younger viewers but it's up to you to decide if your kids are mature enough to handle it.

ogaboga
teen, 17 years old
 
boring!
i am 11 years old and this show stinks. it is boring and the kid jake talks and acts like a black kid from the hood. it is a take off from every tv show. there are bad jokes and they are not funny. the only way i laugh is watching how bad it is. my friends all agree with me

bibbiu
adult
 
It's a decsent show
I don't see anything wrong with the language, including the accsents on any of the characters. The show isn't racist in any way and even though Jake isin't really respectful too his grand father it's not like a kids going to say 'Oh I'm going to act like Jake!' I like the show and I'm thirteen.

BlueSunday
teen, 15 years old
 
I use to always watch it!
I always watched it, but my stepmom doesn't like it because we're Christian and she thinks its a little creepy with the red dragon, I watch it when my brothers aren't in the room, cuz of the violence. It kinda has dark undertones, but its not a bad show. I love the voices, and its pretty funny. Jake's pretty ignorent half of the time thou, has issues with being told what to do.. Trixie is my fave, its not racisum that she talks that way, its New York! Jake speaks that way too! Spud doesn't thou. Rose's secret is really exciting to know about, her birthmark is cool. Although I'm suprised they both haven't figured out who eachother were (their voices are give aways) Either way, dispite the violence and romance, its really cool.

homegirl13
teen, 15 years old
 
show is..
kinda raceist but i persenally like the show parents should be a little concernd but don't go crazy! its pretty dencent compared to other shows! all in all its good! if yor concered just turn the in into a teachable moment on sterotypes but i don't think its all that bad.

rebma97
teen, 14 years old
 
Kids may like it, but...
Personally, it's not that entertaining of a show. It's storylines are so-so. It's not very violent. But Jake isn't the greatest role model; he's arrogant, he doesn't take his training seriously, and sometimes he's just lazy. Him and Trixie use way to much slang, and it could be considered a stereotype the way they make them talk. But that's just my opinon; obviously a lot of kids liked it.

BlueRocks360
kid, 13 years old
 
Somewhere in the middle
This is a OK tv show. Nothing special. It bores you after you watch it for awhile.

 
A great show!
This is one of the greatest shows I've ever seen. Some cool fight scenes, and nice animation when Jake Dragons Up. Spud is a perfect dim witted sidekick and Trixie is the perfect person to knock sense into Jake. I enjoy this show.

Sanjay407
kid, 13 years old
 
I like it
I like this show!

 
First&Second seasons are like two differents shows
I adore this show. I'm 17, watched it when I was younger but stopped 'cuz of the season two art change. Randomly got back into it, and I cannot stop. If you're looking for something cute and funny, go with first season episodes. If you want a captivating plot where you need to watch the episodes in order to understand, go for season two (it also has little funny episodes, though :P). Um, no, this show is not racist haha omg these people. Trixie is black, and talks with slang. Jake is asian, and talks with slang. It's not because Trixie's black, it's just because of the area they've grown up in. It has nothing to do with race. Stop being over-sensitive. -------First season - focused more on the funny, Jake and Trixie used a lot of slang which some parents wouldn't like. Jake's a lot more arrogant in this season and not really focused on anything but Rose and impressing other kids. Jake and Rose's situation is a more complex and interesting Romeo & Juliet and I love it :) --------Second season - Seems like a whole different show. A lot less slang, focused plot, Rose and Jake are more involved. Jake disrespects Grandpa a little less, and there's actually some Chinese culture in this season.

Gothraindrop
teen, 15 years old
 
OKay Kids
It is a little racist but it is still good, dont watch if you're one of those over protected parents

Jassy28
parent of 6 year old
 
Horrible, racist show
I have watched quite a few episodes of Jake Long and let me be the first to say that it is RACIST with a capital "r". I don't know why the female friend on the show can't say one word without bobbing her head and giving an attitude, and that goes for most of the African-American characters. Also, as stated before little information is given about his Chinese heritage and his disrespect is unbelievable. I'm so glad that its off the air!

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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