| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
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.
THE EMPEROR'S NEW SCHOOL is a feeble attempt to ride on the coattails of the popular animated film The Emperor's New Groove. 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. Narrated by Kuzco, The Emperor's New School follows his silly escapades around school and the Incan community.
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.
Families can talk about 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?
| Topics: | friendship |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Disney Channel |
| Cast: | J.P. Manoux, Jessica Di Cicco, Patrick Warburton |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |