JONAS L.A.

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Teen rock stars bring good, clean fun to Tinsel Town.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this upbeat series stars the Jonas Brothers as members of an ultra-popular teen rock band. While the show isn't necessarily based on the guys' real-life selves, their characters do have the same first names, and the "fictional" band's name is Jonas, making publicity for the Jonas Brothers an unavoidable byproduct of the series. The show's move to Los Angeles in its second season changes its tone to a degree, and viewers will find more mature themes like dating and the guys' explorations of their inidividual endeavors taking the place of the slapstick antics of the past. But true to form, the JoBros still manage to send positive messages to kids about family ties, self-acceptance, and healthy relationships.

  • The show is intended to entertain rather than educate, but there are some nice takeaway life lessons.
  • The show emphasizes the importance of family and friendship, and the guys learn positive (if obvious) lessons about staying grounded and appreciating what really matters in life.
  • Despite their celebrity status, the brothers and their parents strive for a "normal" existence at home and school. They're unassuming and unaffected by the throngs of young girls clamoring for their autograph everywhere they go. Girls often act silly around them (stuttering, giggling, even fainting), but the guys quickly put them at ease. Even the developing romantic relationships offer a positive example for tweens -- as the girls and guys move slowly from friendship to something more, they communicate their feelings openly, and they always respect each other.
  • Not applicable.
  • Some flirting; lots of female fans have massive crushes on the three guys -- and they're sometimes chased by throngs of adorers. Dating becomes a stronger theme of the show starting in season 2; Joe and Stella's relationship develops beyond mere friendship, so there's some hand-holding and and close embraces.
  • Not applicable.
  • Obviously the Jonases are part of a mega-marketing franchise (clothing, music, books, etc.), but there's no direct product pitch in the show. Each episode incorporates a few selections of the guys' music.

What's the story?

In JONAS L.A. (originally titled simply JONAS), the real-life Jonas Brothers star as Kevin, Joe, and Nick Lucas, the three sibling stars of fictitious rock band Jonas (named after the street they live on ... of course). Fresh off their world tour, the guys are planning a fun-filled summer in the California sun, joined by their good friends Macy (Nicole Anderson) and Stella (Chelsea Staub). The vacation also allows the guys to explore their individual interests, as Joe tries out acting, Nick delves into writing new songs, and Kevin studies film directing. And if that's not enough, things on the romantic front are heating up for the guys as well, ensuring that this will be a summer to remember.


Is it any good?

 

Jonas, Lucas, Midas -- no matter what name the trio uses, the result seems destined to be golden. It speaks to the Jonases' immense likeability that they can star in a show that's so entwined with their real-life selves (they don't even change their names, for heaven's sake) and still not come across as self serving. On the contrary, their charm and chemistry are bound to win over viewers who aren't already on the Jonas bandwagon.

The show's move to L.A. means a focal change from the guys' attempts to stay grounded in the "real" world to the decision to embrace their celebrity status and the opportunities it offers. This gives the show a more mature feel (the guys are on their own, after all) and opens the door to developing romances for both Joe and Nick. But despite these changes, the JoBros prove they're still the poster boys for kid-friendly entertainment, and the show imparts positive messages about healthy teen relationships, communication, and, of course, strong family ties.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how society views celebrities. Kids: Why do we treat stars with such reverence? Do you think some celebrities are more deserving of our admiration than others? Who do you admire, and why? 

  • Should celebrities be considered role models? Do we hold them to higher standards than other people? Why?

  • This show explores many different kinds of relationships. How do the characters' relationships with their siblings, friends, and peers compare to your own? Do you think this show gives an accurate impression of anyone's (including the real Jonas Brothers') lifestyle? Why or why not?


This review was written by Emily Ashby
Kid, 10 years old
October 18, 2010
 
Jonas L.A.
Crushes And Fame Are Put Into The Original Show Jonas.Now Originally As Jonas L.A. Now.Good Show But L.A. Episodes Can Get A Little Bit Lousy.Good For Ages8 And Up.

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 12 years old
October 22, 2010
 
I personally hate the Jonas Brothers..... so, I'm bias.

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Parent of 17 year old
January 9, 2011
 
This sitcom lacks in humor and the ability to sustain a plot. The speech used has no trend or feeling to it, and the actors are stiff and obviously have no real experiences in the acting comity. The only reason this show has any publicity, though having very little of it, is due to the deranged fans that have devoted themselves to indulging them with everything 'Jonas'. Even if it's garbage.

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Teen, 15 years old
October 30, 2010
 
No. No. No. This show is just terrible, end of story. Bias or not, this show is horrible.

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Teen, 15 years old
January 12, 2011
 
HATE this show !
well . . . this is probably the worst show known to man . the diologue is stupid and fake. its like they are tying to make a soap opera on disney channel . every second you watch is dramatic . also, none of them can act .

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Kid, 13 years old
August 17, 2010
 
Terrible acting, they lipsynch, and i really hate them. Their songs are annoying they're lyrics are all the same. This show is poisoning america's kids.

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Teen, 16 years old
July 27, 2010
 
Its all the same.... (yawns)
Why is it everything with the Jonas Brothers they are famous and Nick is always singing to a girl he has a crush on with his gutair? No offence to the fans, but I'm so tired of hearing about the Jonas Brothers every single day, its annoying, and you know it. You'd think after 2 or 3 years people would stop watching this plot copying stuff.

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Teen, 15 years old
August 11, 2010
 
Awful.
Explain to me why common sense gave this 4 stars...?

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Teen, 17 years old
July 28, 2010
 
but this is one of the worse shows on TV. They are not all that talented of actors/actresses, maybe Nicole Anderson, Nick, and Joe being the best, but they are given stupid lines, bad directing, and a horrible layout. My 5 year old brother watches it, there isn't anything bad in it (except the acting). And I say all this with every JoBros CD ever made in my iTunes and posters on my wall!

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Teen, 15 years old
September 16, 2010
 
Love this show!
It's appropriate for basically all ages, but younger kids might get bored with it. Great for tweens/teens, especially Jonas Brothers fans!

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This review was written by Emily Ashby
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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