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Jonny Quest (Boomerang)

common sense media says

Classic cartoon adventures for grade-schoolers.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this classic action cartoon -- which originally aired in the '60s and had another TV incarnation in the mid-'80s -- includes some violence and dated stereotypes. But none of what's here is too iffy, and many modern kids will be able to relate to Jonny, who doesn't come from a traditional nuclear family.

Positive messages: Many of the foreign characters are one dimensional and suffer from some dated stereotyping (reflecting the show's 1960s origins). But the show also embraces the idea that there are many different types of families.
Violence & scariness: The characters use guns and other, often-futuristic weapons, and there are many on-screen deaths. Some scary monsters.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Jonny Quest

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the meaning of family. What does it mean to be a part of a family? Do you have to be related to someone for them be part of your family? Who makes up Jonny's family? How is his family similar to yours? How is it different? Families can also discuss how the show stereotypes its foreign characters. Why is the way they're portrayed no longer acceptable? How do these kinds of labels and assumptions get started, anyway?

What's the story?

What's the story?

JONNY QUEST (also known as The Adventures of Jonny Quest), follows 11-year-old Jonny (voiced by Tim Matheson) as he accompanies his famous scientist father, Dr. Benton Quest (John Stephenson and Don Messick shared the role), on expeditions around the world. Also along for the ride are Jonny's adopted brother Hadji (Danny Bravo), family bodyguard Roger "Race" Bannon (Mike Road), and pet bulldog Bandit (Messick).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Overall, this classic series provides lots of vintage humor and a surprisingly contemporary take on family life, given the Quests' atypical (for the '60s, anyway) family unit. But keep an eye out for futuristic weapons and glamorized violence (fights among villains sometimes include robots and scary mummies), as well as some awfully dated stereotyping. Many of the show's foreign characters are one-dimensional; you may want to explain to kids that the concept of political correctness didn't exist back in Jonny's day, and tell them why labels and clichés aren't OK. On the plus side, the serial- and comic book-inspired Jonny Quest is filled with exciting adventures, and it succeeds in sending the message that "family" can take many forms.

TV themes & details

Themes
adventures
TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Boomerang
Cast: Don Messick, Mike Road, Tim Matheson
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Boomerang
This review was written by Deirdre Sheppard
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

nickelmcpickle
teen, 14 years old
7
 
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
cammy48
kid, 11 years old
7
 
awesome!!
This show is the terrific. maybe some guns and off screen deaf and Race does punch occasionally, but other than that it is great
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
Ylndgomez
teen, 16 years old
14
 
I LIKE JONNY QUEST IN THE 60S.
I LOVE JONNY QUEST IN THE 60S. I LOVE JONNY QUEST. I LOVE HADJI. I LOVE RACE BANNON. I LOVE DR. BENTON QUEST I LOVE BANDIT.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
nascar
kid, 12 years old
7
 
i love it!
i see it everyday!
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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