 | 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. |
Kickin' It
Common Sense Media says
So-so comedy offers tweens some worthwhile messages.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this series is geared toward tweens and centers on positive themes like self-confidence and teamwork. Kids will enjoy the karate sequences, which feature some impressive acrobatics as well as some slapstick comedy. There's little in the way of negative content, although it's worth reminding tweens that the characters' mostly adults-free lifestyle is hardly realistic. Teen relationships are limited to flirting, and instances of bullying (mostly related to schoolyard pranks, although at least one instance raises the issue of cyberbullying) are easily resolved by the teens within the 30-minute time limit. Expect a fair bit of potty humor, too.
What's the story?
KICKIN’ IT is a comedy series about a group of friends who use their martial arts skills and the lessons they learn from the sport to navigate the uncertainties of teen life. At center is Jack (Leo Howard), a self-confident skater type who reluctantly joins a subpar dojo called the Bobby Wasabi Martial Arts Academy after meeting the students at his school. The academy has different significance in the lives of ragtag members Jerry (Mateo Arias), Milton (Dylan Riley Snyder), and Eddie (Alex Christian Jones), but when Jack arrives, they all hope his skills will help give the place a sense of prestige. Under the direction of the sensei, Rudy (Jason Earles), and with newcomer Kim (Olivia Holt) on board, this unlikely team is ready to take on the world.
Is it any good?
Kickin’ It attempts to woo the coveted tween set with silly comedy, extreme characters, and impressive martial arts sequences, but on content quality, it's a bit of a lightweight. Everything from the oddball array of teen characters to the crazy predicaments in which they find themselves feels a little forced, and parents will notice (although tweens probably won't) that the absence of responsible adults leaves the teens to their own devices most of the time. This set-up makes for plenty of fun times, but it's hardly a realistic reflection of its viewers' lives.
That's not to say that the show is all bad. The karate sequences are fun to watch, and the show's humor is undeniable despite its fantastical nature. It even manages to work in some positive messages about being a good friend, trusting teammates, and having confidence in yourself. Jack in particular is a likable character, since he stands up to peer pressure and takes the lead in steering his friends in a mostly ethical direction. The bottom line? It's not destined to be a classic, but the show's intended messages are sound, even if the presentation is lacking.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about teamwork. What qualities are important in a good team member? How does being part of a team enhance people's individual talents and skills? What makes someone a strong leader?
Kids: What aspects of this series seem realistic to you? Which ones don't? Do you like this show's style of exaggerated comedy? In what ways is your life different from the characters'?
Did you see instances of bullying in this show? If so, who did the bullying? Who was the victim? How did the experience affect those involved? Have you ever witnessed bullying? What can you do to stop it from happening?
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
June 28, 2011
AGE
I hate Olivia Holt
That Olivia Holt girl who plays Kim, I think, is too full of herself. I dont like her, nor the show!
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Kid, 10 years old
July 6, 2011
AGE
DISNEY IS INNOCENT!!! :)
:) I LOVE THIS SHOW!!! Its funny! But, the launguge, isnt very great for little(er) ones. Ex. brat, butt, jerk,etc. But, for kids that can handle these words properly, this is the show for you!!!!!!!
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Kid, 12 years old
June 18, 2011
AGE
Karate Students Can Relate
Ok, so I'm the first one to post my review for "Kickin' It." It's a very funny show about teens who go to karate. My brother and I both love this show and it's kinda a coincidence that my brother and I started taking karate around the time the show premiered. I recommend this show to 5+ because it's kinda educational because they show people doing karate and the only posistive role model is Jack and there are positive messages.
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AGE
its ok
i kinda like it... i just think the main charecter is cute
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Kid, 10 years old
September 5, 2011
AGE
I LOVE KICKIN IT
I LOVE KICKIN IT. TO ME IT IS THE BEST CHANNEL ON DISNEY XD. I'VE SEEN EVERY EPISODE LIKE Dummy Dancing, Fat chance, Dojo day afternoon, swords and magic, road to wasabi, all the wrong moves, ricky weaver, wax in, wax out wax off and the commercial. I LOVE KICKIN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
POSITIVE MESSAGES GALORE!
this is an amazing show! there's positive messages, good role models, and fight scenes. who doesn't want a good fight scene every now and then? the language depends on the episode, sometimes butt, loser, and in one episode, "sexy." (referring to someone's legs) i do think leo howard is kind of a show off. and CheerGirl1111, i completely disagree with you. the show is awesome! and i think olivia holt is kinda cute in a way. other than that, this is one of the best shows on disney xd and i really don't get why there arent any parent reviews for this show.
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AGE
Its a pass
The show does have some positive themes, particularly loyalty. But there's doesn't need to be so much innuendo. I was particularly upset when someone mentioned wet T-shirt contents being the best part of Spring Break. Of course, my pre-teen asked me what that was.
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Kid, 12 years old
October 16, 2011
AGE
Wouldn't recomend it
It does teach kids to like karate and to be active. Also teaches kids about good friendships but, it has language little kids shouldn't repeat. Like there was an epicode where a guy said his "sexy legs were a curce" so for older kids. A little violent too.
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AGE
Kickin' it's way right into my heart!
Can anyone say B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T? :) I adore this show and it's good hearted messages,no apparent dangers for the little ones except for use of words like 'butt' and 'sexy',but overall I think it's quite funny and parents shoudn't switch their tv's off for this series.We swear by the light of the dragon's eye,to be loyal and honest and never say die,WASABI! <333
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Kid, 11 years old
December 13, 2011
AGE
Kickin all those mean comments away!
This show is A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!!! It's crazy, cool, sporty, and it will make you laugh your pants off! Sometimes their are some inaproprite comments about stuff. One guy called his legs "Sexy" and they made some gross comments about where babys come from. None of the marchel arts stuff is violent, its either them practicing, or fighting ppl. It's suppost to show how much they know and sometimes its for laughs. Overall this is a funny comedy that anyone would like!
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| Topics: | sports and martial arts, friendship |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7 |
| Network: | Disney XD |
| Cast: | Jason Earles, Leo Howard, Mateo Arias |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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