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Lockie Leonard (Disney XD)

common sense media says

Sunny Aussie show has feel-good vibes for tweens.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this Australian series is a nice change of pace from the multitude of American tween shows with marketing tie-ins to music, video games, clothing, etc. The show’s focus on an average kid trying to find his niche in high school will resonate with tweens, and the way it depicts a cohesive family, sibling harmony, and true friendship sends feel-good messages to kids. A fair bit of the show is devoted to Lockie’s developing relationship with the school’s “it” girl, Vicki, but even this storyline sets an age-appropriate example for tweens, as the characters move slowly from friendship to romance and are always respectful of each other’s feelings.

Educational value: The show intends to entertain rather than to educate, but there are some good takeaway lessons for kids.
Positive messages: The show’s focus on a well-adjusted family sends positive messages about the strength that kids can draw from a happy family environment. Friendship and communication are other recurring themes. Lockie is a target for the bullies at his school (who pull pranks like sticking his head in a toilet), but he draws strength from his friend to cope with them.
Positive role models: Lockie’s parents are supportive of and involved in the lives of both of their kids, and Lockie is protective of his younger brother at school. Lockie and Vicki’s relationship reminds tweens of the importance of mutual respect and friendship in a developing romance. The show casts teachers in a negative light (they’re said to be bent on “making kids’ lives miserable”), but it’s played for humor that tweens will surely appreciate.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Lockie’s crush on Vicki develops into a full-fledged romance, with age-appropriate physical contact like hand-holding and hugging. He comments on how she makes him feel, as well, including statements like, “She makes my toenails ache.”
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 Lockie Leonard

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about dating and relationships. What are your family’s rules about dating? How do the relationships you see among your peers compare to Lockie and Vicki’s? How does theirs compare to others you’ve seen on different shows?
  • How does this show compare to similar American series? Besides the characters' accents, what else makes it clear that it takes place somewhere else?
  • Tweens: What hobbies are you passionate about? How dedicated is Lockie to his favorite pastime, surfing?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Lockie Leonard (Sean Keenan) is an Australian teen with grand aspirations of becoming the world’s greatest surfer. Luckily for him, his family has recently relocated to the coastal town of Angelus, where the waves are big enough for his ambitions. But for Lockie, the challenges don’t end when the tide is out, since high school is fraught with its own set of pitfalls. Things are looking up, though, now that he’s won the affection of his crush, Vicki (Gracie Gilbert).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

LOCKIE LEONARD is a welcome alternative to most of today's American tween shows -- parents are likely to welcome its obvious lack of marketing tie-ins as much as its honest approach to teen woes like dating and coping with school bullies. Lockie is an average teen just trying to survive his formative years, and he would be unremarkable except for his general likability. Rather than being absorbed in video games or the silly antics of many of his TV peers, he’s a devoted older brother, a loyal friend, and dedicated to his first love, surfing.

What this series lacks in flash, it makes up for in realistic content, and tweens will come away from it no worse for the wear. Need more reason to like it? The show is based on a book series by Tim Winton, so young fans can follow Lockie’s escapades in their original written format, too.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y7
Network: Disney XD
Cast: Corey McKernan, Gracie Gilbert, Sean Keenan
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Disney XD
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

mcguire217
kid, 10 years old
6
 
Gross horrible show
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)
CanadianWolfPack
parent of 12 year old
10
 
Good Remake from a book
first of all ever heard of the lockie leonard novel/series. You just rated it badly because you haven't hit puberty yet.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (7)
MasterLuke
kid, 13 years old
5
 
Boring
Worst show ever. The narrative is like that of 4-year old TV. "I some time wonder what she feels like?" Who come up with that crude.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)
DisneyChannelFan
kid, 10 years old
8
 
Lockie Lenoard
Who Got The Idea Of This!?!?!?!?!?! What Kinda Crappy Junk Is This.There Is No Need To Continue Disney XD.They Are Out Of Ideas And Clues.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (4)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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