True Jackson, VP

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Teen's overnight success is unrealistic -- but fun for kids.
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 series centers on a fashion-savvy teen who stumbles into a high-powered job at a major (though fictitious) fashion label and immediately upstages a group of jealous adult co-workers. While the show's target tween audience can probably distinguish the show's fantastical nature from reality, it still oversimplifies the true nature of the workplace and sends some so-so messages about respecting others' experience and expertise. That said, the series' heroine is a bright, creative, self-confident teen who speaks her mind and doesn't let anyone's assumptions about her stand in the way of achieving her dreams.

  • The show isn't intended to be educational, but young vivewers may learn a thing or two about office dynamics.
  • The show offers young viewers strong messages about valuing friendship, working hard, and believing in yourself. It's not a particularly realistic view of the workplace, and some characters aren't quick to respect others, but overall there's a positive take-away.
  • True is a smart, self-confident teen who never shies away from a challenge and doesn't let others intimidate her. And the cast members are a diverse group. But the series casts adults in a generally negative light, from True's eccentric, easily influenced boss to the gossipy, spiteful women in the office.
  • No violence, but lots of slapstick accidents (collisions, falls, and the like) that are exaggerated for humor.
  • Stories occasionally touch on attraction between characters; some flirting.
  • Not applicable.
  • The series centers on the fashion industry, but it's a fictitious label, and little mention is made of real fashion brands/trends.

What's the story?

In TRUE JACKSON, VP, a chance encounter turns into the opportunity of a lifetime for teen fashionista True Jackson (Keke Palmer of Akeelah and the Bee) when style exec Max (Greg Proops) names her the new vice president of youth apparel at his fashion label. But as thrilled as she is about the unexpected chance at her dream job, it's not long before True realizes that workplace relationships can be just as complicated as high school ones. She'll need plenty of spunk and creativity -- and a little help from her friends Lulu (Ashley Argota) and Ryan (Matt Shively) -- if she wants to prove her worth to her contemptuous adult co-workers.


Is it any good?

 

Tween girls will get a kick out of this series' highly fantasized view of the adult world, but it does have a few iffy messages about the workplace and interpersonal relationships. Despite their age, True's immature adult co-workers gang up to exclude her and often gossip about her behind her back. And her boss, Max, is portrayed as eccentric and prone to impulsive decision-making. The adults' shortcomings make True emerge as the solitary level head in the professional bunch -- which is fun for kids' imaginations but also calls for a reality check about appropriate adult behavior in the real world.

Palmer's performance as the unabashed, self-confident True stands out as a bright spot. True meets challenges of all kinds with gusto and never allows others' misconceptions of her to alter how she views herself. If your tweens do tune in, they may be more inspired by her character's positive personality traits than questionably affected by her unlikely position at work, but have that reality check speech ready just in case.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how the media portrays responsible adult behavior. How would you characterize the actions of the adults in this show? Are any of them less mature than others? How do you think their actions would be tolerated in a real work environment?

  • Kids: Can you relate any of True's issues with her co-workers to issues you have with acquaintances your own age? How do you handle interpersonal problems at school?

  • Have you ever been the victim of bullying? How does it feel? Why do you think people bully or intimidate others?


This review was written by Emily Ashby
Teen, 18 years old
January 29, 2010
 
true jackson
The possitive message in this show are to follow your dreams. And I think that it is always a good thing to show kids to belielve in their dreams. It is educational in some way i guess but, its a great show and very funny. Keke Palmer is a great actress and singer, Great for kids any age. By the way I love you're user name "iloveigs." I love Italian Greyhounds too.

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Kid, 12 years old
September 19, 2009
 
Many Positive Messages!
I love True Jackson,VP! I think that True gives a positive message in every episode! I recommend you watch it!

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Teen, 15 years old
June 20, 2010
 
Ok messages, but not good
Ok, this really isn't very funny. Infact, It's pretty bland. The humor is boring, and the theme just seems kinda stupid. There are some good role models, like the main cast star, and all the others are bland idiots in my oppion.

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Kid, 9 years old
April 24, 2011
 
iPERSNALLY LOVE IT BUT SAFTY IS A ISSUE

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Kid, 12 years old
May 15, 2011
 
I LOVE THIS SHOW!

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Kid, 11 years old
December 26, 2010
 
Very good

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Teen, 15 years old
May 21, 2011
 
Awesome TV show on Nickelodeon!
I love this show, and True Jackson (Keke Palmer) has good role model during the show!

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Kid, 8 years old
May 1, 2011
 
I watch this at nick.
OMG I watch this at nick! Werd but I like it.

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Kid, 10 years old
February 27, 2011
 
Very Good
This is my favorite show on nick, I watch it everyday.

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Adult
February 2, 2011
 
The best show on Nickelodeon!
Love it

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This review was written by Emily Ashby
Topics:friendship, high school
TV rating:TV-Y7
Network:Nickelodeon
Cast:Danielle Bisutti, Greg Proops, Keke Palmer
Genre:Comedy

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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