True Jackson, VP (Nickelodeon)

common sense media says

Teen's overnight success is unrealistic -- but fun for kids.


parents & educators say
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages

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.

Educational value: The show isn't intended to be educational, but young vivewers may learn a thing or two about office dynamics.
Positive messages: 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.
Positive role models: 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.
Violence & scariness: No violence, but lots of slapstick accidents (collisions, falls, and the like) that are exaggerated for humor.
Sexy stuff: Stories occasionally touch on attraction between characters; some flirting.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The series centers on the fashion industry, but it's a fictitious label, and little mention is made of real fashion brands/trends.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on True Jackson, VP

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y7
Network: Nickelodeon
Cast: Danielle Bisutti, Greg Proops, Keke Palmer
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Nickelodeon

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

11
Based on 9 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

newmoonwolves
teen, 17 years old
 
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.

bubblegirl802
kid, 11 years old
 
Many Positive Messages!
I love True Jackson,VP! I think that True gives a positive message in every episode! I recommend you watch it!

Spongebobrox1
kid, 12 years old
 
I LOVE THIS SHOW!

evilSoap123
teen, 15 years old
 
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.

my crazy aunty
kid, 9 years old
 
iPERSNALLY LOVE IT BUT SAFTY IS A ISSUE

Sel Gomez ...
kid, 11 years old
 
Very good

Dr.Pepsi
teen, 15 years old
 
Awesome TV show on Nickelodeon!
I love this show, and True Jackson (Keke Palmer) has good role model during the show!

Media9
kid, 8 years old
 
I watch this at nick.
OMG I watch this at nick! Werd but I like it.

emilyoo
kid, 11 years old
 
fine

koala6324
kid, 11 years old
 
The best nick show!
Out of all of Nickelodeon's shows True Jackson VP shows the most positive messages, It's still fun to watch. It touches in flirting, then it's a rare kiss. But overall it's very good

CocoBiscotti3600
kid, 11 years old
 
Great Role Models
It's another one of those shows I watch for the heck of it, but it's a good show, despite being a little silly. True is a great role model, especially when Amanda is mean to her. True, instead of flipping out about an insult, usually takes it pretty good. The show is just a little childish.

cookieluver21
kid, 10 years old
 
Very Good
This is my favorite show on nick, I watch it everyday.

TheGreatNoOne
teen, 17 years old
 
I dunno...
There are VERY good role models in this show, although it's mostly True doing all the responsible stuff. The comedy's okay, but it's not my favorite. I usually never laugh out loud when watching it; but maybe a smile will leak out from me. There is no language but there is some... rather immature comedy (I heard there was a band named Diarrhea!). It's an off for me, because I swear, this show was made JUST for the theme song!

tcheek
adult
 
True's Jealous
I think that True Jackson is funny and cute on this show. I seem this show. (Jimmy enter True's office. She smiled, "Hi Jimmy." He said, "Hey." She said, "So what are you doing?" He said, "Nothing. I just looking for Cara." She shocked, "Who's Cara?" He said, "Uh My cart. That's what I named her." She said, "Oh! Your cart. I thought you had...Never mind.) I like that show when True Jackson got jealous at Jimmy.

I gatti di Roma
teen, 17 years old
 
Bad
It may have a childish plot, but its content is for older kids… Too much irony and ‘cheap’ humor.

Kassie243
kid, 12 years old
 
A Funny Show
I have a lot to say about this show: The acting made me puke, the plots are as pathetic as Chuck Norris, and it would be a compliment to call the lines corny... they're just 'potatoey' but, I must say, this show is by far one of the funniest shows I have ever seen!

lolalover13
kid, 12 years old
 
GOOD ROLE MODELS
In every episode there is a lesson and true is a good role model, the only show on nick that is not either stupid or inappropriate!

 
The best show on Nickelodeon!
Love it

Frylock
teen, 14 years old
 
Bad.
Bad.

ThreeDaysGrace ...
teen, 15 years old
 
The acting/dialogue is absolutely atrocious and the plot is just completely unrealistic. I hate this show, and I cannot BELIEVE that this is on TeenNick. It's geared for 6 - 11 year olds, so why on earth is it on TeenNick? Pathetic. My cousins who are six and nine watch this. No wonder.

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About our rating system
ON: Content is 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