Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Girl power and positive messages in epic medieval tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Max & the Midknights
What's the Story?
In medieval-set MAX & THE MIDKNIGHTS, 10-year-old Max (voiced by Blu del Barrio) is an assistant troubadour who dreams of having a knight's adventurous life. She gets her wish when visiting her Uncle Budrick's (Jeremy Rowley) hometown, the kingdom of Byjovia. Uncle Budrick is promptly kidnapped by King Gastley (Brian Stepanek), the mean autocratic ruler of Byjovia, and forced to become his jester. Max is determined to rescue her uncle and help the Byjovian villagers living in poverty under King Gastley's rule. Village kids Kevyn, Millie, and Simon join Max and become "midknights." Can they succeed on their epic quest to rid Byjovia of King Gastley and give the villagers the peaceful life they deserve?
Is It Any Good?
This adaptation is a fresh animated show with a winning combination of dynamic characters, positive messages, hilarious jokes, and high-octane music. Grown-ups and kids alike will love seeing Max defy gender expectations and leap into battle without fear in Max and the Midknights. The medieval humor is spot on: think Monty Python-esque "flesh wound" jokes with nuggets thrown in there for the grown-ups too. The unique animation style and design, with CG animation mimicking vintage claymation, brings the original book's illustrations to life. The metal- and punk-inspired songs are real head-bangers, and their genius is sometimes emphasized with silly Broadway-style dance numbers. Most importantly, there are a lot of life lessons intertwined with all the silliness and fire-breathing dragons. Max is full of heart, and is a great watch for the whole family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Max and her friends' courage. They often put themselves in dangerous situations because they're fighting for what's right. Can you think of a time when you showed courage in your real life?
Max is told that she can't be a knight because she's a girl, but she persists because it's what she really wants to do. Have you ever been told that you "can't" do something because of one of your personal identities? How did that make you feel? How did you react, or wish you had reacted?
Max has tremendous perseverance. No matter what obstacle is in her way, she keeps going until she reaches her goal. What do you think drives her to persevere?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 30, 2024
- Cast : Caleb Yen , Brian Stepanek , Blu del Barrio
- Network : Nickelodeon
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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