Parents' Guide to

Aaron Stone

By Will Wade, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Teen gamer becomes real hero in tween-targeted action show.

TV Disney XD Science Fiction 2009
Aaron Stone Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 2 parent reviews

clcfh
clcfh Parent of 4 and 8-year-old
January 19, 2011
age 8+

Exciting with some good messages, but violent

I wish there were more kids' shows without violence, but given that it's in almost every show my eight year old would consider to have enough excitement, this is a pretty good choice. The heroes face dilemmas that make for good conversations. The heroes sometimes have to lie to keep their cover. Good always wins over evil, and some of the bad guys have redeeming features. It's less mind numbing for adults than many choices for this age group, and I enjoy the pleasure my son gets from it.

This title has:

Too much violence
Great messages
Great role models
tishtay
tishtay Parent of 11-year-old
February 16, 2010
age 9+
This show has some positive messages. Fun to watch

This title has:

Great role models
Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Charlie Lambert (Kelly Blatz) is living a double life. By day, he's an average high school student -- but after school, he dives into his favorite video game, Hero Rising. There he becomes AARON STONE, the top player in a virtual world that's threatened by the evil Omega Defiance. Charlie is stunned to learn that the game is based on an actual conspiracy and that a mysterious corporation wants him to use his gaming talents to take on the real Omega Defiance and save the world. Charlie is soon zipping around the world with his android handler/sidekick Stan (J.P. Manoux), grappling with evil thugs, and rushing to get back home in time for class.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (6):

This lightweight teen action series plays on our secret desire to be special. Charlie is plucked from obscurity, told he's unique, and then sent out to save the world. It's a common fantasy, especially for young people, though the focus on video games gives the show a 21st-century twist. Unlike, say, the Harry Potter series, or even the comedic Princess Diaries, in which the main characters are born with a hidden destiny, the star of Aaron Stone is an ordinary kid whose video game habit has transformed him into a hero.

Despite a fairly thin plot, so-so action sequences, and a far-fetched concept, Aaron Stone will likely appeal to other ordinary kids, especially those who enjoy video games and harbor fantasies of greatness. While not everyone can be born with magical powers, anyone can play a game.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about gaming. Is it possible to be addicted to games? Do you think it's healthy to avoid real people in favor of interacting with virtual characters?

  • Do you think becoming Aaron Stone will help Charlie become more adept at socializing in the real world?

  • Can video game skills translate to actual fighting skills?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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