Best Foot Forward
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Best Foot Forward
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Best Foot Forward is a show about a boy going into seventh grade who's been homeschooled until his parents agree to his plea to join his peers at the local public school. It deals with ability and body differences -- the main character has a prosthetic leg -- and people's reaction to kids who live with body differences. Nothing scary, violent, or iffy occurs. Some minor rule-breaking and pushing of boundaries does, but characters are generally respectful and kind.
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What's the Story?
In BEST FOOT FORWARD, it's fall, and Josh Dubin (newcomer Logan Marmino) starts his seventh grade year of homeschool with an organized slide presentation about the advantages of going to public school. His parents are impressed but not ready to cave to Josh's persuasive argument, until he points out that public school hasn't started the school year, and he's truly ready to take the next step. (His parents cave.) Soon Josh and his wisecracking brother Matt (Roger Dale Floyd, Stranger Things) are walking through the doors of Meadow Vale School. Josh doesn't want kids to know that he has a prosthetic leg, and he has big plans to make loads of friends on day one. But his strategy falls through, and soon everyone is whispering about the "boy with the leg." Can he move beyond being the kid with a disability? Or will his mom pull him out of public school before he gets a chance to prove himself?
Is It Any Good?
Based on the book Just Don't Fall by Paralympian Josh Sundquist, this wise and funny show gently explores what people will do to make themselves feel comfortable in the face of a body difference or disability. Best Foot Forward stars a young actor who has the same body differences as the main character in the show. When the school principal goes out of his way to help Josh up the stairs to the main entrance of the school, and "empathizes" by telling a story about how he twisted his ankle and needed crutches for a couple of months, the cringey moment lands with an honesty that resounds.
The parents in the show enjoy a banter and depth that is welcome in the middle grade genre. They're strong, empathetic, and flawed. Thanks to some clever writing and very solid acting, this show can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about pressure to fit in, especially in middle school. How much courage does it take to be different? Here are some shows that explore courageous behavior.
It's hard to get it right sometimes when you're talking to someone who's different from you. How does having empathy work both ways? Check out these shows that explore the character trait of empathy.
Homeschooling has its advantages and challenges. Going to public school also has challenges and advantages. What pros and cons do you see in both situations?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 22, 2022
- Cast: Stephen Schneider
- Network: Apple TV+
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, Middle School
- Character Strengths: Courage, Integrity, Perseverance
- TV rating: TV-G
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: July 30, 2022
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