Disney Fam Jam
Tepid dance competition series has positive messages.
Disney Fam Jam
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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 Disney Fam Jam is a competition series in which families perform dances to win votes from a live audience. The show is all about the positives -- positive attitudes from the contestants, positive feedback from the choreographer, a positive response from the excited audience members, and positive themes of courage, determination, and the willingness to try something new associated with the overall concept. Good sportsmanship reigns supreme, and both family teams take home prizes of some sort in the end. This series will be more appealing to kids than it will be to parents, but the premise reminds families of the value of spending quality time together.
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What's the Story?
In DISNEY FAM JAM, families compete in a head-to-head dance competition for the chance to win a $10,000 prize. Hosted by Disney alums Ariel Martin and Trevor Tordjman, each episode introduces viewers to two families who work with choreographer Phil Wright to learn some basic dance moves and to create some unique ones of their own. The show culminates in a dance-off before a live audience, whose members vote to determine which family takes home the prize.
Is It Any Good?
There are few surprises in this mostly predictable competition show, which plays out like most other reality contests. Viewers meet the contestants, who share interesting tidbits about themselves and their families' stories. Then they team up with Phil for some dance intensives and create a signature move that they incorporate into their eventual performance. A performance theme is selected, costumes are chosen, and the teams hit the floor to put their skills to the test and to have the winner determined by the studio audience.
That said, Disney Fam Jam does have some solid messages to share with those who do watch. Some -- like celebrating family relationships and trying new things (like dancing!) -- stand out prominently. Others (body positivity and self-confidence, for instance) might need some grown-up prompting for kids to see clearly. But perhaps the best takeaway from the show is that of the satisfaction the families get by taking on a new challenge together.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the entertainment value of reality contest shows like Disney Fam Jam. Do you enjoy watching people compete against each other for prizes? Is it more fun because they're average people?
How does facing a new challenge or adventure test a person's courage? Who stands out as especially brave for hitting the dance floor in front of a TV audience in this episode? What emotional rewards can come of pushing through fear to conquer something new?
Is it always possible to believe what you see in "reality" shows or in the media in general? Are you influenced to look or act a certain way because you see your favorite celebrities doing so? How can these kinds of pressures affect a person's self-image in a negative way? In a positive way?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 23, 2020
- Cast: Trevor Tordjman, Ariel Martin, Phil Wright
- Network: Disney Channel
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Brothers and Sisters
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: February 27, 2022
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