Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan and Jane
Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan and Jane
Did we miss something on diversity?
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.
Suggest an Update
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 Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan and Jane is a modern-day remake of the Tarzan tale inspired by the original stories of Edgar Rice Burroughs. Even though his story starts with the sadness of presumably losing his family in a plane crash, the details are fuzzy and it's not an emotional component of the series (unlike various Disney movies). Instead it focuses on Tarzan's unbridled personality, his fearless war on injustice, and his adjustment to "civilized" life in London, as well as his budding friendship with Jane. Good and evil are distinctly defined, making Tarzan -- and his able female counterpart -- decent role models for kids.
Community Reviews
Safe, Age- appropriate, Innocent, and Wholesome so far - Interesting Plot
Report this review
Great morales
Report this review
What's the Story?
EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS' TARZAN AND JANE opens with the discovery of a baby in the wreckage of a downed plane in the jungles of equatorial Africa. Western and native medicines combine to save him, but the locals return him to the maternal gorilla who found him to be raised among the jungle creatures and hidden from visitors. As Tarzan ages, though, it becomes more difficult to keep his existence a secret, and eventually he travels from his longtime home to London to attend school. There he meets Jane, and the two team up to fight for environmental justice and solve mysteries.
Is It Any Good?
This reimagining of a classic story places Tarzan in modern-day London, giving it a distinctly different feel from the previous iterations. It's visually enjoyable, and there's a humorous edge to Tarzan's mischievous streak and his adjustment to London life that kids will like. It's also a plus that he's an undeterred justice warrior of his own kind, letting viewers see him stand up for what he believes to be right. Another plus? Jane isn't just along for the ride; she's as able and principled as he is.
Tarzan and Jane offers a slightly different take on the jungle dweller's story than other movies have shown, so families who have seen others can compare and contrast them. Also, because the episodes tell a compounding story and the animation is more realistic, it's meant for a slightly older audience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Tarzan bridges his two worlds in Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan and Jane. Where do you think he best belongs? Does he embrace the sense of adventure that comes from being somewhere new?
If you've seen other Tarzan movies, how does the representation of Jane differ among them? What other movies or TV shows have you seen that feature a strong female character?
In what ways do the nonhuman characters in this story assume human traits and emotions? What effect does this have on your sympathy toward them?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 6, 2017
- Cast: Michael Dobson, Paul Dobson, Kathleen Barr, Marci T. House
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Book Characters, Friendship, Wild Animals
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Jungle Book (2016)
Fangs and fur fly in visually dazzling but intense update.
-
TaleSpin
A new chapter for Jungle Book's Baloo.
-
The Lion King (1994)
Musical king-of-the-beasts blockbuster is powerful, scary.
-
Tarzan
Kids will be drawn to Disney's fast-paced version.
For kids who love classic stories
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate