Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything
Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything
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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 Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything is a comedy series that's rooted in competitive gaming culture, so if your kids aren't familiar with the hobby, they might be curious about it after watching. Even so, the show's main focus (and what will stick with kids) is the importance of personal relationships over virtual ones and the value of being part of a team. There's some video game-style violence (punches and kicks, some falls, and an explosion or two) both on-screen and in scenes that set the characters in likenesses of them, but there aren't any injuries. The lone girl in the group often comes across as ditzy, but she's just as skilled as her male counterparts in competition.
Community Reviews
Rated TV Y7
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The value and realism is actually valid
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What's the Story?
GAMER'S GUIDE TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING stars Cameron Boyce as Conor, a 15-year-old gaming prodigy who's finally risen to the top of the game when an untimely thumb injury puts him on the disabled list and costs him his sponsorships. To his further dismay, he's forced to forgo his private tutor and enroll in public school for the first time. Desperate to get back on the pro circuit, Conor enlists the help of adoring fan Franklin (Felix Avitia) and fellow gamers Ashley (Sophie Reynolds) and Wendell (Murray Wyatt Rundus) to reclaim his previous fame, but he finds surprising satisfaction in being part of this new team. As he adjusts to life as a regular teen, he and his friends use their gaming prowess to navigate the obstacles along the way.
Is It Any Good?
Jessie alum Boyce seizes the starring role in this Disney comedy that will appeal to kids and young tweens. Conor's transformation from a self-absorbed fame junkie to a regular high school Joe isn't without its pitfalls, but the result leaves viewers with a positive impression of the importance of friendship. It's a particularly important message, not only for the target audience in general but also in relation to a virtual gaming culture that's easily isolating.
The show's creators could have (really, should have) done more to even out the gender ratio among the core cast, and spinning the lone female in the group as a stereotypical dim blonde was unnecessary. That said, parents will like what the characters have to say about the value of personal relationships, and kids will like how the show juxtaposes Conor's real life and his gaming talents to comical results.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why having friends matters. Kids: How do your friends support you in good and bad times? Are there times when you enjoy being alone? How can you strike a balance between fostering relationships and caring for your own needs?
What access, if any, do your kids have to egaming? What security concerns accompany this kind of activity? How does your family stay safe while using the Internet?
Kids: Are you familiar with Cameron Boyce's other gigs? If so, were you interested in this series because of his previous work? Do you think that accounts for how often Disney recalls its stars for new roles?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 22, 2015
- Cast: Cameron Boyce, Felix Avitia, Sophie Reynolds
- Network: Disney Channel
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship, High School
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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