Parents' Guide to

Jake 2.0

By Will Wade, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Upgraded hero show is fun for tweens and up.

TV Syfy, Syndicated Science Fiction 2003
Jake 2.0 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

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fatbob Adult
May 3, 2019
age 18+

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This title has:

Too much violence
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In JAKE 2.0, tech support worker Jake Foley (Christopher Gorham) is accidentally infested by a batch of experimental nanites -- microscopic machines -- that give him super strength and the ability to control electronic circuits mentally (which he uses to hack into computers and send text messages with his mind). Once upgraded, Jake is quickly promoted from his job as a National Security Agency tech-support lackey to a field agent, where he starts serving his country as a super spy. But even though Jake has some interesting new abilities, he's still a bit of a geek -- super-strong, yes, but still awkward around women and sometimes lacking in good judgment.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (1):

Jake Foley is one of a long line of TV heroes who -- through an improbable combination of radioactivity, chemicals, explosions, or other mishaps -- end up developing superpowers and invariably put their newfound talents to work fighting crime. But part of what sets Jake 2.0 apart from other series in the genre, which tend to center on handsome, suave, capable heroes, is that Jake keeps his geeky side despite his superpowers. This contradiction makes Jake seem more human and more believable, but it can also make Jake 2.0 seem a bit silly. Sure, it's part of the convention for the good guy to go down at least once before emerging triumphant, but viewers usually like to see a bit more smarts in their heroes.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the media portrays the military. Can you think of movies and TV shows that are clearly pro- or anti-military? Whose agenda are those films and shows promoting? What about this show? What messages is it sending about the military? Does the sci-fi context impact that message at all? Families can also discuss what it might be like to live with superpowers. What would you do if you suddenly acquired special abilities? Do you think most people would use such powers to help the world? Or would they use their gifts for selfish purposes, like trying to get rich?

TV Details

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.

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