Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kid comedian Lil' JJ gives air time to tween woes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In JUST JORDAN, teen comic Lil' JJ plays Jordan Lewis, an ultra-confident ninth grader who's navigating unfamiliar territory after his parents' divorce uproots him from Little Rock, Ark., and lands him in his mom's hometown of Los Angeles. Jordan tackles the major change head-on, quickly making friends with school heartthrob/basketball star Tony (Justin Chon) and the politically minded Joaquin (Eddy Martin). He also falls for beautiful snob Tamika (Chelsea Harris), who has no use for him but enjoys his puppy-dog devotion. When he's not at school or serving up burgers in his grandfather's diner, Jordan struggles with the many uncertainties that accompany his age. Each episode centers on some great injustice as seen through his eyes (for example, doing all the work but not getting the credit), and on occasion, Jordan addresses viewers directly about his many coming-of-age gripes.
Is It Any Good?
Though Just Jordan's adolescent storylines certainly aren't unique, there's a freshness to the writing and delivery that makes this Nickelodeon series a worthwhile choice for tween viewers. They'll find a lot to like in the relatable characters and comic spins on woes that they're probably familiar with. Parents, meanwhile, will be happy to know that positive messages about self-respect and responsibility are tightly woven into each plot.
The show does touch on issues related to divorce, including the emotional hardships for kids when they're relocated and their concerns when a parent starts to date again. But Jordan's respectful relationship with his mom -- whose advice is always on the mark -- and his obvious concern for his younger sister, Monica (Kristen Combs), reflect a strong family core that relies on love and communication to work through these and other issues.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the injustices that kids feel. Can your kids relate to Jordan's frustrations? When have they experienced similar feelings? How did they handle the situation? The show offers a good starting point for conversations with tweens about peer pressure, appropriate relationships with the opposite sex, and the importance of self-respect. Families affected by divorce can also talk about how kids are affected when parents split up.
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 7, 2007
- Cast : Justin Chon , Lil' JJ , Shania Accius
- Network : Nickelodeon
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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