K-On
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K-On
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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 K-On is a slice-of-life music-themed anime series based on the K-On manga by Kakifly about high school girls who form a band. The series focuses on the high school experience, friendship, motivation, passion, and being part of something bigger than yourself. There's some cartoonish violence (in one running gag a character gets smacked). A few scenes have implied nudity (e.g., at the spa, end credits). Iffy language is infrequent ("crap," "damn," "hell"). The girls are hard working and very supportive and kind to one another. They could be considered positive role models for younger audiences.
What's the Story?
K-ON is an anime series about the girls who form a band through their high school's music club. Yui Hirasawa (voiced in English dub by Stephanie Sheh) just started high school and wants to do something new with her life, so she searches for a school club to join. Luckily, at the same time, the Light Music Club is looking for a new member to play the guitar and keep their club from getting shut down. Yui decides to learn guitar and join the Light Music Club, and together the girls form their band and begin their high school journey.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of music and slice-of-life anime might enjoy this series full of fun and wacky characters. K-On is a simple story about growing up in high school and the adventures you have along the way. Yui finds a passion in music and something to motivate her in life. Growth is a theme, as Yui and the other girls strive to improve and create something bigger than themselves. Most of the show focuses on the club's after-school activities rather than the actual act of playing music (getting lunch, going shopping, playing at the beach, etc.). Some of these moments can be touching and down to earth. Overall, the series is good but simple; it's mostly about friends just hanging out and the innocent adventures they have.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of being motivated and having passion. Are there any characters whose lives are changed through motivation? What causes are there for a lack of motivation?
Families can also talk about the many great benefits of learning an instrument. What are some of the benefits outside of the joy of music?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 26, 2011
- Cast: Stephanie Sheh, Cristina Valenzuela, Cassandra Lee Morris
- Network: Apple TV+
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, High School
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: December 12, 2022
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