Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so comedy offers tweens some worthwhile messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Based on 49 kid reviews
Kids say that this show successfully blends action, comedy, and valuable life lessons, making it enjoyable and educational for older children and young teens. While some reviews mention mild violence typical of martial arts and occasional inappropriate jokes, many appreciate its positive messages about friendship, self-defense, and moral values, though there are concerns that it may not be suitable for younger viewers due to its themes.
- action-comedy blend
- positive messages
- mild violence
- suitable for tweens
- mixed humor quality
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
KICKIN' IT is a comedy series about a group of friends who use their martial arts skills and the lessons they learn from the sport to navigate the uncertainties of teen life. At center is Jack (Leo Howard), a self-confident skater type who reluctantly joins a subpar dojo called the Bobby Wasabi Martial Arts Academy after meeting the students at his school. The academy has different significance in the lives of ragtag members Jerry (Mateo Arias), Milton (Dylan Riley Snyder), and Eddie (Alex Christian Jones), but when Jack arrives, they all hope his skills will help give the place a sense of prestige. Under the direction of the sensei, Rudy (Jason Earles), and with newcomer Kim (Olivia Holt) on board, this unlikely team is ready to take on the world.
Is It Any Good?
Kickin' It attempts to woo the coveted tween set with silly comedy, extreme characters, and impressive martial arts sequences, but on content quality, it's a bit of a lightweight. Everything from the oddball array of teen characters to the crazy predicaments in which they find themselves feels a little forced, and parents will notice (although tweens probably won't) that the absence of responsible adults leaves the teens to their own devices most of the time. This set-up makes for plenty of fun times, but it's hardly a realistic reflection of its viewers' lives.
That's not to say that the show is all bad. The karate sequences are fun to watch, and the show's humor is undeniable despite its fantastical nature. It even manages to work in some positive messages about being a good friend, trusting teammates, and having confidence in yourself. Jack in particular is a likable character, since he stands up to peer pressure and takes the lead in steering his friends in a mostly ethical direction. The bottom line? It's not destined to be a classic, but the show's intended messages are sound, even if the presentation is lacking.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about teamwork. What qualities are important in a good team member? How does being part of a team enhance people's individual talents and skills? What makes someone a strong leader?
Kids: What aspects of this series seem realistic to you? Which ones don't? Do you like this show's style of exaggerated comedy? In what ways is your life different from the characters'?
Did you see instances of bullying in this show? If so, who did the bullying? Who was the victim? How did the experience affect those involved? Have you ever witnessed bullying? What can you do to stop it from happening?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 13, 2011
- Cast : Jason Earles , Leo Howard , Mateo Arias
- Network : Disney XD
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- TV rating :
- Last updated : January 13, 2026
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