Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny game- and movie-based series has fantasy violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Knuckles
What's the Story?
In KNUCKLES, Sonic the Hedgehog's former nemesis-turned-ally Knuckles the Echidna (Idris Elba) is having an identity crisis now that they've saved the world and there are no more villains to fight. Knuckles summons help from the echidna elders, and is instructed that he must train unlikely candidate Wade Whipple (Adam Pally) as his echidna warrior apprentice. Wade, an adult human with a childlike maturity level, was previously only focused on becoming a bowling champion. Knuckles promises to help him be a warrior bowler. Meanwhile, G.U.N. (Guardian Units of Nations) agents want to kidnap Knuckles so they can sell his magical quills and profit. Can Knuckles find his purpose by training Wade, while escaping the villains trying to use his powers for evil?
Is It Any Good?
Knuckles is a very fun follow-up to the Sonic movies of the 2020s, but it doesn't have a lot of substance. Elba's voice performance shines as the serious straight-man Knuckles that hilariously contrasts to the silly human lead Wade. Wade may be a literal man-child, but his earnestness makes him totally endearing. Kids may come for the action and fighting, but they'll stay for the funny characters and cliffhanger plot twists.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Knuckles and his concept of honor. Do you think there are other ways of defending one's honor without fighting?
Wade seems to act a lot like he's a kid. Why do you think the show chose to have his character be immature for a grown-up instead of acting more like his own age?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 26, 2024
- Cast : Idris Elba , Adam Pally , Ben Schwartz , Colleen O'Shaughnessey
- Network : Paramount+
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- TV rating :
- Last updated : April 26, 2025
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