Parents' Guide to Kody Kapow

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Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 7+

Lively animation features lessons from the martial arts.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 7+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 6+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 7+

Based on 1 kid review

What's the Story?

KODY KAPOW is an animated series about a Chinese-American boy who goes to China and becomes a superhero. On his first visit to his family's village in China, 9-year-old Kody discovers that he is destined to become the Village Defender. With the help of his grandfather, Master Li, his super-sleuthing cousin Mei, and a skittish tiger named Goji (voiced by Jason Alexander), he must keep the evil Mogo Monkey No Go and his minions at bay. Luckily, they have the Sapphire Dragon, a secret weapon that can turn them into martial arts fighters.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say ( 1 ):

This series offers fun stories with lots of teachable moments grounded in martial arts teachings. Kody's grandfather sets the theme for each episode and also trains him to use his body effectively. Beyond the physical angle of martial arts, lessons also range from the importance of trying new things to overcoming difficulties by looking at things from various perspectives.

Kody and his friends are polite and charming, and the funny and entertaining stories are short and just the right pace for most kids' attention spans. Throughout it all, Kody Kapow demonstrates how important it is to problem-solve rather than get frustrated or give up, and it invites kids to think more critically about the situations they are facing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about some of the lessons from Master Li in Kody Kapow. Why is it important to try new things? Is it OK to not be perfect? What does it mean to be mindful? How can these lessons help Kody defend the village? How can they help you?

  • Families can talk about teamwork. How do Kody and his family and friends work together? Why is teamwork an important character strength?

TV Details

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