Common Sense Media Review
Cartoon for tweens is silly but means well.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say the show evokes mixed reactions, with many praising its humor and animation while others criticize its crude jokes and juvenile themes. While some find inspiration and entertainment in its antics, others consider it cringe-worthy and unsuitable for children due to its reliance on butt jokes and overused humor.
- inspiring humor
- crude jokes
- mixed reactions
- underrated show
- cartoon quality
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
This lively cartoon follows 12-year-old Adam Lyon as he adjusts to his new school. Thanks to a clerical error (his last name was spelled \"Lion\"), Adam gets transferred to Charles Darwin Middle School, where all the students and staff are zoo animals. Schoolwork alone is challenging enough, but now Adam has to worry about fitting in with several other species -- and not becoming lunch for some of the larger ones! Luckily, he befriends a spider monkey named Jake who helps him navigate the vine-laden halls -- for better or worse.
Is It Any Good?
It's difficult to tell what age group the show's producers were aiming at -- the animation style and slapstick by themselves would seem to appeal mainly to grade-schoolers, while the jokes and life lessons are definitely aimed at the tween set. The sly humor may even give some adults the occasional laugh-out-loud moment.
Overall, MY GYM PARTNER'S A MONKEY is commendable for its effort to include a subtle message in each episode (such as sticking up for your friends, learning responsibility, winning a game through teamwork). Younger viewers (ages 8-10) will probably find Jake's sometimes-annoying goofiness amusing, and will definitely find the story lines entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Adam makes the best of challenging situations because he uses his smarts and knows right from wrong. What kinds of things does he do to set a good example? Another topic of discussion could be Jake's behavior and how he causes trouble by goofing off. What sorts of things does Jake do that are irresponsible? Does he redeem himself in the end by doing something good?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 26, 2005
- Cast : Cree Summer , Nika Futterman , Tom Kenny
- Network : Cartoon Network
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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