Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so buddy comedy plays on teens' mismatched personalities.
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Prince of Peoria
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say that the show is generally funny and entertaining for preteens, featuring a mix of humor that some find enjoyable despite its typical plotline. While there are criticisms regarding inappropriate content and repetitive humor, many viewers appreciate the characters and comedic elements, leading to a polarizing but enjoyable experience for some.
- funny
- typical plotline
- inappropriate content
- preteens enjoyment
- polarizing reception
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In PRINCE OF PEORIA, a studious American teen and a mischievous foreign prince forge an unlikely friendship when the latter arrives posing as an exchange student. The story opens with two stories -- that of Teddy (Theodore Barnes), a hardworking high schooler with a passion for robotics; and that of Emil (Gavin Lewis), a coddled Buronian prince whose impression of American life is gleaned from internet videos of buddy pranksters. Emil's birthday wish to come stateside coincides with mom Regina's (Cynthia Kaye McWilliams) desire to encourage Teddy to make friends, and the prince arrives to live incognito among his American peers and soak up the life of an average teen. In other words, exactly the opposite of what Teddy wants.
Is It Any Good?
If you think this plot sounds familiar, you're probably right. It's a fairly straightforward rework of Coming to America, complete with the eager prince's exaggerated naivety about everything from basic social graces to language nuances. (Odd, considering English seems to be the official Buronian tongue as well.) The story plays up the main characters' contrasting personalities, which is fun for a while but eventually casts Teddy as whiny and rigid compared to the outgoing and totally unserious (thus really, really fun) Emil. As Emil draws Teddy out of his shell and revels in having found a best friend, Teddy does being to enjoy the new experiences it offers, but he finds it difficult to balance that with the work and goals that are his passion.
From a tween's point of view, though, that probably won't matter. What they will see instead are some utterly ridiculous predicaments that delight one teen and irritate the other, and prey on that divide for laughs. There's also some physical humor, budding romance between a popular girl and an underdog, and a goofy royal guard (Gabriel Hogan) who pops up now and then to ensure his majesty's safety and continued anonymity. In other words, Prince of Peoria won't wow parents, but that's because it's designed for tweens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Teddy and Emil discover about friendship in Prince of Peoria. Is true friendship possible in every instance of people meeting? Is it vital to have some common ground for a good friendship? What character strengths do you look for in friends? What are some of your strengths that you offer in return?
What impressions of American teens and friendship does Emil get from watching the internet? Do you think the internet does society a disservice in the messages it sends about us and how we spend our time? In what ways does the internet improve our lives? What threats exist with it? Is it an even trade?
Does this series paint an accurate picture of life as an American teen? What struggles do you see at play in the real world that aren't reflected in this series? What other shows have you seen that are more realistic?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 17, 2018
- Cast : Theodore Barnes , Gavin Lewis , Cynthia Kay McWilliams
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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