Supernatural Academy
Supernatural Academy
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Supernatural Academy is the animated spin off of the YA books of the same name (by author Jaymin Eve). There's also a decent amount of language right off the bat ("bitch," "a--hole"), which signals that though this looks like a show for middle grade kids, it's really meant for teens. Teens flirt and kiss; a boy makes a lewd gesture to an LGBTQ+ teen. There's some violence and supernatural peril, including spells being cast, vampires manipulating people with mind control, etc. A parent stabs and kills a supernatural creature who is trying to attack her daughter.
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What's the Story?
In SUPERNATURAL ACADEMY, Jessa is a popular girl who happens to be able to change into a wolf at will. Her school's full of kids who have abilities like her-- some are vampires, some transform into dragons. They still do normal teenage things: flirting, playing sports, pigging out on junk food. But they also have magical lives, which are protected by a cloaking spell that allows them to be unseen by humans. Jessa doesn't know it, but she has a twin sister name Mischa, who lives in New York City. Mischa's visions of wolves and dragons stalk her, though her mother doesn't want to tell her why. But when Mischa's life is in peril, her mom's forced to tell the truth about her magical heritage. Will the sisters overcome their challenges? Will Mischa understand why her mom hid her secret for so long?
Is It Any Good?
There's an intimacy to this book-based series that provides a good pace, and the characters are pretty well-rounded and have solid rapport. Supernatural Academy picks up in the middle of a school day and seamlessly moves to another scene, then another. In this way, it's compelling viewing, with enough charm to keep young teens interested.
Though the plot moves smoothly, the CGI animation is jerky to the point of distraction. The characters can be seen gesticulating wildly, their eyes rolling in their heads like marionettes. Fans of the books by will clamor to see the show. Parents might be able to bond with their kids over this one -- if they can get past the early aughts-level visuals.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about bullies in Supernatural Academy. Is it assumed that kids will bully each other in the lunch room, like they do in this show? What about being bullied or trolled online?
One character starts a new school. Have you ever had to start a new school? What was the experience like?
Some of the characters in this show have incredible powers. How do they maintain their self-control?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 20, 2022
- Cast: Bethany Brown, Ali Eisner, Gigi Saul Guerrero
- Network: Peacock
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Brothers and Sisters, High School
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
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