Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Star power, stellar messages in charming animated series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Bravest Knight
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Parents say the show offers a positive representation of diverse family structures, particularly highlighting same-sex parents, while providing engaging and humor-filled adventures for children. However, some reviews criticize the uneven focus on characters, feeling that certain backgrounds are underrepresented despite the show's values of compassion and inclusivity.
- diverse representation
- positive messages
- engaging adventures
- family-friendly humor
- uneven character focus
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on the book The Bravest Knight Who Ever Lived by Daniel Errico, THE BRAVEST KNIGHT takes place in a peaceful kingdom, where 10-year-old Nia (Storm Reid) is an aspiring not-quite-knight learning the ropes of the gallant-and-brave trade from her adoptive dads Cedric (T.R. Knight) and Prince Andrew (Wilson Cruz). It's not always easy growing up into a hero, but with her family and friends on her side, Nia is slowly but surely getting there.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet and charming animated adventure series lives up to the hype. Besides The Bravest Knight's rich premise—who can resist a quirky coming-of-age tale with lots of adventure?—the best thing this series has going for it is the rich voice talent. With Grey's Anatomy's T.R. Knight as a sympathetic Cedric, Reid (A Wrinkle in Time) as a spunky Nia, and a positively bonkers array of guest-starring voices—RuPaul, Christine Baranski, Wanda Sykes—the voice talent is not just choice and diverse, it's also drawn from a wide spectrum of LGBTQ+ Hollywood. Kids may not catch it, but it matters, nonetheless.
While The Bravest Knight ruffled some feathers for having two dads at the center, the show is full of gentle messages that are easy to love. A lesson to Nia about not trusting things that come easily winds Cedric through an anecdote about the time he and a cadre of brave not-quite-knights fooled a witch into accidentally setting them free from her trap. And a warning not to underestimate your rivals introduces viewers to the noble not-quite-knight Green Leaf (also voiced by Reid), a diminutive girl who was so determined to become a great jouster that she learned how to turn her size into a battle advantage. By linking bravery with hard work, valor with kindness, and strength with compassion, this series gives kids the very best kind of adventure: It's exciting without being stressful and uplifting instead of aggressive. Count this battle won, Bravest Knight.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the setting in The Bravest Knight compares to the real world. What aspects of this world are rooted in fantasy? Is any of it relevant to the real world? What place does fantasy have in entertainment? Does entertainment always have to have a strong message, or can it just be fun?
Kids: How is your impression of the world shaped by what you see on television or in movies? Have you ever changed the way you view something because of something you saw on-screen? If so, when? How can we use this power of the media to influence positive change?
Characters in The Bravest Knight generally find a way around using violence to solve problems. What would happen in real life if you tried these same methods? Is the (lack of) violence realistic? Do you like stories in which characters evade danger with wit and cunning rather than use force?
How do the characters in The Bravest Knight demonstrate compassion and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 21, 2019
- Cast : T.R. Knight , Bobby Moynihan , Storm Reid , Christine Baranski , Wanda Sykes , RuPaul Charles
- Network : Hulu
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : December 10, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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