Parents' Guide to

The Legend of Korra

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Strong heroine, positive messages make great fantasy series.

TV Nickelodeon Kids' Animation 2012
The Legend of Korra Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 11+

Based on 46 parent reviews

Erin E.
Erin E. Adult
November 5, 2020
age 18+

Great characters and storyline, but some very dark themes

I loved Avatar: The Last Airbender and it is appropiate for slightly older children. While I really enjoy Korra as an adult, a children's show it is not. I would have said 14 and up had it not been for the problematically presented murder/suicide at the end of the first season. In a day and age where we are experiencing a suicide epidemic and rising rates of mental illness in adolescents, this scene was nothing short of irresponsible. While young children and less sensitive children might not be affected by it, others will be. Not okay for a children's show. The main characters are older teenagers and the overall all feel is darker and more mature than The Last Airbender. I love the powerful female protagonist.
7 people found this helpful.
Athena Murray
Athena Murray Adult
August 16, 2020
age 15+

I made an account just to review this.

I'm 18 years old and I've been very familiar with watching shows with content that wasnt for my age group as a child, and I get that: kids nowadays are exposed to more adult concepts at young ages, and that The Legend of Korra is supposed to be a more dark show compared to Avatar, but watching someone commit suicide in the 12th episode was just too much for me. Not only was it incredibly triggering as someone who deals with sucidal ideation, but it was borderline terrifying, and I'm actually shuddering at the thought that children are watching this show for the first time and will see this on screen. Even if they dont think much about it, that alone makes me thing this show is not 12+ in its content.

This title has:

Too much violence
3 people found this helpful.
See all 46 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In THE LEGEND OF KORRA, decades after the Hundred Year War restored balance to the four nations under Avatar Aang, his passing leaves uncertainty among the population of Republic City. Unrest develops between the benders and the non-benders who reside there. Enter Korra (voiced by Janet Varney), the Avatar reincarnation of Aang, who hails from the Southern Water Tribe -- and who, by age 17, already has mastered earth, fire, and waterbending. Anxious to prove herself worthy of her role as "The Chosen One" by completing her airbending training under Aang's son, Tenzin (J.K. Simmons), Korra heads to Republic City to persuade him to take her on. But when she arrives in the bustling metropolis, she finds things aren't as peaceful as she imagined, thanks to the anti-bending revolution led by the masked fighter named Amon (Steve Blum), who preaches the elimination of benders to restore his own version of balance to the nations.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (46 ):
Kids say (117 ):

Continuing in the tradition of epic fiction established in Avatar: The Last Airbender, this series boasts a surprising level of substance for an action cartoon. Kids' interest won't end at the clashes between good and evil; in fact, that aspect of the show is mostly overshadowed by rich characters and a plot that references Asian mysticism and legends of long-ago cultures rooted in unity with the elements of the earth. And there's much to glean from the responsible content and the outstanding heroine at the story's heart. Hot-headed and impatient, Korra is the antithesis of Tenzin, who doesn't relish his task of helping Korra find her inner balance. Ultimately, though, the pairing of these two opposites is what might save the day -- that is, if they can overcome their differences and find common ground.

Kids don't need to be familiar with Aang's story to follow Korra's, but if this sequel sparks their interest, they may want to revisit the original show for some background on the original players and the history of the recently unified nations. The best news? The Legend of Korra has so much going for it that you just might want to take it in along with your kids.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about responsibility. How does Korra respond to her call of duty? What does her role as Avatar require of her? Does she take her responsibilities seriously in The Legend of Korra? What are your responsibilities? What do you learn from fulfilling them?

  • If your kids have seen Avatar: The Last Airbender, you can talk with them about the similarities and differences between the two shows. Were you surprised that Aang's successor is a girl? Which of her qualities are reminiscent of Aang's? Which ones make her unique?

  • What does The Legend of Korra say about girls in leadership roles? Does being a girl make Korra a better Avatar in any way? Does it hinder her? How do shows like these battle stereotypes? What kinds of leadership roles do women hold in the real world?

  • How do the characters in The Legend of Korra demonstrate compassion? Why is this an important character strength?

TV Details

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 suggesting a diversity update.

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