Common Sense Media Review
By Megan Andersen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lively concert tribute to 30 years of classic musical.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl
What's the Story?
Opening with beautiful overhead shots of the Hollywood Bowl concert venue at night, THE LION KING AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL is a recorded tribute concert celebrating 30 years of The Lion King, intercut with clips from original drawings and behind-the-scenes voice-over actor recordings. Large-scale puppets and a dance production over an African choir and orchestra perform "Circle of Life" to close the show.
Is It Any Good?
It's a good thing the Hollywood Bowl doesn't have a roof, because Jennifer Hudson would have blown it off with her powerful opening performance. The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl is an epic concert with few weak points. The visuals and performances are almost all stellar. It's outstanding family viewing for kids and parents who grew up loving Disney's The Lion King.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about voice-over actors Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella, who are the original voice-over actors for Timon and Pumba. Your family may know them well in their animated forms—do they look the way you expected? What about Jeremy Irons as Scar? How do you feel seeing the people who voiced the characters?
Which Lion King song is your favorite and why?
The original Lion King came out in 1994, and there have been several sequels and prequels in addition to the stage version. Which versions have you seen, and do you wish Disney would do the same thing with another of their animated films? Which one?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 7, 2025
- Cast : Nathan Lane , Jennifer Hudson , Elton John , Heather Headley , Lebo M
- Network : Disney+
- Genre : Kids Musical TV
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Arts ( Concert , Music and Sing-Along ) , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales , Magic ) , Family Stories , Friendship , Holidays , Royalty ( Kings , Princes , Princesses , Queens ) , STEM ( Nature )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 8, 2025
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