Twelve Forever
By Mandie Caroll,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Wonderfully weird show has heart; expect weapons, fighting.
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Twelve Forever
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Based on 6 parent reviews
It good
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What's the Story?
TWELVE FOREVER is a story about 12-year-old Reggie, a weird kid who doesn't want to grow up, still likes playing with toys, and hates girly things. She and her friends Todd and Esther can escape to Endless Island, an absurdly wonderful place full of strange creatures who adore and are loyal to Reggie's crew. Endless Island serves as a respite from the real world, but fears and anger have a way of manifesting into real and troubling creatures on Endless Island that force the friends to confront their problems rather than run from them.
Is It Any Good?
Twelve Forever is a surprisingly touching show that will appeal to older kids, teens, and adults. Real life for Reggie, Todd, and Esther in Bethune, Iowa, is drab and stressful, while Endless Island is an '80s-era fever dream: all exploding color, bizarre creatures with cute voices, ice cream cone forests, and life-size, rideable balloon animals. The quirky characters are reminiscent of Adventure Time, and fans of that show are likely to be pleased with this one.
What makes Twelve Forever unique is the show's compassionate core. Unlike in their real lives, the friends experience acceptance and unconditional love on Endless. The lessons that come on the island feel well-earned; they aren't forced upon the kids as they often are back at school and home. The non-stereotypical gender representations and same-gender attraction/love have a light touch and feel natural.The friends' reliance on fighting and weapons to resolve conflicts is a concern, though it's entirely bloodless, and their victims are mostly fantasy creatures and villains. Younger kids might be baffled by the humor and the intense weirdness of Endless Island, but tweens and teens are sure to love this fun new show.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Twelve Forever alternates between fantasy and reality. Why do you think Endless Island exists? How do problems get solved in real life and on Endless Island? How does using violence create more problems than it solves?
This series involves some pretty serious themes like being an outcast, parents who pressure kids to be something they don't want to be, and intense anger. What issues do Reggie/Twelve, Todd, and Esther face that you can relate to? How do they deal with their problems? How do you? Who can you go to for support?
Reggie/Twelve, Todd, and Esther have very different personalities, but that doesn't stop them from being great friends. What character strengths do you see in them? Which characters inspire you? Why?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 29, 2019
- Cast: Kelsy Abbott , Antony del Rio , Jaylen Barron
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Superheroes , Adventures , Friendship , Middle School
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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