Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wonderfully weird show has heart; expect weapons, fighting.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Twelve Forever
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 28 kid reviews
Kids say the show offers relatable themes about growing up and creativity, with positive messages of inclusion and acceptance, particularly concerning LGBT representation. However, many reviews express discomfort with its mature topics, including discussions about puberty, and suggest it may not be suitable for younger audiences, indicating a divide in viewer reception.
- inclusive themes
- growing up
- mixed reviews
- maturity concerns
- positive messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Adventures , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 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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