Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spunky medieval hero teaches problem-solving to tots.
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Mike the Knight
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
What's the Story?
In the medieval town of Glendragon lives a spunky young knight-in-training named Mike (voiced by Alfie Field), whose quest to become a full-fledged knight leads him into plenty of comical adventures in MIKE THE KNIGHT. With his father away on royal business, Mike pitches in to help his mother, Queen Martha, oversee the daily happenings in their quaint little town, but his sights are always set on something bigger and better than the daily ins and outs of his life. Together with his trusty steed, Galahad; his best dragon buddy, Squirt (Russell Tovey); and his little sister, Evie (Jessica Hann), Mike sets out to prove that he's up for the challenge of being the town's able defender.
Is It Any Good?
This vibrant series will win over young fans with its fun-filled glimpse of a time and place filled with kings, Vikings, trolls, and wizards, but it offers plenty more depth beyond its visual appeal. Preschoolers will instantly identify with Mike's adventurous spirit and determination to be older and wiser than his years. His go-getter mentality has its positive points, but kids will also see that his haste to prove himself often gets him into some trouble, at which point he must rethink his actions to solve the problems they've caused. Sometimes the trouble relates to a friend's feelings, while other times it means he's shirked on his responsibilities. Whatever the problem, Mike is up to the challenge of fixing it -- and in the process, he learns important lessons about being a big kid.
Central to the Mike the Knight's positive messages is the fact that Mike is rarely alone in his adventures. His circle of compatriots encourages and guides him, even when he doesn't realize it's happening, and each one pitches in to help when Mike finds himself in a jam. The lesson here is clear: In order to "Be a knight and do it right," as Mike says, you must find good examples to follow and then set one yourself. Impressive stuff from a delightful cartoon.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about solving problems. How does Mike tackle his misadventures in Mike the Knight? Does he acknowledge his mistakes? In what ways have you learned from your own mistakes?
Kids: Who are some of the people you admire as role models? Who among your friends do you think demonstrates good behavior? When have you made positive choices?
Which aspects of Mike's world are different from yours? Which are the same? How does his family help him be a better person?
How do the characters in Mike the Knight demonstrate courage? Why is this an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 6, 2012
- Cast: Alfie Field , Jessica Hann , Russell Tovey
- Network: Nickelodeon
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Adventures , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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