When I first heard about Jake and the Never Land Pirates I was a bit sceptical. It’s a cartoon spin off of the Disney classic Peter Pan. It’s not a TRUE spin off, but it does have a lot to do with the characters in the beloved movie. I am one of those people who feel that sometimes its best to leave the classics alone.
A few months ago I stumbled upon an episode of the series on Disney Junior. Out of curiosity I watched the episode. To my surprise I really enjoyed it. Even though the characters are pirates, they talk about Peter Pan and Captain Hook is in almost all of the episodes (at least all I’ve seen), it’s nothing like the actual Peter Pan movie.
If you have never watched Jake and the Never Land Pirates before, here is a brief description.
A music-filled interactive treasure hunt, Jake and the Never Land Pirates introduces a crew of kid pirates – leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby – and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, from Disney’s classic “Peter Pan.” Along the way, they model teamwork, problem-solving and physical activity, earning gold doubloons as they conquer a variety of tasks. The series features original “pirate rock” music performed by Sharky and Bones of The Never Land Pirate Band.
Did you know that Jake and the Never Land Pirates is cable’s #1 series for Boys 2-5 since its launch and on track to be Disney Channel’s #1 preschool series ever. Not only do young boy enjoy the series but it’s also among one of the most co-viewed preschool series, with 45% of moms watching with their preschooler. I find that very interesting. Plus I’m thrilled that many moms are watching the shows with their children, and hopefully developing a meaningful conversation from it.
I think the show is really cute. I know that pirates are a favorite with young boys. I can’t think of any pirate show that would be appropriate for the preschool level. Jake and the Never Land Pirates is the only show I can think of that would be age-appropriate.
The characters are all very likable including Jake, and dare I say Captain Hook. Captain Hook was the character your loved to hate Peter Pan. In Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Captain Hook is not a bad guy. In fact he’s kind of cute too. 🙂
The show is very colorful and the animation is well done. I love all the little critters. There are even female characters in the series which should appeal to little girls too. One is Izzy, who is part of Jake’s crew. The other is Marina, the mermaid.
I can see why the series is very popular. It’s enjoyable and entertaining to watch. Some “kiddie” shows can be rather boring (or in some cases annoying) for adults. I did not see that being the case for Jake and the Never Land Pirates. I think even older siblings could enjoy the series just as much as their younger brother and sisters.
There is even a Jake and the Never Land Pirates DVD available, which was released back in September of this year. Also available is a music CD inspired by the series.
Jake and the Never Land Pirates is such a huge success that they even created a holiday episode called It’s a Winter in Never Land! / Hook on Ice. It’s Christmas time and Peter Pan has left some gifts for Jake and his crew. Even Captain Hook is in the holiday spirit inviting Jake and his crew to g on a Winter treasure hunt. Your child will even get to see Jake and his friends riding a sled on the sand. 🙂
It’s a Winter Never Land / Hook on Ice will air on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 8:30 PM (ET/PT) on the Disney Channel.
Check out a clip from the holiday special (below).
I love how even the Christmas tree is decorated with sea shells and other things you would find along the sandy beach. Very cute!
In Hook On Ice, Jake and his crew wake up to find that Peter Pan left them some presents and a Christmas tree to help them celebrate the holiday. In the other holiday epsisode Jake and his crew join Captain Hook as he goes on a Winter treasure hunt.
In January Jake and the Never Land Pirates will debut the first ever 45 minute series special before the second season begins.
Other exciting news is that Disney Junior will launch it’s on 24 hour channel early in 2012. Currently Disney Junior can be seen on the Disney Channel weekdays from 4:00 AM – 2:00 PM (ET/PT) and on the weekends 4:00 AM – 9:00 AM (ET/PT). In early 2012 you’ll be able to catch all your favorite Disney Junior programming 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
Disney Junior offers a delightful array of programs that not only entertain but also include learning components such as math, language, healthy eating, lifestyles and social and emotional development. Another words the programs you find on Disney Junior are not “fluff” but rather meaningful programs that are educational too.
If you would like to learn more about Disney Junior please visit www.DisneyJunior.com. You can also find out more information about Jake and the Never Land Pirates at the Disney Junior link too. You can also follow the channel and programs on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/DisneyJunior.
You can also follow the conversation on Twitter with the hash tag JakePirates.
Kimberly
*I received free branded samples and a free DVD from Child’s Play Communications and Team Mom in order to do this review. There was no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.
courtney says
aww that parrot is adorable, what a cute little post!:) thanks for sharing!