TV Review: JONAS L.A.
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this upbeat series stars the Jonas
Brothers as members of an ultra-popular teen rock band. While
the show isn't necessarily based on the guys' real-life selves,
their characters do have the same first names, and the
"fictional" band's name is Jonas, making publicity for the
Jonas Brothers an unavoidable byproduct of the series. The
show's move to Los Angeles in its second season changes its
tone to a degree, and viewers will find more mature themes like
dating and the guys' explorations of their inidividual
endeavors taking the place of the slapstick antics of the past.
But true to form, the JoBros still manage to send positive
messages to kids about family ties, self-acceptance, and
healthy relationships.
- Families can talk about how society views celebrities. Kids: Why do we treat stars with such reverence? Do you think some celebrities are more deserving of our admiration than others? Who do you admire, and why?
- Should celebrities be considered role models? Do we hold them to higher standards than other people? Why?
- This show explores many different kinds of relationships. How do the characters' relationships with their siblings, friends, and peers compare to your own? Do you think this show gives an accurate impression of anyone's (including the real Jonas Brothers') lifestyle? Why or why not?
In JONAS L.A. (originally titled simply JONAS), the real-life Jonas Brothers star as Kevin, Joe, and Nick Lucas, the three sibling stars of fictitious rock band Jonas (named after the street they live on ... of course). Fresh off their world tour, the guys are planning a fun-filled summer in the California sun, joined by their good friends Macy (Nicole Anderson) and Stella (Chelsea Staub). The vacation also allows the guys to explore their individual interests, as Joe tries out acting, Nick delves into writing new songs, and Kevin studies film directing. And if that's not enough, things on the romantic front are heating up for the guys as well, ensuring that this will be a summer to remember.
Jonas, Lucas, Midas -- no matter what name the trio uses, the result seems destined to be golden. It speaks to the Jonases' immense likeability that they can star in a show that's so entwined with their real-life selves (they don't even change their names, for heaven's sake) and still not come across as self serving. On the contrary, their charm and chemistry are bound to win over viewers who aren't already on the Jonas bandwagon.
The show's move to L.A. means a focal change from the guys' attempts to stay grounded in the "real" world to the decision to embrace their celebrity status and the opportunities it offers. This gives the show a more mature feel (the guys are on their own, after all) and opens the door to developing romances for both Joe and Nick. But despite these changes, the JoBros prove they're still the poster boys for kid-friendly entertainment, and the show imparts positive messages about healthy teen relationships, communication, and, of course, strong family ties.
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