Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates (2011–2016) User Reviews

Mediocre for adults, liked by toddlers

[bsampsel · 7/10 · 22 October 2011]

From my adult perspective, I find the show lacking. They turned Hook into a wimp, blunting his hook. And the two musical pirates, while kind of okay to listen to when it's the live actors, are annoying within the storyline of the show.

Disney took the grandeur out of Neverland, slashing the cast down to four pirates, three children, and the crocodile.

That said, while it makes me want to eat a bullet, my toddler twins love it. My son yells for 'ook (Hook), liking him the best. My daughter repeats, "Yeah Hey, no way!" from the Izzy character.

That's when it became clear that the show was not intended to be educational, like the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It was intended to be pure entertainment for the toddler set.

I consider that a criticism, as I believe in the era when Disney and Warner Bros both produced cartoons that the entire family could enjoy.

I would give this two stars, but since my kids are entertained (for now), I gave it a seven. Mission accomplished.

I'm 16. The show provides GREAT entertainment value for us teenagers too

[naatraa · 28 July 2012]

Who said teenagers can't watch these types of shows? These types of shows are certainly for family entertainment! Compared to its own brethren, Peter Pan, this show definitely has true potential. I love to watch it whenever I'm bored and have nothing else to do. The plots are well lined up, in chronological order, and easy for the audience to decipher what the anticipated outcomes and dangers are. It inculcates a sense of thrill, enjoyment in me. It definitely is directed at the teenager audience too. It may be mediocre for some teenagers, but I am sure many adolescents and teenagers are watching it. It depends on whether you like it or not.

This show, compared to other crappy shows these days, is on top of the Monopoly board. Still better than other repetitive, monotonous and rancid shows out there which have no entertainment value, poor story plots, poor character development and many other flaws. This show, really sees the light. It is a good creation of Disney, as it stands out already from the dilapidated Disney channel, filled with rubbish shows. Since they took away the Mickey Mouse shorts, House of Mouse, etc. Disney became very dull. This show makes my heart shimmer with hope, and I look forward for Disney to come up with more of these shows.

"You are by far the worst pirate I've ever met"

[bonniejoy-978-68763 · 2/10 · 22 May 2014]

Maties, do you want to read my review? (fifteen seconds later) GREAT! In order to read it, everyone say the secret password, "Boo hoo hoo!"

If you know the original Disney (or the book) then this show sugarcoats everything that Peter Pan was about. It was basically an adventure with children (mostly boys) who live on an island, Neverland, where nobody grows up and, do just about everything a boy (or at least back then) wanted to do, fly, chase or befriend Indians, fight pirates, fairies and mermaids exist, and always avoid being caught; basically every day was an adventure. How is that compared to the show? Let's see: three kids fly (in emergencies), chase clues, chase Hook (who is a wimpy bully) with a miserable band of three pirates, and they barely fight!

Sure both sound similar, but if you think about it and watch them back to back then you'll see how different they are. For example Hook! I'm going to cry! Hook is the most dangerous pirate in all of Neverland. His hook is not only meant to replace his missing hand (which Peter Pan cut off) but also gut anybody who dares try any mutiny against him. Here in the show, he is just the worst version of a bully you could ever imagine! He'll do the lamest things ever like hold Jake's guitar hostage, take Izzy's beautiful seashell, steal Cubby's healthy snacks, and so on! This isn't the Hook I know or love! How about the fighting? They're not exciting whatsoever. Hook never uses his hook, not even when he's face to face with Peter himself, they have coconut cannon balls (are you kidding me?), Jake's sword is made of wood and he practically never uses it, oh and get this, the crocodile is harmless and just chases Hook, hops like a puppy dog on land, and when Hook lands on him, he bounces like a rodeo horse. I'm honestly thinking that companies just did all this because they were afraid if they stuck with the original then the kids' parents would sue them for having sword fighting and a man eating crocodile chasing after Hook after eating his "tasty" hand! How about when Peter Pan himself shows up (though it's so rare)? He's a moral guide for Jake and his crew. No, just no. Peter is not a moralist, he's a brash, rash, naughty cocky, fun, adventure-loving boy - just about everything a boy back then (and possibly now) wanted to be - even Return to Neverland got that right.

The only thing worse is the Disney Junior formula: 1) Get the fourth wall actively involved 2) Try three times guessing the obvious. Nothing wrong with trying to get the fourth wall active, but it is pointless unless this was a video game; all the kids are doing are sitting on their butts, watching the adventure, and calling out to the non-responding TV screen. How about the other problem? Kids are going to pick up that the third option is the right one, and the first two guesses make themselves so obviously wrong instead of cleverly almost looking like the correct answer, and there also is no point into having the kids guessing because it stops the adventure for thirty seconds. Disney Junior is on par with Dora the Explorer, but in English.

If you love Peter Pan, Disney or the book then you may not really want to watch this show.

One Word: Fail

[adamar73 · 1/10 · 16 February 2011]

Disney missed the boat on this one (literally). It has no redeeming educational value and our child is annoyed with it completely. He'll ask for Mickey Mouse, but as soon as this show starts he asks for something else. We usually use the time to go outside or read a story, so it's been good for that...but, with all the possibilities that exist in Neverland, Disney didn't use it to full effect.

If it has any redeeming quality whatsoever, the voices of Captain Hook and Ensign Smee are actually really good imitations of some very difficult voices from the original movie. Too bad that's not enough to make it watchable.

And all of this may sound harsh, but come on! It's Disney!! They should know better!!!

We love this show!

[mich3ll3ros3 · 10/10 · 11 May 2011]

My four year old son absolutely loves this show. So does my one year old daughter. I think it is cute and different. I wish were able to find toys, but I'm sure they will come out eventually. It is somewhat educational, which is always a plus. My son loves to sing along and knows all the characters by name. It is a great alternative to pirate shows that are too "grown up" for kids. I think the voices of the characters are well done. The only thing I don't care for is the two real men who sing at the end dressed like pirates, it's a little strange. All in all I think Disney did a great job. I hope it does not get canceled, we would be sad!

Why this show sucks and only 2-7 olds should watch it

[andrewliucps · 1/10 · 27 June 2023]

Jake and the Never Land Pirates, along with other shows on Disney Junior, Nick Junior, and Treehouse TV, have gained popularity among children aged 2 to 7, but they fail to captivate older audiences for several reasons. Firstly, these shows lack complexity and intellectual challenge. The simplistic storytelling and repetitive nature of the plots make it difficult for older viewers to stay engaged or find any depth in the narratives. Additionally, the characters remain one-dimensional with little to no character development, leaving older viewers craving for more nuanced and multi-dimensional personalities.

Moreover, these shows are characterized by a distinct absence of mature themes and content. While it is understandable that they are targeted towards a young audience, the complete omission of any substance or depth limits their appeal to a narrow age range. Older viewers seek entertainment that explores complex emotions, tackles social issues, and presents thought-provoking storylines, which these shows fail to provide. The overly simplistic and childish approach further contributes to their unappealing nature for older viewers who desire more intellectually stimulating and engaging content.

In conclusion, shows like Jake and the Never Land Pirates, found on Disney Junior, Nick Junior, and Treehouse TV, may entertain young children aged 2 to 7, but they lack the complexity, depth, and mature themes that engage older audiences. The shallow storytelling, limited character development, and overall simplicity make these shows uninteresting for viewers outside the intended age range.

This cartoon brings me back memories!

[stefanantonie · 10/10 · 27 December 2021]

I remember when I was a toddler & this show was being aired on Disney Jr Romania! I instantly recognized Captain Hook & Mr Smee! I didn't rewatch it, but I give it 10/10, because it is one of the puzzle piefes of my childhood.

My son LOVES it!

[christophwaltzfans · 9/10 · 24 March 2011]

My three year old son LOVES this show. He gets such a kick out of the counting, and the kids. Afterward he pretend-plays that he's a pirate and acts out scenes from the show. I find the music to be amusing and fresh, and not annoying like most kids' music.

My observation is that the world and activities the kids get into remind me of a video game. Jumping on turtles and moving platforms, for example, is classic adventure-video game fodder, as is collecting coins.

The show encourages kids to jump and play along with them, and not so bad as Dora and other shows which break the fourth wall to encourage audience participation.

Give it a chance. If you're the parent of a young boy, I think it's a winner.

My Daughter Loves this show

[bigmark60-71-710700 · 10/10 · 4 June 2011]

This show is excellent. The interaction between Mr. Smee and Captain hook is really funny, and my daughter laughs out loud. It is a far cry better then watching old re-runs of mickey mouse club house all day long. I would recommend this show to anybody. Each of the different characters has there own special way of doing things. This show helps teach counting and many other educational aspects.

Each story has a moral issue background much like the shows I used to watch as a kid, and helps teach why stealing, lying, and cheating is wrong and never works in the end. The colors are great and the voices of captain hook and Smee are perfectly inline with the older movies. It also puts a unique spin on the whole Peter Pan story as Peter is no longer on the island and has left it to Jake and his crew to keep up the good times.

Excellent option to Spongebob

[genusam · 10/10 · 27 March 2011]

My 4 yr old and 6 yr old daughters LOVE this show. I've recorded all the episodes and they watch them daily. They sing along to the songs and know the words to all the episodes. We're not big Disney channel viewers because my girls prefer Nickeoleon, but this one Disney exception.

I think Disney was attempting to come up with a suitable option to Nickelodeon's Spongebob Squarepants and I think they succeeded. Spongebob doesn't have any educational qualities but at least Jake and the Neverland Pirates allows kids to count and use deductive reasoning. In addition, I think that Disney is trying to "ride the tide" of the Pirates of the Caribbean success and the interest that children have in pirates.

Good job Disney.

Awesome!

[webmiester-838-343084 · 8/10 · 3 June 2011]

I'm not sure what is wrong with the person who gave this a low score, or maybe they are making their 8 year old watch Disney JUNIOR... but this show has tons of educational stuff. It is a tad superficial, but being Disney Junior, the target audience is 2-4, maybe 5 year olds at best. The concepts would be a tad elementary to a child who is a typical school age...

But the songs are catchy, they use visual/audible/repeated methods to teach. My daughter, who is 4 and of insanely above normal intel finds it good entertainment. Educational? Maybe not too much for her, but then again we use workbooks and games for education... Television is for mind numbing entertainment, relaxation, not education (and to be limited).

Some of these other shows like spongebob and phineas&ferb are ridiculous and just emphasise the things that are wrong with the way we raise kids today. Ridiculous, scatter-brained and just a bunch of flashy colors and loud noises...and words that most of us don't let our kids say.... All junk. MM Clubhouse, good. Curious George, good. Even Martha Speaks, good. These hyperactive, silly noisy shock-shows are ridiculous and I won't let my child watch them. (but to each their own)

Not that bad...but somewhat adequate compared to other kids shows.

[hawkkalitz · 9/10 · 17 March 2015]

(This is kind of my first, don't judge me, but I'm not sure if this counts as a spoiler.) Unlike one of the comments saying that they're 16 and watch this show, I'm 21 and do watch it at some points. Likewise, some of the cartoons have, for me, fell way below average. Shows like SpongeBob, Clarence, Uncle Grandpa, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Sanjay and Craig are an example of that. The cartoon era has died out mostly due to these new shows, but I gotta give props to Disney for a Peter Pan-like rerun, except with three pirates and not just one alone.

After all, it does show a little bit of an idea to grasp. It does teach kids how to face bullies and learn to help one another in situation. If there was one thing I could say, however, is that the changes in actors/actresses of doing the voices make it more different, but then again, maybe it's because each season probably will change from time to time, with different voice actors or actresses.

My whole childhood

[otoniamari · 10/10 · 4 June 2021]

I grew up watching this show, it was the very first thing I watched on a TV. I always loved the idea of being a pirate and this show contribuited to my pirates of the Caribbean obsession. If you are one of those people saying that it's"boring" remember this is a kids' show, so it makes sense that there's not as much action. In my opinion, it's amazing and I cry of nostalgia whenever someone mentions it. Of course, it has its flaws, but I'm going to overlook them because again of all the nostalgia. If you want to, you can disagree, but this is just MY opinion. Peace.

THIS IS A WORK OF ART

[calebs-83439 · 8/10 · 23 April 2018]

This show puts an amazing twist on the classic peter Pan story; it is up to Jake and his friends to look after the island. The modernized and witty humour of the show is sure to entertain kids of all ages, and even teenagers. Who said cartoons were only for kids?

Compared to the violent nature of Tv shows these days like Ben 10, Batman the Brave and the Bold, Rick and Morty and Spongebob, a well rounded show just like this is needed. Every episode has a character building moral, a sense of community and a real emphasis which correlates well with objective moral order and the Declaration of Human rights. This is exactly what I want my kids to be watching, and they love it!!

I thank Disney for advertising such an amazing show for us all to watch, young and old, and would 100% recommend such a brilliant work of art no doubt.

MUITO LINDOW E MITO

[ODEIOOSFANSDESANTIAGO · 10/10 · 6 May 2021]

Este Desenho é Mito Mesmo OMG Chupa A Todos FanBostas de Santiago Of The Seas.

This show is Amazing!!!

[nuhafqurashi · 10/10 · 6 January 2024]

(There is only spoilers for the Battle of the Book Episode)

There are 3 main reasons why I like this show.

1) The show grows with you. They went from breaking the 4th wall to not. I remember watching this show as a kid and as the episodes continued they went from talking to me and counting doubloons and having an intro to just continuing the show. I felt like the show grew with me as got older and out grew talking to the TV.

2) Special Cameos. I was super shocked in the Battle of the Book episode when Wendy, John, Michal, and Nana appeared from the Peter Pan movie. I was also very happy when I saw the OG hideout.

3) Songs. The music is low key fire. It is very catchy and makes me want to sing. Even if it is childish, it still get stuck in my head. My favorite songs are "The Mighty Colossus", "Do you remember Peter Pan", and "Once Upon a Time" (Battle of the Book credits)

Overall the show is AMAZING and should be watched. It should have kept going, but sadly was discontinued because of another show.