Inclusive travel show encourages curiosity, perseverance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
a little
Jenkins faces a number of scary, adrenaline-pumping activities, including rafting over a 23-foot waterfall. While he doesn't shy away from expressing his fears, he also approaches these moments with positivity and humor. Jenkins talks about how it could be painful to look into the stories of his own people and family because his ancestors were enslaved.
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Big emphasis on pushing past your perceived physical and mental limitations as well as the value of exploring new places and meeting and learning from new cultures.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Jenkins shows that his size and race don't limit what he and others can do. He also has a huge amount of curiosity about and respect for cultures all around the world. He's a hugely inspiring individual. Jenkins often says that there's not a lot of people who look like him doing the things he's doing, and that he takes a great sense of pride from accomplishing them.
Diverse Representations
a lot
The host is a Black journalist who visits and learns a lot about all sorts of Indigenous people and cultures across the world. The show doesn't shy away from exploring complicated relationships between Indigenous people and White people in places like New Zealand. Jenkins also talks about his experience as a larger person and how his size has affected his life and how he feels about himself.
Each episode explores in depth the cultures and history of the places Jenkins visits. He's a curious and respectful visitor, always striving to learn. He also shares about his limited knowledge of his own history, being a descendant of enslaved people.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins is a travel adventure show with an emphasis on being curious and respectful of other cultures. The show's host, Jeff Jenkins, talks about his experience as a Black man who doesn't see a lot of people that look like him doing the things he's doing -- and he wants to change that. A major underlying theme of the series is the value of pushing past perceived limitations. The show is a good mix of popular tourist attractions along with the unique cultural aspects of each country. Jenkins also speaks about how he can trace his family back only three to four generations because of slavery, but that he's ready to create his own family legacy through his adventures and travels. He also talks about some of the difficulties he faces as a larger man, such as his lifelong anxiety about taking off his shirt in front of others.
Jeff Jenkins is a travel journalist (self-described as "a chubby Black guy") whose mission is to prove that "no matter who you are, life begins where your comfort zone ends." In NEVER SAY NEVER WITH JEFF JENKINS, he travels the world, taking in beautiful sights and learning all about different cultures while taking on some big adventures.
This is a delightful travel show perfect for families and led by a relatable, and intensely likable, host. In Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins, Jenkins' inspiring presence may convince viewers not only to travel more, but also to push their own perceived limits. His immersive approach to learning about new places makes the audience feel like they're right there alongside him, experiencing the journey firsthand. Despite his apprehension and fear, Jenkins always tackles new challenges with a positive attitude, and his relatable and hilarious demeanor will particularly appeal to younger viewers. With the show's mix of adrenaline-pumping adventures and fascinating insights into other cultures, its biggest message is the importance of living life curiously and courageously.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what a person gains from traveling. How might it change your perspective on yourself and on the world around you?
Discuss why Jeff can only trace his family's history back a few centuries and why this is a common experience for Black people in America. How does Jenkins deal with this reality?
How does Jeff display both curiosity and courage? Why are these two important character strengths?
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
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.