Kickin' It
Encyclopedia
Kickin' It is an American martial arts inspired comedy television series, which debuted on June 13, 2011 on Disney XD
. Created and executive produced by Jim O'Doherty, the series is rated TV-Y7 and follows the karate instructor at an under-performing martial arts academy, played by Jason Earles
, and his five misfit students, played by Leo Howard
, Dylan Riley Snyder
, Mateo Arias, Olivia Holt and Alex Christian Jones. On September 20, 2011, Disney XD announced the series had been renewed for a second season.
, the Bobby Wasabi Martial Arts Academy is known as the worst dojo in the under-performing nationwide Bobby Wasabi chain. To improve the dojo's image, a tight knit crew of underdogs enlists new kid Jack to join and help teach them about life, karate and friendship. The kids all attend Seaford High School, where they tend to get into all sorts of adventures dealing with life, school and of course, growing up. All the members of the dojo follow the Wasabi code: "We swear by the light of the dragon's eye, to be loyal and honest and never say die. Wasabi!"
nominated producer, Jim O'Doherty who started his career as a sitcom writer and producer for the television comedies 3rd Rock from the Sun
, Grounded for Life
, and The Tracy Morgan Show
. Kickin' It is said to be inspired by O'Doherty's childhood growing up on Long Island, New York where he earned a green belt in martial arts
, but was forced to end his training when his local dojo closed down and was turned into a veterinary clinic. This childhood connection to martial arts, combined with two of his daughters' interest in karate
, laid the foundation for the premise of the series.
Casting for the series began in early 2010 with Jason Earles
, former star of Disney's Hannah Montana
cast in the role of Sensei "Rudy". Leo Howard
, a black-belt in karate and former star of Disney's Leo Little's Big Show
was cast in the role of "Jack". Dylan Riley Snyder
, former star of Disney's Broadway
musical Tarzan
was cast in the role of "Milton". Mateo Arias, brother of Disney star Moises Arias was cast in the role of "Jerry". Olivia Holt, whose previous credits included appearances in commercials for Hasbro
, Mattel
, and Bratz
was cast in the role of "Kim". And Alex Christian Jones, who had appeared in Ruben Studdard
's "Flying Without Wings" music video, was cast in the role of "Eddie".
The pilot episode of Kickin' It was filmed in August 2010 and in November 2010, Disney XD announced it had green-lit the series (then known as Wasabi Warriors) and filming would begin in January 2011. With the announcement of the series, Disney Channel CEO, Gary Marsh
commented on the groundbreaking martial arts sitcom formula, saying, - "By weaving martial arts into the fabric of a traditional situation comedy, we've created a completely unique sitcom form. Plus, by pairing our star Leo Howard -- a real life black-belt martial artist -- with a brilliant comedian like Jason Earles, we've tipped the scales towards success."
Image:Kickin It cast photo.jpg|thumb|238px|Main characters (Cursor over faces to identify)
circle 38 121 45 Rudy
circle 186 96 25 Milton
circle 234 128 35 Jack
circle 259 53 31 Jerry
circle 310 70 35 Kim
circle 393 183 40 Eddie
desc bottom-left
Jerry (Mateo Arias), a lone wolf who winds up at the dojo to complete his school P.E. credit. He is Latino and speaks Spanish fluently. He's a talented dancer who acts like a tough guy, but is loyal and serious when it comes to friendships.
's history (including the network's former incarnation as Toon Disney
), followed by I'm in the Band
's premiere which garnered 863,000 viewers. The premiere scored 578,000 viewers among children 6-14 and 393,000 among tweens 9-14, and was Disney XD's number one live-action series premiere of all time among Kids 6-11 (431,000).
Disney XD
Disney XD is a brand of children's TV channels worldwide targeting young males, owned by The Walt Disney Company. The channel was formerly known as Toon Disney and/or Jetix in most areas. According to Gary Marsh, President of Entertainment for Disney Channel Worldwide, "XD" does not "stand for...
. Created and executive produced by Jim O'Doherty, the series is rated TV-Y7 and follows the karate instructor at an under-performing martial arts academy, played by Jason Earles
Jason Earles
Jason Daniel Earles is an American actor, known for his role as Jackson Stewart on the Disney Channel sitcom Hannah Montana and his role as Sensei Rudy in his new Disney XD series Kickin' It.-Personal life and philanthropy:...
, and his five misfit students, played by Leo Howard
Leo Howard
Leo Howard is an American actor, model and martial artist. Beginning his martial arts training at the age of four and an acting career at the age of seven, Howard is known for incorporating his karate and wushu skills into his feature film and television roles; as "Young Snake Eyes" in the 2009...
, Dylan Riley Snyder
Dylan Riley Snyder
Dylan Riley Snyder is an American film, television and musical theatre performer. Beginning his acting career in community theatre at the age of five, Snyder is known for his acting, singing, and dancing abilities, starring as "Young Tarzan" in the 2006 Broadway musical, Tarzan, as "Timmy" in the...
, Mateo Arias, Olivia Holt and Alex Christian Jones. On September 20, 2011, Disney XD announced the series had been renewed for a second season.
Premise
Located in a strip mall in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose, California
San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...
, the Bobby Wasabi Martial Arts Academy is known as the worst dojo in the under-performing nationwide Bobby Wasabi chain. To improve the dojo's image, a tight knit crew of underdogs enlists new kid Jack to join and help teach them about life, karate and friendship. The kids all attend Seaford High School, where they tend to get into all sorts of adventures dealing with life, school and of course, growing up. All the members of the dojo follow the Wasabi code: "We swear by the light of the dragon's eye, to be loyal and honest and never say die. Wasabi!"
Production
The series was created by EmmyEmmy Award
An Emmy Award, often referred to simply as the Emmy, is a television production award, similar in nature to the Peabody Awards but more focused on entertainment, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards .A majority of Emmys are presented in various...
nominated producer, Jim O'Doherty who started his career as a sitcom writer and producer for the television comedies 3rd Rock from the Sun
3rd Rock from the Sun
3rd Rock from the Sun is an American sitcom that aired from 1996 to 2001 on NBC. The show is about four extraterrestrials who are on an expedition to Earth, which they consider to be a very insignificant planet...
, Grounded for Life
Grounded for Life
Grounded for Life is an American television sitcom that debuted on January 10, 2001 as a mid-season replacement on the FOX Network. It was created by Mike Schiff and Bill Martin. It ran for two seasons on the network until being cancelled only two episodes into its third season...
, and The Tracy Morgan Show
The Tracy Morgan Show
The Tracy Morgan Show is an American sitcom that aired from December 2, 2003 to March 20, 2004 on NBC. The series stars Tracy Morgan and Tamala Jones. The show was canceled in its first season after 18 episodes .-Synopsis:...
. Kickin' It is said to be inspired by O'Doherty's childhood growing up on Long Island, New York where he earned a green belt in martial arts
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
, but was forced to end his training when his local dojo closed down and was turned into a veterinary clinic. This childhood connection to martial arts, combined with two of his daughters' interest in karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
, laid the foundation for the premise of the series.
Casting for the series began in early 2010 with Jason Earles
Jason Earles
Jason Daniel Earles is an American actor, known for his role as Jackson Stewart on the Disney Channel sitcom Hannah Montana and his role as Sensei Rudy in his new Disney XD series Kickin' It.-Personal life and philanthropy:...
, former star of Disney's Hannah Montana
Hannah Montana
Hannah Montana is an American television series, which debuted on March 24, 2006 on the Disney Channel. The series focuses on a girl who lives a double life as an average teenage school girl named Miley Stewart by day and a famous pop singer named Hannah Montana by night, concealing her real...
cast in the role of Sensei "Rudy". Leo Howard
Leo Howard
Leo Howard is an American actor, model and martial artist. Beginning his martial arts training at the age of four and an acting career at the age of seven, Howard is known for incorporating his karate and wushu skills into his feature film and television roles; as "Young Snake Eyes" in the 2009...
, a black-belt in karate and former star of Disney's Leo Little's Big Show
Leo Little's Big Show
Leo Little's Big Show is a Disney Channel short television series featuring a boy named Leo Little and his sister, Amy Little , who host a show from their family room about Disney stars, movies and programs, in a manner very similar to its predecessor, Mike's Super Short Show...
was cast in the role of "Jack". Dylan Riley Snyder
Dylan Riley Snyder
Dylan Riley Snyder is an American film, television and musical theatre performer. Beginning his acting career in community theatre at the age of five, Snyder is known for his acting, singing, and dancing abilities, starring as "Young Tarzan" in the 2006 Broadway musical, Tarzan, as "Timmy" in the...
, former star of Disney's Broadway
Broadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
musical Tarzan
Tarzan (musical)
Tarzan: The Musical is based on the Disney film of the same name and the story by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Music and lyrics are written by Phil Collins, with a book by David Henry Hwang.-Production:...
was cast in the role of "Milton". Mateo Arias, brother of Disney star Moises Arias was cast in the role of "Jerry". Olivia Holt, whose previous credits included appearances in commercials for Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro is a multinational toy and boardgame company from the United States of America. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States...
, Mattel
Mattel
Mattel, Inc. is the world's largest toy company based on revenue. The products it produces include Fisher Price, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys, Masters of the Universe, American Girl dolls, board games, and, in the early 1980s, video game consoles. The company's name is derived from...
, and Bratz
Bratz
Bratz is an American line of fashion dolls and merchandise manufactured by MGA Entertainment. Four original 10" dolls were released in 2001 - Cloe, Jade, Sasha and Yasmin...
was cast in the role of "Kim". And Alex Christian Jones, who had appeared in Ruben Studdard
Ruben Studdard
Christopher Theodore Ruben Studdard , best known as Ruben Studdard, is an American R&B, pop, and gospel singer. He rose to fame as winner of the second season of American Idol...
's "Flying Without Wings" music video, was cast in the role of "Eddie".
The pilot episode of Kickin' It was filmed in August 2010 and in November 2010, Disney XD announced it had green-lit the series (then known as Wasabi Warriors) and filming would begin in January 2011. With the announcement of the series, Disney Channel CEO, Gary Marsh
Gary Marsh
Gary Marsh is President and Chief Creative Officer for Disney Channels Worldwide, where he develops and produces Disney Channel Original Series, Disney Channel Original Movies and Disney Junior Series . He also oversees talent and casting operations for Disney Channel. Marsh joined Disney Channel...
commented on the groundbreaking martial arts sitcom formula, saying, - "By weaving martial arts into the fabric of a traditional situation comedy, we've created a completely unique sitcom form. Plus, by pairing our star Leo Howard -- a real life black-belt martial artist -- with a brilliant comedian like Jason Earles, we've tipped the scales towards success."
Main characters
Image:Kickin It cast photo.jpg|thumb|238px|Main characters (Cursor over faces to identify)
circle 38 121 45 Rudy
circle 186 96 25 Milton
circle 234 128 35 Jack
circle 259 53 31 Jerry
circle 310 70 35 Kim
circle 393 183 40 Eddie
desc bottom-left
- Jack (Leo HowardLeo HowardLeo Howard is an American actor, model and martial artist. Beginning his martial arts training at the age of four and an acting career at the age of seven, Howard is known for incorporating his karate and wushu skills into his feature film and television roles; as "Young Snake Eyes" in the 2009...
), the new kid in town who is an experienced martial artist and skateboarder. He learned karate from his grandfather who trained Bobby Wasabi for all of his movies. He is loyal to his friends and inspires them to try their best.
- Milton (Dylan Riley SnyderDylan Riley SnyderDylan Riley Snyder is an American film, television and musical theatre performer. Beginning his acting career in community theatre at the age of five, Snyder is known for his acting, singing, and dancing abilities, starring as "Young Tarzan" in the 2006 Broadway musical, Tarzan, as "Timmy" in the...
), an honors student who enrolls in martial arts to defend himself after being bullied for taking French Horn lessons. He is oddly unaware of his own shortcomings and has an awkward sense of confidence.
Jerry (Mateo Arias), a lone wolf who winds up at the dojo to complete his school P.E. credit. He is Latino and speaks Spanish fluently. He's a talented dancer who acts like a tough guy, but is loyal and serious when it comes to friendships.
- Kim (Olivia Holt), a confident martial artist and the only girl in the dojo. She was a former member of the rival dojo, The Black Dragons but joined the Bobby Wasabi Academy after finding out The Black Dragons were cheaters.
- Eddie (Alex Christian Jones), a sweet but uncoordinated kid who attends Bobby Wasabi to get into shape and loves the sense of achievement, but fears that if the dojo closes he will have no choice but to return to Mrs. King's Dance Academy.
- Rudy (Jason EarlesJason EarlesJason Daniel Earles is an American actor, known for his role as Jackson Stewart on the Disney Channel sitcom Hannah Montana and his role as Sensei Rudy in his new Disney XD series Kickin' It.-Personal life and philanthropy:...
), a former top amateur martial artist who was sidelined by an injury and, for a time, lost his fire to compete before using his entire life savings to become the owner and sensei of the Bobby Wasabi Martial Arts Academy.
Recurring characters
- Marge (Loni LoveLoni LoveLoni Love is an American comedian and actress. After quitting her job as an electrical engineer in 2003, Love began to pursue a career in stand up comedy...
), Seaford High School's lunch lady who also takes classes at the dojo. - Lonnie (Peter OldringPeter OldringPeter Oldring is a Canadian TV actor and comedian.- Biography :In addition to performing with The Second City improv group in Toronto and Los Angeles, Oldring has appeared on Canadian television. He was also a regular cast member of the redneck-themed sketch comedy series Blue Collar TV...
), the owner of Reptile World and Rudy's frenemyFrenemy"Frenemy" is a portmanteau of "friend" and "enemy" that can refer to either an enemy disguised as a friend or to a partner who is simultaneously a competitor and rival. The term is used to describe personal, geopolitical, and commercial relationships both among individuals and groups or institutions...
. - Bobby Wasabi (Joel McCrary), an international movie star and owner of the Bobby Wasabi chain.
- Falafel Phil (Dan AhdootDan AhdootDan Ahdoot is a stand-up comedian who primarily performs in New York City. He is well-known for being a contestant in NBC's reality TV show Last Comic Standing and for performing on Comedy Central's Premium Blend.-Early life:...
), the owner of the restaurant, Falafel Phil's. - Joan (Brooke DillmanBrooke DillmanBrooke Dillman is an American actress and comedian best known as a series regular maternal roles on the skit comedy Blue Collar TV .-Career:...
), a security guard at the strip mall. - Mr. Squires (Clinton JacksonClinton JacksonClint Jackson is a former American boxer, who competed on behalf of the U.S. in the 1976 Summer Olympics.-Amateur highlights:*1974 National AAU Welterweight Champion...
), Seaford High School's principal. - Sensei Ty (Ian Reed Kesler), the Black Dragon's master and rival of the Wasabi Warriors.
- Frank (Wayne Dalglish), a student at Seaford High School who trains with the Black Dragons.
Ratings
The series's premiere of Kickin' It garnered approximately 873,000 viewers, which made it the highest-rated series premiere in Disney XDDisney XD
Disney XD is a brand of children's TV channels worldwide targeting young males, owned by The Walt Disney Company. The channel was formerly known as Toon Disney and/or Jetix in most areas. According to Gary Marsh, President of Entertainment for Disney Channel Worldwide, "XD" does not "stand for...
's history (including the network's former incarnation as Toon Disney
Toon Disney
Toon Disney was an American cable television channel owned by The Walt Disney Company. A spinoff of Disney Channel, it mostly aired children's animated series and some live action programming. Its format had similarities to those of Cartoon Network and Nicktoons...
), followed by I'm in the Band
I'm in the Band
I'm in the Band, is a live-action sitcom airing on Disney XD in the United States and on Family Channel in Canada. The pilot episode was taped on July 14, 2009, with a "sneak preview" airing on November 27, 2009; the show subsequently joined Disney XD's regular schedule on February 20, 2010, with...
's premiere which garnered 863,000 viewers. The premiere scored 578,000 viewers among children 6-14 and 393,000 among tweens 9-14, and was Disney XD's number one live-action series premiere of all time among Kids 6-11 (431,000).
International release
| Country / Region | Channel | Series premiere | Title in country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney XD Disney XD Disney XD is a brand of children's TV channels worldwide targeting young males, owned by The Walt Disney Company. The channel was formerly known as Toon Disney and/or Jetix in most areas. According to Gary Marsh, President of Entertainment for Disney Channel Worldwide, "XD" does not "stand for... |
June 13, 2011 | Kickin' It | |
| Disney XD (Canada) Disney XD (Canada) Disney XD is a Canadian English language Category B specialty channel. It is wholly owned by Astral Media. The channel launched on June 1, 2011 in both standard and high definition, as well as a video on demand platform.... |
July 2, 2011 | ||
| Disney XD (UK & Ireland) | July 21, 2011 (Sneak Peak) September 1, 2011 (Premiere) |
||
| Disney XD (Netherlands) | October 16, 2011 | ||
| Disney XD (Asia) | October 27, 2011 | ||
| Disney XD (Latin America) Disney XD (Latin America) Disney XD Latin America is a cable television channel and is an edition of the The Walt Disney Company-owned Disney XD broadcasting to Latin America and the Caribbean. It was launched on November 8, 1996 as The Fox Kids Network. The network took on its current name on July 3, 2009. It is broadcast... |
October 10, 2011 (Sneak Peak) October 22, 2011 (Sneak Peak) November 5, 2011 (Premiere) |
Os Guerreiros Wasabi | |
| Los Guerreros Wasabi | |||
| Disney XD (Poland) | December 3, 2011 | Z kopyta | |
| Disney XD (Turkey) | December 3, 2011 | Uçan Tekme | |
| Disney XD (Greece) | December 3, 2011 | Γεννημενος για το Καρατε |
External links
- Kickin' It at TV.comTV.comTV.com is a website owned by CBS Interactive. The site covers television and focuses on English-language shows made or broadcast in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Japan...
- Kickin' It at TV GuideTV GuideTV Guide is a weekly American magazine with listings of TV shows.In addition to TV listings, the publication features television-related news, celebrity interviews, gossip and film reviews and crossword puzzles...