Jessie
Worth a closer look
Ages 7–13First shown 2011
Jessie is an 18-year old girl from a rural Texas town who moves to New York City. She suddenly finds herself becoming the nanny of four children living in a multi-million dollar penthouse in a hotel after being pushed out of a taxi. One of the youngest children just asks her to be her nanny and now Jessie has to get them to get along by keeping them from fighting. One of the children has an imaginary friend and another has a pet water monitor lizard. Assisting her is Bertram, a mean, lazy butler and Tony, a 20-year-old doorman who secretly likes Jessie.
Our verdict
- Good influence 2/5
- Parent appeal 2/5
- Well made 3/5
Grating audio: mixed views
Reviewers are deeply divided on the show, often praising the lead actress's performance and the central theme of a diverse "chosen family" while criticising the heavy reliance on lazy racial stereotypes and mean-spirited humour. While children may enjoy the slapstick comedy and catchy music, many parents find the constant sassiness, materialistic values, and mature innuendos unsuitable. Despite some high production values and a strong series finale, the show is frequently described as a formulaic sitcom that can be tedious for adult viewers.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
2out of 5
The series presents a stark contrast between the lead character, who is widely praised as a hardworking and caring mentor, and the surrounding environment of the show. While many reviews highlight heartwarming family bonds and character growth, these are frequently undercut by the heavy use of racial and cultural stereotypes, materialism, and characters who engage in bullying or rudeness for laughs. Additionally, the recurring portrayal of neglectful, career-obsessed parents and one controversial incident involving the mocking of food allergies significantly impact the show's moral standing.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
2out of 5
Opinions are sharply divided, with some adults finding the show to be an easy, heartwarming watch with occasional sharp writing, while many others find it unbearable due to predictable plots and repetitive humor. A major concern for parents in several reviews is the high frequency of sexual innuendos and jokes deemed inappropriate for the target age group. Ultimately, most commentary suggests the show targets a lower common denominator that many adults find tedious or irritating.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
3out of 5
The production quality receives praise for its talented cast, particularly the lead actress, and a theme song that many find exceptionally catchy and well-produced. The series finale is singled out as being particularly well-executed and emotionally resonant, and the use of a live audience is often preferred over standard laugh tracks. However, the show is also criticized for following a formulaic, assembly-line approach to writing and for using unrealistic or offensive fake accents for certain characters.
Watch-outs
Overstimulating: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Toy-led: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Grating audio: mixed views
Evidence regarding the audio is mixed; while some reviewers find the theme song catchy and well-sung, others describe it as an autotuned "horror" that is torturous to listen to. There are also specific complaints about irritating repeated phrases and poor quality in international dubbing.
Where to watch
Stream for free
- Not that we know of
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DVD and Blu-ray
Streaming availability from Watchmode.
Last updated 18 October 2026.