MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. (October 29, 2026) — Since its October 2 premiere, Monkey King Adventures, the first GJW+ Original animated series, has released five episodes and attracted a growing, enthusiastic audience of children and adults. Its first five episodes have drawn nearly 300,000 views combined.
Finally Getting The Monkey King Right
Among its admirers is a viewer who grew up with the Monkey King. After watching the first few episodes, the viewer wrote that “at long last, someone might actually get the Monkey King right.”
Earlier adaptations, the viewer commented, missed the heart of the novel. The viewer writes that a 1999 animated series long accepted by English-speaking audiences “was incomplete, devoid of spirit, and riddled with distortion,” leaving Wukong little more than an angry fighter from start to finish. By contrast, the viewer describes the original novel as a story about “innocence, rebellion, struggle, and growing up,” emphasizing the spiritual growth at the heart of Journey to the West. Wukong’s greatest challenges test his character as well as his strength.
He praises GJW+ for staying faithful to the original story and spirit of Journey to the West. Furthermore, he calls that the right choice, and a rare one in entertainment today.
What Other Viewers Are Saying
Other viewers are just as enthusiastic, from those watching with children in an after-school program to an adult who was born in the East and has lived in the West for many years.
"They were completely captivated, and so was I," wrote one viewer who watched the premiere with the children in an after-school program. The viewer continued, "The animation is stunning and beautiful, the story is gripping, and it carries positive messages. It was simply fantastic!"
For one viewer, born in the East and living in the West for more than 20 years, the series bridges both worlds: "I highly recommend this movie to all kids in the West! I learned Monkey King's stories when I was a child, but now I am still trying to comprehend more from it."
Another viewer reflected on the story's lasting influence: "This story may have been the foundation of how I formed concepts of good and evil as a child. Stories like these impart such abstract concepts to children in the most easy to understand way. I love the idea of making this show in animation and in English, accessible for us and the future generations."
Others summed it up in a single line:
- "I never thought as an adult I would like the film so much!"
- "My whole family loves this."
- "It's so great! Couldn't stop watching!"
- "This lovely monkey is confident and brave in character."
- “Vibrant energy, lovely animation!”
The Producer’s Vision: Bringing a Timeless Classic to a New Generation
These viewers' enthusiasm reflects the producer’s hope of creating a series families can enjoy together and reflect on afterward.
“For generations, Journey to the West has captured the imagination of Chinese audiences. At its heart is Sun Wukong, the Monkey King — not a perfect hero but a rebellious spirit whose greatest challenge is not defeating demons but learning to master himself. Through trials, friendship, and sacrifice, the wild and mischievous monkey grows in wisdom and moves toward enlightenment. True greatness isn't something we're born with — it's something we grow into.” said Terry Wu, the series producer.
Wu continued, "Our vision is to bring this timeless classic to a new generation around the world without losing its soul. By staying faithful to the original novel and its profound spiritual traditions while embracing humor, imagination, and storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries, we hope to create something children can delight in and adults can reflect upon. After all, the greatest adventures don't just take us to new worlds — they change who we are."
Five Episodes In: From a Stone to the Heavenly Court
The series producer's vision begins to unfold in the first five episodes, as Wukong’s magical adventures introduce the deeper lessons at the heart of Journey to the West. In five episodes, the series has carried its hero from a cracked stone to an invitation from the Jade Emperor. Its opening episodes offer fun and adventure for children and something adults can relate to: a fearless young character whose confidence keeps running ahead of his judgment. That is where viewers leave him: proud of his powers, certain he can get his way, and about to step into a world far bigger than the one he knows.
Why Families Watch Monkey King Adventures Together Week After Week
Already, the series gives families plenty to talk about. Wukong’s courage helps him protect his friends. His urge to show off costs him a teacher’s trust. Children can enjoy the escapades while seeing how choices have consequences. Parents have a natural opening to ask what he could have done differently or what makes someone worthy of being followed.
That is a compelling reason to watch together. Wukong is still learning the difference between having power and using it wisely. Following his mistakes gives families a way to explore humility and responsibility through a character they can laugh with and care about.
For families who grew up with Journey to the West, the series offers a way to share a story from their own childhood. For newcomers, the English-language animation opens the door to a classic with timeless lessons about growing up that resonate across cultures.
What's Next and How to Watch
With five episodes of Monkey King Adventures: The Rise of the King already available, there is time to catch up and make Wukong’s adventures part of a family tradition. The 12-episode first season continues with a new episode every week, exclusively on GJW+.
The next episode begins with the invitation from the Jade Emperor. Season one reaches its halfway point this Friday, October 30, when Episode 6, "Wukong's First Job in Heaven," premieres at 7:00 p.m. ET. Put in charge of Heaven's horses, Wukong patiently tends an old black horse that refuses to eat. He is proud of his work until he overhears someone mocking his lowly rank.
Still to come: the title of Great Sage of Heaven, a peach banquet he was never invited to, and a challenge in the palm of Buddha's hand.
Watch the first two episodes free, then continue the series with a GJW+ subscription, which includes Gan Jing Kids. Follow the official Monkey King Adventures channel for new episodes and updates, and bring the family along for the journey.
ABOUT GAN JING KIDS
Gan Jing Kids is Gan Jing World’s learning and entertainment platform for children and families, with more than 6,000 educational and entertainment programs in one place. From Chinese, English, and STEM lessons to stories and original shows, kids can enjoy engaging, age-appropriate content in a safe and joyful environment designed to build knowledge, spark curiosity, and strengthen character. Gan Jing Kids combines AI safety detection, human content review, and educator-led curation. It has no open comment sections or chat with strangers, and its Kids Mode is ad-free. Gan Jing Kids is included with both GJW+ Basic and GJW+ Gold memberships.
ABOUT GJW+
GJW+ is a premium streaming service from Gan Jing World, offering more than 10,000 entertaining, inspiring, and thought-provoking movies, documentaries, TV shows, and safe Gan Jing Kids content.
ABOUT GAN JING WORLD
Gan Jing World (GJW), a U.S. company, is a video streaming and content sharing platform guided by its mission, “Technology for Humanity”—leveraging technology to promote kindness, respect, trust, and moral values. It prioritizes meaningful, non-addictive, family-safe content while protecting user privacy. In just four short years, GJW has launched Gan Jing Cloud for secure, censorship-free storage; the privacy-first Gan Jing Browser; and Gan Jing Meeting for reliable video calls. In December 2025, less than four years after its launch on July 4, 2022, GJW reached 100 million unique visitors.
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