Making Sense

Parenting, media, and everything in between.

Parenting, media, and everything in between.

 

Best TV for Girls
In a world full of TV catfights, we found nine shows that are actually good for girls.
• January 22, 2013 • Categories: Family media management, Role models and stereotypes
Senior Editor, TV and DVD | Mom of two

Best friends really are the best. For girls and young women, they're the ones who psych you up for fun, admire your talents, help you through tough days, and let you ramble on about your crazy theories.

But if you watch much TV -- from The Real Housewives to American Idol -- you might think girl friendships were something entirely different. Throwing drinks in your friend's face, calling her a tramp, or yanking her hair might seem like normal parts of being buds. Even scripted favorites like Nashville and Pretty Little Liars regularly pit women against each other.

But there are plenty of shows that don't wallow in the negative. By choosing entertainment that sends a better message to your kids, you can proactively counteract negative female stereotypes. Here are our favorite weapons against girl-on-girl hate.

My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic, 4+ (The Hub): It's super cutesy, but this animated preschool favorite shows girls (or girly ponies) working together to solve problems and sort out their differences in healthy, age-appropriate ways.

Ruby Gloom, 5+ (streaming): If cutesy isn't your kid's thing, this goth take on girl friendship might be more her style. Ruby, Iris, and Misery problem solve and cooperate in a ghoulishly fun setting.

H2O: Just Add Water, 7+ (Nickelodeon): This live-action drama focuses on three teen girls who find they have magical mermaid powers. As they make their way through high school and its attendant social dramas, the three stick together, showing the true power of friendship.

SciGirls , 7+ (PBS): This science-oriented educational show highlights girls working together to construct or develop experiments to learn about the world around them. Girls encourage and have fun together while modeling enthusiasm for science.

Jem and the Holograms, 8+ (The Hub): In this flashy animated series from the 1980s -- now airing on The Hub --  a group of rock star women plays music and battles meanies as a team.

Tia & Tamera, 13+ (Style): Real-life sisters go through ups and downs as they navigate different stages of their lives, but in the end they're always there for each other.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 13+ (DVD): This oldie but goodie never fell victim to silly stereotypes about female friendships. Buffy and Willow are best friends through thick and thin, and even Buffy's female rivals don't fight her over a man -- but rather over the survival of the world.

New Girl, 13+ (Fox): Jess and Cece are childhood friends who've taken different paths in life. But even though they don't always enjoy the same activities or agree with each other's life paths, they stay loyal and committed to each other.

Parks and Recreation, 14+ (NBC) -- Amy Poehler and Rashida Jones are hilarious and realistic as friends and co-workers who navigate the wacky world of relationships, careers, and camping trips. Their friendship shows that they can stand by each other, even if they sometimes disagree. That's what real friendship is, right?

Related tags
reality TV, role models, stereotypes, TV

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About Sierra Filucci

Sierra has been writing and editing professionally for more than a decade, with a special interest in women's and family subjects. She has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of...

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Kid, 12 years old Mar 8, 2013
I do watch Jessie, Phineas and Ferb, Gravity Falls, A.N.T Farm and Austin and Ally. I find that the one that could go on this list is a tie for A.N.T farm and Austin and Ally. They are pretty inoccent shows that I love and they teach good lessons. They are also extremly funny! (LOL!!!!!) : D
smartkitty Feb 18, 2013
I love ruby gloom and I'm 13
Chelsey_Horan_1D Feb 15, 2013
I don't agree as "New Girl" being a good show for 13 year olds. I'm 15 and that show still surprises me with their talk of sex and the alcohol use. I would not reccomend that! Also, Catfish the Show is pretty good. It teaches you to watch out for online predators(:
Kid, 11 years old Jan 26, 2013
It's a great list and all but, for the average me,here's what I watch: American Idol,x factor,the voice,dance moms,catfish the show,some baby shows like my little pony and things on sprout,disney jr,and nick jr,random shows like worlds most dumbest,killer karoke,billy on the street,wipeout,and silly things. I'll probably check out Scigirls or something like that.
morourke Jan 23, 2013
Haven't seen an episode of New Girl where they don't consume a ton (by that I mean copious amounts) of alcohol recreationally. Not really the message I want any person with a young developing brain to take in as positive.
CSM Screen name... Jan 21, 2013
New Girl? Are you kidding me? If this is really your recommendation as one of the best TV shows for 13-year-old girls, it makes me wonder if the reviews/recommendations on Common Sense Media are trustworthy. I reluctantly allow my 15- and 17-year-olds to watch this show. The sex is casual, often devoid of any emotional component at all, and the humor is very often crude and tasteless. Many of the themes are much too mature for a young teen. I don't care how positive the relationship is between Jess and Cece, I would never allow my younger daughters to watch this.
darkay223 Jan 16, 2013
MLP is not just sh*t for 4 year olds the most people who watch it are like 14-25. im a 14 year old guy and i watch it. Brohoof /) (just in case :))
Amalthea Mar 24, 2013
Actually, you're a "Bromy". I know of a number of men OLDER than 25 - mostly fathers of girls who watch the show - who are die-hard fans. A man I know is even trying to design a videogame targeted to men, but based on MLP. (For the record, I'm a 48-year-old woman who loves watching MLP with my daughters.
HighTechDad Jan 15, 2013
Let's not forget about the Brady Bunch. My daughters have watched every episode on DVD. It is about family, sisters and friendship, has nothing bad in it, and they love it.
skdevore Jan 13, 2013
As a mom I've seen several episodes of New Girl and Parks and Rec. New Girl is definitely inappropriate for young teen girls. This is a show you watch sparingly WITH 16+ and talk about the choices these girls and guys are making. There is alot of one night stands posed in a positive, not a big deal way. There is one girl rooming with 3 guys. Issues I have seen on the show: having kinky sex multiple times w boss, dating a stripper, lesbian couple becoming pregnant (one is an OBGYN), discussion of aging eggs and finding a sperm donor quickly, broken Families
skdevore Jan 13, 2013
Lastly, I am also disappointed with this list of shows and CommonSense Media. I've trusted and mostly agreed with your reviews before, but I won't after this. I also would highly recommend Strawberry Shortcake, Minnie's Bowtique (Minnie Mouse), and Horseland for young girls. Shows that are outrageous and immature make for great comedy, but they do not send a positive role model for our daughters. They are comedy because we all say, "that's crazy, I'd never do that! ". However our children don't know what the right thing to do is and watching these shows makes them believe this is the appropriate way to act. Best thing to do is model that behavior in your own life, among your own friends, and leave the TV off!
skdevore Jan 13, 2013
Broken families which have definitely damaged the behaviors and attitudes of their adult children. While there is a good relationship between the two primary women on the show, this is not a show I recommend except to show what not to do. Parks and Rec is a better choice for the friendship among the primary friends but there is some bad "mean girl" attitudes and actions among the other women in the show, so I don't think I would list this as a role model show for girls either. There is a lot of immaturity.
aimless1 Jan 12, 2013
I am surprised to see that Horseland is not on this list. It is a great girl show for ages 4-8. Excellent messages and no boy craziness or fashion emphasis. All the girls work to take care of their horses also. I would recommend getting the DVD of 30+ episodes rather than watching it on Saturday morning cartoons. (it is very inexpensive) The commercials on TV definitely take away from the quality of the show. If you are a horse expert it may not be true to life in that aspect.
ResponsibleParentOf9 Jan 11, 2013
This list only contains ONE educational show?!?! ARE YOU CRAZY?!?! YOU NEED TO REWITE THIS LIST, COMMON SENSE MEDIA! THE ONLY EDUCATIONAL SHOW ON THIS LIST IS MY LITTLE PONY. DONT REMOVE THAT BUT REMOVE THIS TRASH NOW.
CSM Screen name... Jan 11, 2013
So glad to see that 2 broke girls is off the list, but I hope it was put on a DO NOT WATCH list for girls. I am a mom of a 14 year old girl and would be horrified if she watched this raunchy program. I watched it a couple of times and was disgusted by what I heard and saw. I can't even post what was said b/c it would immediately be flagged as inappropriate content. Little unsure New Girl should be a "recommended" program. While not particularly harmful, I still don't want my daughter to think girls having sex with total strangers in bathroom stalls is cute and funny.
loriklak Jan 11, 2013
Unbelievable to me that you would recommend New Girl as appropriate for young teen girls. It regularly depicts promiscuity/ casual sex for both men and women, and sexist attitudes toward women by the male characters. Very disappointed in your previously trusted rating
NorthWoodsMom Jan 11, 2013
My 6yo and 12yo watch H2O: Just Add Water. The CommonSense review is right on except for one thing: the girls hide the fact that they are mermaids from their parents and end up lying to their parents to keep them from finding out. I have watched many episodes with my girls and have discussed with them that I don't like this aspect of the show. Other than that, the show provides lot of opportunity for conversations about how the friends treat each other and how their behavior and other characters' behavior affects their friendships and ability to get along with others. The show is about high school girls, and my 6yo watches because her older sister watches, but I don't see anything inappropriate -- yes, there are boyfriends and some kissing, but it is not a sexy show. A couple episodes were more "romantic," but most of the shows are not. Most episodes revolve around the girls trying to figure out their powers and live a normal life while being a mermaid. My 6yo likes the adventures and -- as many girls her age -- is very into mermaids. Very good show.
miclyn03 Jan 11, 2013
I'd like to know who came up with this list. I would disagree with most of these shows. While H2O may be a nice show about girls and friendships, there is no way I would let my 7yr old watch it. It is about HIGHschoolers. Why do young children need to watch shows about kids that are beyond their development? My 7yr old doesn't need to be subjected to high school relationships which include boyfriends and kissing. Very disappointed in Common Sense Media.
tmr001 Jan 11, 2013
I've watched several times with the kiddo and honestly it may be highschoolers but it's not Beverly Hills 90210. It's very clean and innocent and even the boy/girl relationships are more crushes and cutesy rather than the heated it's all about boys and sex stuff most tv drama's portray. The episodes I've seen are not all about getting the boy. It's an Australian show and honestly have not seen a thing that's not appropriate. Won't hurt any kid to watch less TV but if they are itching to watch something about big kids this show isn't a bad.
Redjones79 Jan 11, 2013
Watch it yourself without the child present and decide if it's appropriate for your child, and watch it with them & discuss it after.
Kid, 11 years old Dec 18, 2012
Should I mention they candles icarly ?
Kid, 11 years old Dec 18, 2012
I saw the word catfight and I'm a boy and I also like critising the author she should right better stuff
Maruko-chan-15 Sep 29, 2012
Girls fighting with friends: Stupid, yet unfortunately true. Just because some stupid girls fight on TV doesn't mean that ALWAYS happens. I mean I NEVER with my best friend! ("Yeah, right" you say.) Catfights may happen in real life but that doesn't mean that all girls do. It depends on her nature. I'm not the kind to pick a fight with anyone. Even If it's with someone I don't like. But seriously, I don't recommend any of these pointless for anyone.
SUPERMARIOROCKSYES2 Mar 7, 2012
My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic isn't on here because the commonsense people think it's bulls**t for little 2-year old girls, not 10 year old girls. But I'm really 14 male and it's my fave tv show, they need to put it on here
dogman15 Mar 3, 2012
What jp523 and oporst said! "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" is a great show for all kids to watch (not just girls!). /)^ε^(\
gertdog Mar 3, 2012
I can't imagine why you would recommend 2 Broke Girls. The crude sexual humor totally outweighs the value of any positive messages about female friendship it contains. It's essentially a female version of Two and a Half Men...raunchy and not even particularly funny. I'm not sure I'd ban my teen from watching, but I'd certainly never encourage it.
Meg1 Mar 3, 2012
As soon as I saw this list I thought of Parks and Recreation! I am in total agreement. It's sad that so few shows DO portray real and healthy female friendships, and it's sad this list doesn't include more shows for teens - but I realize that's because there aren't that many.
Kid, 11 years old Mar 2, 2012
I haven't seen a lot of these shows but I DO NOT let my girls watch iCarly (ages 5 and 10). The kids on that show are mean, cruel and make fun of their "friends". I would NOT recommend this.
Amalthea Mar 24, 2013
I agree. My daughters watched one episode and were horrified at how these so-called best friends treat each other. I watched it with them. They chose themselves not to watch it any more.
5saltydog Mar 2, 2012
Mabey because girls are mean, backstabbing people. I hate to break it to the world but girls are horrible to eachother, and I don't know if it has anything to do with the media or not, but girls can never get along! There always has to be drama, or cliques.
tmr001 Jan 11, 2013
That's the problem. It doesn't have to be that way and girls can choose to act differently. I had 5 really awesome friends in highschool and while we were not perfect and could get on each others nerves at times, we always had each other's back and never were mean and hurtful to each other.
diaryofamommy Mar 2, 2012
While I may not have a daughter, my son watches a few of the shows on this list like "iCarly" and I find them harmless. 2 Broke Girls is a hilarious treat for me, but not something I'd let an 11-year-old watching, son or daughter.
Big Time Mom Mar 2, 2012
First of all, this column is a repeat of one that was posted last September. I know, because I wrote directly to CSM expressing my concern over one of the choices (never heard back). While in general I am in full agreement that female friendships are portrayed as vicious and backstabbing on TV - and that this is a sending the wrong message to our children - I absolutely have to object to iCarly as being on the list of shows that send a positive message. For several years I banned iCarly in my home because I was disturbed by the way Carly and Sam poke fun at other people. Although I cannot recall any particular episodes, I do remember thinking that their antics bordered on cruel. Recently I saw some newer episodes and it does appear as if this element of meanness has toned down a bit, but since older episodes are still aired along with the new ones, I am still not a fan. I also am disturbed by their being no true adults in the home, and that almost all adults are portrayed in a negative light on this show. Is this really the best you could find for my daughter to watch?
Jessie rocks Mar 2, 2012
Yeah. I think that TV shows a litte too much of the "friends" who don't get along as far as girls go. It's no WONDER teen girls feel they're supposed to ditch the other girls so much.
Sassy18 Mar 2, 2012
Seriously, I am pretty permissive with my 13 1/2 year old but this 2 Broke Girls show is offensively crude. TOO many references to sexual acts, promiscuous attitudes, and the minorities represented are stereotyped. Terrible show unless you are an adult who finds this entertaining. Would not even want my older teen to watch this if I had one.
CaryMom Mar 1, 2012
I watched Two Broke Girls just once and that was enough! I nearly cancelled my cable subscription as a result, simply because there is a risk my 9 year old girl might over hear the trash those two broke girls were spewing! It was raunchy TV at its worst and nothing any teenager needs to be watching. I'm stunned and disappointed CommonsenseMedia would suggest it. Bad call!
jp523 Feb 21, 2012
I would also mention My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic as a good addition to this list, as it is a show centering around friendships within a group of girls, and while there is often conflict, the bonds of friendship always endure through these trials. It also is genuinely entertaining (in most cases), and provides strong role models without being too preachy.
oporst Mar 1, 2012
Hoof-bump
MonicaMom Feb 17, 2012
I haven't seen any of the shows except for "2 Broke Girls", and I would not recommend that show! In my opinion, the worst thing about it is the racism. I don't know why in the world Common Sens Media would recommend it at all for anyone, let alone teenage girls. Better get advice about the show from these links instead: *://*vancouversun*/entertainment/Broke+Girls+offensive/6001732/story.html *://*balancingjane*/2012/01/2-broke-girls-lets-talk-about-racism-on.html *://*tvline*/2012/01/2-broke-girls-crude-racist-humor/
Kid, 12 years old Feb 12, 2012
Good list. Girls off or on the TV are always getting into Cat fights, even over something as silly as a boy. Live your life, Girls!

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