Sabrina, the Teenage Witch

What’s the Story?

Based on a character from Archie Comics, the Sabrina series began airing in 1996 following the success of the same-named TV movie. Both movie and show star Melissa Joan Hart as Sabrina, a teenage girl whose parents tell her on her 16th birthday that she's a half-witch, then send her to live with her magical aunts in Massachusetts to learn how to be a proper witch. The show centers on Sabrina's life with Aunt Hilda (Caroline Rhea) and Aunt Zelda (Beth Broderick) as she learns to master spells in order to earn her witch's license from the Other Realm -- while keeping her magical talents hidden from her friends, teen rivals, and teachers. The series follows Sabrina as she graduates from Westbridge High and Adams College and enters the workforce as a journalist for a cutting-edge music magazine.

Is It Any Good?

SABRINA, THE TEENAGE WITCH reminds us that while magic can be helpful, life is about being mature enough to face the consequences of our actions, not waving a wand or reciting a spell. Over the years Sabrina not only learns how to perform spells, but also discovers that magic doesn't offer a "quick fix" for the problems she faces in daily life.

Sabrina's attempts to use magic to help resolve her troubles -- including trying to attend multiple parties at once or resolving squabbles with a high school rival -- usually land her in out-of-this-world situations that have rather negative consequences. With the help of her aunts and Salem, a former warlock turned black cat, each event provides a positive learning experience for Sabrina.