It's a shame they don't make shows like this anymore- shows that talk about real problems while also treating the audience like they have brains. It's not fake, it doesn't sugarcoat things and the characters are realistic. Sharon (the main character) is a little nieve at times, but it's clear that she isn't intelligent. She often stops and debates with herself between right and wrong, and even though she does make bad choices from time to time, she learns from her mistakes. The show is basicly about Sharon, her family, and her friends, but it does have compelling plots. The show is complex; Sharon is a half-Jewish vegetarian with divorced parents two brothers and several animals, and she's an animal rights activist. Her friend Maria is a half-Italian half-Chinese tomboy who is supportive, but keeps it realistic and doesn't hold back on what she has to say. One of their friends is actually an ex-friend of Sharon's rival (the only problem I have with the show is that the 'mean' girl is a tad over the top and ridiculous). One of Sharon's friends is gay, and even though he's sort of introduced as a gay stereotype, he is still considered human and not a joke- he usually knows exactly what to say, and also gives Sharon realistic advice when it's called for (although he's more inforcive about it than Maria is, and he doesn't always have patience- his role in the show is also reminding people to be theirselves, he doesn't just preach it, he shows it.) This show deals with a lot of true issues that kids and teens have to face all the time; alcahol, smoking, cheating, puberty, dating, divorce, eating disorders, racism..etc. I'm very impressed with how they manage to have all of these things and still talk about them in a mature tone, but also a child-rated tone. THIS is what real kids have to go through, not being secret popstars or dancers. If you don't believe me, check it out.