 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
H2O
- Nickelodeon
- Genre: Drama
Common Sense Media says
Aussie mermaids send good messages to tweens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that despite a far-fetched plot and some cheesy acting, there's a fair amount to like about this Australian fantasy drama series for tweens. The characters struggle with realistic issues like peer pressure, popularity woes, and self-esteem -- and, in the end, usually conclude that they're happy to be their own unique selves. The series also underscores the strong bonds of friendship, though it seems to do so at the cost of strong parental roles, since the girls keep their life-altering secret from their folks. There's very little iffy content to worry about -- no language, violence, or drinking, and only a bit of flirting.
What's the story?
In H2O, three teens' lives are changed forever after their boat strays to a mystical island off the Australian coast and magical forces transform them into mermaids with unique powers to control water. Back on land as normal teenagers, Emma (Claire Holt), Rikki (Cariba Heine), and Cleo (Phoebe Tonkin) wrestle with mixed emotions about their newfound abilities but slowly discover that their uniqueness definitely has some hidden benefits -- even if it can't save them from the bullies and social snobs of the world.
Is it any good?
H2O's cast isn't likely to earn many acting awards (there's a fair amount of hokiness in most of the performances), and the premise is so far-fetched that it's sure to have teens rolling their eyes, but this fantasy drama is a fun escape for tweens. Girls especially will relate to the characters' struggles with learning to accept their own individuality (though their fishy circumstances are a bit extreme...) and overcoming social pressures. They may also be inspired by the trio's strong bonds of friendship and the selfless way the girls use their powers to help others.
Meanwhile, parents can smile over the fact that they don't have to endure overzealous Aussie acting to monitor what their kids are seeing, since there's virtually nothing worrisome here for the tween set. In fact, there are even subtle positive messages about self-esteem and respect for differences sprinkled throughout the plot. The only sticking point lies in the girls' refusal to trust their parents with their secret -- and the adults' apparent oblivion to their kids' life-altering changes.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the media portrays teens, particularly girls. Do the girls on this show have both positive and negative traits? What are they? Do you think they're realistic characters? How do the teen girls in this series compare to the ones you know? In what ways are certain personality traits exaggerated for effect?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Very Tweeny
My daughters, 11 and 12 are very into this show right now. They love it. It has some fun story lines-typical problems mermaids would have trying to hide their identities.
However, the characters do not typically share their problems with their parents, and most adults appear to be disconnected, unintelligent, and ignorant. Also, the way the main characters treat their siblings can be very demeaning and disrespectful, which does not exactly help foster peace in a household. Given, not all siblings get along all the time in the real world, but, hey, it would be nice for children to see positive role models, right?
Lastly, most of the characters are dating, and so if you don't feel your kids are ready to be exposed to that yet, you might want to put off their watching this show until they're a little older.
Keep talking to your kids about the messages they get from the role model families they see on television. :-)
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AGE
Great fun
My daughters and I enjoy watching this show. I agree that they need to tell their parents, but aside from that, it's a great alternative for the tween set. Mild flirting, tween situations like telling your parents that you are too old for a pony at your 15th birthday party, getting invited to a pool party when you obviously can't go in the water in public, etc. The girls wear bathing suits for most of the show, (they are mermaids) so if that makes you uncomfortable it's not the show for you. But even half naked they aren't as sleezy as some fully clothed disney channel girls. I think it's sweet and well written. Obviously some plot lines wouldn't exist without the "lying" about being a mermaid, and I've discussed that with the kids. Overall it's like a teen Ariel.
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AGE
BEST SHOW ON EARTH
This is by far the best Teen Nick show! I watch H2O ALL THE TIME. People should be watching this show because its fun. Who doesn't love mermaids?
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Kid, 11 years old
November 8, 2011
AGE
Only a little kissing, but very clean, no cuss at all
This is a very good show, I want to watch it, but it's on at an early hour (or it's not on at all because of stupid degrassi) and their is only a little kissing.
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AGE
too grown up for pre teens
Typical booty shorts and "grown up" clothing for the teen girls. Flirting between boys and girls.
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Kid, 12 years old
September 10, 2011
AGE
H2O and Mermaids RULE!!!
OMG! I LOVED THIS SHOW WHEN I WAS LIKE REALLY LITTLE AND WHEN IT CAME ON AGAIN I WAS JUST ALL LIKE OMG YAY! YAY! YAY! I love it so much that I have looked online for mermaid tails ( for parents with little girls who want one look up mermagica ) and i actually FOUND THEM! anyways even though im 11 turning 12 i STILL pretend that im a mermaid! lol!!! this show is the best and i just love it and wish that they still made new episodes o and that review about the scary thing was NOT a big deal AT all...IT WASN'T EVEN THAT SCARY FOR PETES SACK! o sorry have to go H2O is on!
BYE!
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Kid, 12 years old
August 17, 2011
AGE
The Best
I think it is the best tv show I have ever seen! Everyone should watch it. More for girls than boys.
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Kid, 11 years old
July 23, 2011
AGE
Great show!
It's a great show! One of my favorites!
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AGE
Charming and sweet.
A charming, bright, and fun show that combines a bit of wish fulfilment—what young girl doesn't want to be a mermaid?—with relevant issues for tweens and young teens. This show is largely shown from their perspective, and is note-perfect in showing how typical teens keep secrets from their parents and treat their siblings, form very close bonds with friends, and navigate the perils of having a social life. Their struggles with identity, peer pressure, and self-confidence are shown alongside dealing with their unique secret.
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AGE
Drama for tweens
It's a little cheesy, but it's an entertaining show. Personally I think season 3 was the worst of all the seasons, but it was still watchable.This is a tween show so it's not that innapropriate. There isn't really violence, though the drama in the show makes it tense at times. There is a good bit of kissing, but it's not really sexual. However, in a few episodes some girls wear slightly revealing outfits, and sometimes the girls wear bikinis. The role models are pretty good; Cleo, Emma, Ricky (and later Bella, who replaces Emma) value friendship and work together. They do, however, lie to their parents once they get their powers, but they're mostly good role models. If you like mermaids then you'll probably like H20.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures, friendship, great girl role models |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7 |
| Network: | Nickelodeon |
| Cast: | Cariba Heine, Claire Holt, Phoebe Tonkin |
| Genre: | Drama |
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