Huge

TV review by Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media
Huge Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Thought-provoking drama has relatable messages for teens.

Freeform Drama 2010
Rate TV

Parents say

age 10+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 12 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate tv

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this drama deals with teen obesity and body image in an honest, thought-provoking way. The main characters' sensitivity to weight runs the gamut, so viewers can expect to see tears, frustration, and even self-directed jokes about being fat. The content also touches on other weight-related topics like bulimia and binge eating (as well as non-weight-related issues, such as sexual orientation). Although Huge is a scripted show, the characters' struggles with self-esteem will probably be relatable to most teens, so watching the show could be an intense experience. Talk to your teen about how to distinguish the show's positive messages about self-esteem and inner beauty from the more sensitive content.

Community Reviews

90210fan
90210fan Adult
February 2, 2011
age 12+
Love it great show postive. Message good role models

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
morganandricky
morganandricky Adult
July 17, 2010
age 8+

good show

This show was alot better then i tought it was going to be. A big hit for my family. Sweet messages and a fantastic image on being yourself.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

HUGE is a scripted drama series that chronicles the ups and downs of a diverse group of teens brought together at a summer weight-loss camp. Sardonic Willamina (a.k.a. "Will," played by Nikki Blonsky) arrives at Camp Victory against her will, only to find that her peers are far more dedicated to the cause than she is. But the more she rails against the strict rules, the more she's forced to see herself in a new light. With the help of her new friends, Will must choose her new path -- but the road to victory is a rocky one at best. Still, while the teens' reasons for being at camp might not be the same, the campers all share the basic goal of being at peace with who they are.

Is It Any Good?

Huge takes a big risk by thrusting the sensitive subject of teen obesity into the spotlight without the "safety net" of broad humor or a reality competition framework. Happily, the show's willingness to take on the emotional issues that accompany this issue offer teens and their families a great opportunity to discuss topics like body image, accepting differences, and healthy lifestyles. From the characters' impressions of themselves to their tenuous relationships with each other, the show's messages actually supersede weight and speak to a more general struggle for self-acceptance that most everyone can relate to.

The show benefits from an exceptional cast -- the actors humanize the issue of teen obesity and encourage viewers to really walk in the characters' shoes before passing judgment. As long as your teen is ready to think (and talk) about potentially sensitive topics like weight, self-esteem, and even eating disorders, this is a worthwhile choice.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about body image. How do you define beauty? How does your definition compare to society's? Who do you find beautiful? Why?

  • Teens: How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle? What changes could you make to your lifestyle to make it healthier? What role does the media play in encouraging -- or discouraging -- a healthy lifestyle?

  • In general, how accepting is society of differences among people? How do your own sensitivities to differences compare?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate