iCarly Saves TV (Nickelodeon)

common sense media says

Tween-friendly special has lots of online tie-ins.


parents & educators say
  • 38% say they noticed product placement

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, like the regular iCarly series, this TV special features plenty of plugs for the show's Web site, including a strong sales pitch that tempts viewers with promises of extra clips. That said, if kids and parents watch together, this show could prompt great discussions about Internet rules and safety, as well as issues like how fame impacts values and maintaining the integrity of your personal beliefs. Content-wise, the special is quite tame, with negligible boy/girl dynamics and virtually no iffy behavior -- although the few authority figures in the show are cast in a pretty negative light, coming off as over-protective, out of touch, and, in one case, happy to take advantage of the teens.

Positive messages: Adults come off as obsessive and out of touch with youth. The most accessible authority figure is Carly's older brother, but he's often more immature than she is. Carly and her friends must choose between TV fame and remaining true to their values.
Violence & scariness: A little bit of slapping, hitting, and the like, but they're obviously just for humor.
Sexy stuff: Some very mild flirting, and one reference to someone being "hot." A teen dedicates a love song to Carly.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Multiple references are made throughout the show to its Web site, iCarly.com, and viewers are encouraged to surf the information and additional footage available there.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on iCarly Saves TV

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the Internet. How does it impact the way you meet and relate to people? Do you have any friends you met online? Do you and your friends communicate that way? How does using text messages, IM, email, etc. change our personal relationships? How has the Internet changed people's access to fame? Is it any easier to become famous -- or notorious -- with the Internet? Why or why not? Also, what are some of the dangers of the Internet? Do you know anyone who's been bullied or otherwise treated badly online? How did they handle it? How can you protect yourself? Remind your kids that they should never say anything online that they wouldn't say to someone's face, and make sure tweens understand your rules for using the Internet, especially regarding uploading videos and providing personal information.

What's the story?

What's the story?
In ICARLY SAVES TV, a TV station takes an interest in iCarly, the popular Web-based show created by Carly Shay (Miranda Cosgrove) and her friends Sam (Jennette McCurdy) and Freddie (Nathan Kress). Though the prospect of crossing over to TV is exciting at first, the teens soon grow disenchanted with the changes the new producers make to the show's format. Eventually Carly is forced to decide between her new fame and the values she holds most dear.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
For tweens already familiar with the characters and format of the regular iCarly series, there's very little about this TV special that will jump out as new. The special's content is still tween-friendly, and Cosgrove and McCurdy are again at their witty best. The only point of contention for parents may be the somewhat jaded way the special treats its adult characters, presenting them as exaggerated extremes -- an overly protective mother, an irresponsible older brother/guardian, and a TV producer who scams the naïve teens.

If this is your tweens' first introduction to this Web-integrated series, know that they'll be bombarded with reminders -- both audio and visual -- to visit the show's Web site for information, character insight, etc. Take the opportunity to have a discussion about your family's Internet rules and Internet safety in general.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y7
Network: Nickelodeon
Cast: Jennette McCurdy, Miranda Cosgrove, Nathan Kress
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Nickelodeon

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

Review It

 

Review iCarly Saves TV





Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

What parents & educators say

11
Based on 8 parent & educator reviews:
  • 38% say they noticed product placement

Most useful reviews by all members

 
Sexual and inappropiate movie that is not sutiable for children

Christ-Lover
parent of and 7 , 7 , 8 , 11 , 14 year old
 
Not as terrible as the show, but Sam is still Sam.
Freddy's mother was still promoted as the "bad guy" and Sam is still a terrible role model. Wasn't funny and as annoying, but still. Bonus: Here's something I forgot to mention in my actual iCarly review. In "iDo" the gang really bugged me. Carly, Sam, and Freddy acted horrified to the fact that they got invited to a wedding. How rude! I thought that couple was really nice to invite them. I mean they did help them get engaged. But they got all whiny when the nice man invited them. Gee, I sure hope my kids don't follow that. Carly and Sam got even more whiny when they were told that they were going to be bridesmaids! Same with Freddy when he was told to be the best man! For the record, I would have loved to be a bridemaid and appreciated the fact that they invited me. Annoyingly self-center children.

MatthewAbate
teen, 14 years old
 
MEOWICA WOMEN SAVED THE DAY!
Well, i know in one episode Meowica women is actually dressed as Carly. In one episode, sam says the word Cr-p and then Meowica women flies through her window and says MEOW! I really like that episode when they drink the Garbage Coffee! IDK but i really am 90% sure that Meowica women did steal this movie and edit it to be this good. Without her i am dead, but she does exist and so i really am alive! In one episode Carly gets to meet the president, then he rips off his face and everybody could see Meowica MAN standing there naked. Then Meowica women flies in and puts his hand over his P_N_S! That is very funny all because of Meowica Women!!!

arthur16morgana
teen, 16 years old
 
sam is a good role model
sam is good role model cause even though she's violent she does have real problems that some people can relate to and really she is a good person at heart.she doesnt really have much though or a good home life. other then that you shouldnt take everything they say and do too seriously

shanno15
teen, 16 years old
 
gets annoying with the love after awhile
Seriously Carly and Freddy should be together OMG!

GeodeGem
teen, 15 years old
 
iCarly. . are you sure they "Saved" TV?
The show is a great idea, I think its REALLY funny, my favorite characters are Sam and Spencer. Although there are things I am concerned about, like, what's with all the making out? And the dancing bra. . . . questionable, yet suprisenly funny. I don't like how they say "Oh my God!" all the time, cuz I don't like it when people constantly say God's name in vain. I understand it slips out, but they say it over and over again. I don't like how they insult and argue with each other all the time, every once in awhile I'd let it slip, but that's almost the intire idea for the show. Plus, I liked Miranda Cosgrove in Drake and Josh because she had a more interesting character. Also I think its weird that everyone picked on Freddie cuz he never kissed anyone, I mean if he's waiting for the right person thats okay, a kiss means nothing if its with nobody you love. Well, that's what I think anyways. I would recomend the show to kids 8+

Spongebob Fan
kid, 13 years old
 
A Few Ok Gags, Didn't Make Much Sense
It was really silly and made no sense. But that's iCarly

96grlpowrCE
teen, 16 years old
 
Ah, noodles!
This was a pretty funny episode. I actually liked it. It wasn't that great, as far as the plot goes, but it was sprinkled with random and silly humour.

Fire wizard 171
kid, 10 years old
 
Spencer is very funny. Sam needs to get a grip on herself. Carly is a good role model. Freddy is to smart!

libwcaution
parent of and 8 , 9 , 11 year old
 
The worst.
This show and its tv movies could be so much better. The premise is great, the characters are likable- at least Freddie, Carly, and Spencer are, but Sam really needs to be toned down. This is one of her worst "episodes," by which I meant **violent outbursts.** While Sam beats a dinosaur, FREDDIE is forced to rub ice on a grown male's bare belly- I enjoy awkward comedy enough to see a vague, twisted shade of humor, but I am also conscious enough to realize when it's inappropriate. This is NOT just a "humorous uncomfortable scenario" and should not be written into tween comedy. Kind of obvious why a tween should not be touching an grown man's bare ANYWHERE- whether he is a stranger or family- UNACCEPTABLE. Other concerns are obnoxious, gross behavior- I was once a kid. I was both obnoxious and gross, and I enjoyed gross tv, and I know kids enjoy it as well, so I let this part slide- that's just normal good kid stuff. My kids are under age ten, and my oldest two enjoy this show, but even they thought Sam's bullying behavior was over the top, and the first time they acknowledged it was when they saw iCarly Saves TV. Fortunately, my kids are pretty bright, and they have decided on their own that they don't care much for Sam. They loved the show in its beginning, but their interest has declined, and she is actually their least favorite part of the show.

Miranda ...
kid, 11 years old
 
I love this movie!!!
THIS IS THE BEST SHOW ON TV!!!

Phibella
parent of 4 and 11 year old
 
A good show for tweens
My daughter loves this show and as a responsible parent I have sat down and watched episodes with her to make sure there are no inappropriate things going on. The characters show the diversity of personality and the power of a good influence. Carly is a responsible, well rounded young lady who is a positive role model for her friends. Sam could tone it down a bit as she can be a little aggressive and negative but that is where Carly comes in with the positive. There are no sexually inappropriate comments or actions. No foul language. It is one of the better shows on tv for my daughter.

sDSa
adult
 
no
no

sara4ever95
teen, 16 years old
 
love it
icarly rocks

Jeusus-Christ ...
teen, 17 years old
 
sam is a good role model
sam is good role model cause even though she's violent she does have real problems that some people can relate to and really she is a good person at heart.she doesnt really have much though or a good home life. other then that you shouldnt take everything they say and do too seriously

xHAM22-7Cx
kid, 12 years old
 
The best show ever!!
iCarly is one of my faviroute shows ever and watch it everyday. It is good but not as brilliant as Victorious followed in the same path as iCarly.

etaft
teen, 14 years old
 
I think saying Oh my God is a concern for some parents and they say hobnocker in 1 episode which is VERY innapropriate. And in 1 episode it is making out ALOT in idate a bad boy. Sam has major anger issues it can be funny but i suggest being old enough to understand to not do what she does.

iCarly101
kid, 13 years old
 
Perfect for any age!!!
This show rocks :) It was really funny when Freddie had to put ice on a guys stomach :) LOL

TSwizzleRocks
kid, 12 years old
 
c'mon!
I think that half the people reviewing this haven't even watched it.

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
 

vote now

Will you see iCarly Saves TV?


Already seen it? What do you think?

 

About our rating system
ON: Content is 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