Sonny with a Chance (Disney Channel)

common sense media says

Midwestern teen takes Hollywood by storm; fun for tweens.


parents & educators say
  • 57% say there are positive messages
  • 43% say there are positive role models

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, on the whole, this fun series is a refreshing addition to the competitive tween market. Tweens will enjoy the kids' antics, and parents can be happy that the exchange of practical jokes is about as iffy as the content gets (though at least one of the pranks involves posting mildly embarrassing pictures on the Internet, which is a form of cyberbullying). While there's not too much attempt to promote specific positive messages, Sonny's self-confidence and strong leadership skills make her a standout among her peers -- especially compared to the self-absorbed male heartthrob she's often at odds with.

Educational value: No specific educational content; just feel-good fun.
Positive messages: The show is focused more on entertaining viewers than on promoting specific positive messages, but kids can find a lot to admire in main character Sonny and the way she tackles problems.
Positive role models: There are no adults to be found to guide the teens' actions, but for the most part, Sonny shows good judgment, self-confidence, and strong character in her decisions, and her peers usually follow her lead. A rivalry results in plenty of pranks and mayhem between two groups of teens, but it's mostly good, clean fun -- though in ast least one episode, teens use the Internet to post embarrassing photos of their peers.
Violence & scariness: Slapstick pratfalls and the like.
Sexy stuff: Some mild flirting between tweens, especially from a "hunky" young TV star.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Thanks to CDs and previous show/movie appearances, Disney has made sure that tweens know who star Demi Lovato is.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Sonny with a Chance

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about being a good leader. What qualities are important in leadership? Do you think people are born leaders, or do circumstances make them who they are? Are there any leaders you admire?

  • Families can also discuss celebrities and what happens when favorite stars end up in the spotlight for negative issues. Kids: How do you feel when a celeb makes a public mistake? Parents: How do you explain teen celebs brushes with legal or health troubles?

  • What does it say about people in general that we revere entertainers like we do but not other professionals, like doctors, teachers, and soldiers?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Sonny Munroe's (Demi Lovato) dream came true when she was discovered by a TV producer and earned a spot on the popular (fictional) TV sketch show So Random! But the move from her native Midwestern home to the hills of Hollywood doesn't quite lead to the warm welcome she anticipated -- especially from the show's beautiful star, Tawni Hart (Tiffany Thornton), who sees Sonny's arrival as a threat. And then there's Chad Dylan Cooper (Sterling Knight), the poster boy for the network's rival drama series, whose oversized ego is hard for sensible Sonny to stomach. She soon learns it will take more than her acting talents to win over her new peers -- but, true to her roots, she's up for the challenge.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Disney serves up a viable contender for the hot tween market with SONNY WITH A CHANCE, and the good news is that this series has trimmed much of what many parents have come to loathe about shows geared for this age group. Less commercial (so far, anyway) than series like Hannah Montana and High School Musical, the show attempts to stand on its own merit -- and for the most part, it succeeds.

Lovato shines as the sensible, self-assured star whose down-home persona earns her peers' respect. Sonny is a natural leader who's not afraid to speak her mind, and she's unaffected by the star status of friendly nemesis Chad Dylan. The spectrum of characters offers something for everyone, and the ensemble's work as a whole makes for plenty of fun-filled moments. Add to that the kid-pleasing So Random! sketches, and it's clear that this series will be a hit with tweens.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Disney Channel
Cast: Demi Lovato, Sterling Knight, Tiffany Thornton
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Disney Channel

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

8
Based on 7 parent & educator reviews:
  • 57% say there are positive messages
  • 43% say there are positive role models

Most useful reviews by all members

JusticeSeeker
teen, 15 years old
 
Mixed Feelings
I thought it was stupid on a few episodes, but some other episodes are actually a little funny. Still though, I'm not a fan of how Sonny's co-workers treat her. They're mouthy a majority of the time, to her and to eachother, and non-only is it not funny, it's getting really old and out played. Some jokes can reflect on serious topics, which is little appriceated. Tawny's obnoxious whining can be toned down a bit. The plot development- well, there's not much to go by. Sonny gets her biggest wish by going to Hollywood and becoming famous..and how many OTHER Disney shows are like that? Too many. You could tell Chad and Sonny would get together on the very first episode, it's just so painfully obvious. Why must main characters date all the time? It's a far too common road to take with a show. The creativity level has gone lower as the show went on. Sonny dates Chad...which is the only thing they were trying to build suspence up for. Now that that's done, there's really nothing left. Also: Demi went to rehab because she's been having mental problems for awhile, it has nothing to do with drugs. Infact, I hope she gets better.

starwars reviewer
kid, 13 years old
 
Once again, Disney has managed to shove more of their garbage on our TVs. How low could you go?
This is an absolute no. No original plot. No believable acting. No character development. No logic. No... Wait, what's this? Four stars... Five stars??? What the... People like this? They really like it? See, America? This is what I'm talking about! This show makes no sense! Have any of you stopped to anylize this enormous amout of crud? Let's start with plot. Small town girl getting her biggest wish. THERE ARE SUBPLOTS MORE INTERESTING! Now, acting. Half of the time, it looks like they are reading from a script! Character developement. Sonny gets Chad as a boyfriend, and it pretty much stops there. Logic. Well, what should I think? This is Disney! This show is just a re-hash of all the other sitcoms! Thanks you for reading, and please, try to keep Disney from lousing up any further.

DisneyChannelFan
kid, 10 years old
 
Sonny With A Chance
So Far So Great For The Show.By The Episode Guest Starring Shaq Was Horrible So Now I Have A Bad Feeling.But Now It Still Rules.Good For Ager 7+

SWhitaker15
teen, 14 years old
 
BEST SHOW EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is my favorite show ever! I love Sonny! She's so funny! And Chad is hilarious too! Everyone on the show is! I also love how Chad and Sonny are dating, but they don't get all innapropriate about it (I mean, I know it's Disney, but geez, Hannah Montana is a bit over the top on that stuff.)

royalblue246
parent of 14 year old
 
Sonny is NOT funny!
This show would have been good if it was produced by nickalodain. The actors are verry bad at acting, they try so hard to be funny and random that it is kinda pathetic. Please don't wast your childrens brains by letting them watch this!

movielover12
kid, 13 years old
 
Not great
I don't really like this show personally. I think it's a little dumb and sort of cheesy. The humor is weak and all the Wisconsin ref. make it clear they have no idea what Wisconsin is like and it's annoying. But Sonny is a good role model; in one episode shes presurred to cheat but caves in at the last mintue due to feeling guilty. But some of the story lines are silly and have no point. So it would be fine for younger kids.

SilverSnake
teen, 15 years old
 
Disney, seriously, just STOP.
Okay, would Disney give it up? Because of these shows they lost pretty much all of their audience besides little kids that don't really know any better. These 'Tween' shows are so freakin old. Sonny is a good rollmodel a little bit in the show, but she soon gives in to others 'scemeing' antics, but I like how she tries to stop the fight. The rest of the group behind Sonny are pretty much idiots (no offence- seriously, no offence) Tawny is annoying, she never stops crying/whining/complaining/laughing- its a mockery of all innocent blonds everywhere. Rico & Grady are always chasing girls, or sucking up to 'Chad Dillan Cooper' even though they claim they hate him! Zora is always throwing things at people, but she's my favorite character dispite the horrible acting. Chad Dillan Cooper is stuck up and its so obvious he has a crush on Sonny (usually how these things go) and they'll end up dating (typical) I'm sorry, but can they even TRY to make a better plot? The only thing I like about this show is their 'sketches' on So Random (sometimes) I miss shows that had a meaning, I miss it when Disney had a heart, now its all about the $$$$ Do they even READ their reviews? Wake. Up. I feel bad for little kids, they don't get the luxury I had growing up with good shows. I have a 4 year old cousin that screams like a fan about the JB's and acts like Miley Cyrus. A 4 year old!! I mean what happened to kids watching good cartoons, and movies that meant something, no wonder kids are snobby brats now that date in 3rd grade and up. When I grow up, I'm going to help take over Disney and put something I don't know... GOOD on TV.

disneychannel
teen, 15 years old
 
I slept!
I love Disney Channel and Nickelodeon and I think Demi Lovato was great in Camp Rock but she wasn't really funny in this even my 7 year old sister turned it off 1/2 way through! The story is good but...maybe someone else would have been better....She is still a grea actor though, Maybe Selena Gomez or Miley Cyrus or someone funny...

veve2491
teen, 15 years old
 
Great for people of all ages
I love it! Admittedly sometimes Sonny can give in to easily to what her cast members want, which means she gives in to peer-pressure which is a bad but they nearly always do the right thing in the end. I love the Sonny and Chad relationship, I've been waiting for it for ages, though I do miss some of there old arguing. The actors are perfect for there roles. I find Chad Dylan Cooper to be one of the funniest on the show. And I don't think the actors over act it at all. Overall I think Sonny with a Chance is an amazing show! Plus Sterling Knight is absolutely gorgeous so that bumps up my review by 100+

demifan34
kid, 12 years old
 
I LUV THIS SHOW
SONNY WITH CHANCE HAS GOT TO BE ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS ON DISNEY CHANNEL DEMI LOVATO BECAME MY FAV WHEN I SAW HER ON CAMP ROCK AND WHEN I HEARD SHE WAS STARING IN SONNY WITH A CHANCE I GOT SO EXCITED THIS SHOW IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOO COOL

MonarkWing
teen, 15 years old
 
It was ok.... was
It was really cute at first, I really liked it. Although as the show went on it became weird and annoying. Sonny is a real character to admire (usually) she tries to take matters peacefully, although she usually ends up doing it in another way. Tawny is an annoying character though, commenting on her own looks compared to Sonny, she prances around like a pixie, and sqeels and cries a lot. And this "Chad Dillon Cooper" thing is annoying, they always say his full name in a sentece or constantly say "Chad" and although they say they hate him, the boys Rico and Grady, kiss up to him. Rico and Grady are funny, but they need to work on acting better because they over do it. Chad thinks way too much of himself and its confusing telling which side hes on. Sonny and Chad will date because its usally how these shows go. They act like they hate each other yet have an obvious crush on each other, then after maybe 20 or so episodes they'll kiss and then try to keep it secret, the secret will come out, then they'll make-up break-up until the show is misteriously canseled. I'm just saying that COULD happen. Oh, and they have annoying catch phrases that get old "Fine, Fine, Fine, Fine, Fine!" and "Really Sonny.. Reeallly?" Plus Sonny's 'friends' hardly ever have her back and insult her at times.

oceana11
teen, 14 years old
 
fun!!!
It's not the most funny I've seen but it's fun!!! a kid's version of saturday night live!!!

Twi-Girl
teen, 14 years old
 
Great for Kids, Teens and anyone with a sense of humor!
I Love this TV show, it's the best. It's hilarious as times. I think it has a good message that no matter who you are you can be anything you want. Soony was normal and now she's a comedy star. and Sonny's a great role model, because she's always trying to help people. Again this Show is great, I esspecialy love Season 2 That's So Sonny! A great Show!

mess maker
kid, 9 years old
 
Sonny with a chance should be watched!
I think Sonny With A Chance is a great show. Sonny is a good role model. She follows her dream and becomes a cast member on a show called so random. Sonny is a generous girl who cares about everyone. The show sends good messages like follow your dreams and you can do anything.I think people should watch it.

flutegirl12
teen, 14 years old
 
dissapointing
I love Demi but am honestly dissapointed in this show. The writing is not very good, story lines aren't clear enough for even me to understand it, and the actors aren't too good either (except for Demi and Tiffany Thorton).I'm dissapointed, except it's cute and completely appropriate.

TLPeace
teen, 15 years old
 
Its ok
I like this show. Although sometimes it can be really annoying. I especially dont really like the character Tawni because shes just a crying brat, but other than that i like the show

bkid
teen, 14 years old
 
Sonny is Funny
Sonny handles problems in such a good way most of the time she acts as it's not an issue. Little kids can really look up to her. Plus, the sketches are FANTASTIC! However, there is some humor.

Dragonsrox1000
kid, 13 years old
 
Good concept, bad acting
Bad acting. I think it's okay. But the star is SO overly dramatic. It's such bad acting. Otherwise it'd be preety good. But they hired the wrong actors. I like the sketches for So Random. But they're SO overly dramatic. It's like they have to make people twice as much as they should be for mindless viewers to understand. I know Chad is supossed to be stuck up, but they took it too far. It's okay

ShiChan444
teen, 15 years old
 
Great, fleshed out characters.
I honestly think that this is a very good show that needs a bit more credit. For starters, I believe that they're all really good actors. Although they may seem stereotypical, unlike the stereotypes, they actually learn the lesson taught at the end of the day. Often times, I can't help but notice people nitpicking at the characters. The whole point of the story, I believe, is to point out that pop star life within there privacy isn't all that different from our own. They're still teenagers(except for Zora), do teenage things(except for Zora), and have teenage tendencies(except for... you get the picture). Tawny is still the self-centered girl, Nico and Grady are the typical, but funny, boys, Chad is still the slightly stuck up teen heartthrob, Zora is still the quirky smart kid, and Sonny is still the kind, natural leader that leads everybody else in the right direction (intentionally or not). Is it just me, or am I the only one who has noticed that these teenagers, albeit stars, are practically reflecting our own lives? If that's the case, we really are hypocrites *laughs*. In a nutshell, this show is great, well fleshed out characters, great acting, good childish humor (even if not as amusing to older teenagers. That's to be expected), and an all around good message for all, including teens that don't look between the lines often. :P -444

PrincessPixie101
teen, 13 years old
 
OMG, Give it up, disney!
Well....wow. That's all I can say. Disney was sweet back when they made actual movies (Alice in wonderland, dumbo, pinnocio, etc.) but now they're just making really sad attemps at shows for tweens. This show had potential, and I wanted to watch it because I had a little bit of an idea about the plot, but the show turned out to be really annoying. First off, Demi Lovato sure can sing, but really, why does Disney have to turn all the actors into singers and vice versa? She can't act!! Next, the two teen boys that get all the "comic relief" lines were really unoriginal and the jokes just fell flat. Then they have the "mean dumb chick". I was kinda insulted by this character, because she is a dumb blonde, and being blonde myself, I get annoyed at these jokes.P.S. I don't think she was acting :) And then, of course, they just had to put in weirdo character, an 8 or 9-ish year old girl who talks in a weird voice, scares everybody, steals things, and is just all around annoying. Anyone over 9 will not enjoy this, trust me.

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