Parents' Guide to

AwesomenessTV

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

YouTube channel recycles skits in unimaginative clip show.

TV Nickelodeon Variety Show 2013
AwesomenessTV Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 3 parent reviews

raymondjj
raymondjj Adult
July 25, 2017
age 6+

"Awesomeness" Not So "Awesome"

If your child has a "terrific sense of humor" and likes a good "laugh" then he may find the trendy Kids Show (Awesomeness, based on Youtube Channel fame) to his liking, but having watched this show myself as a concerned adult I find "Awesomeness" "not" to be so awesome but just a mere "parody" of kids life issues which is "okay" if that's what your looking for as a parent to show or teach your kids but I found that "Awesomeness" lacks the "educational" and "learning" potential that they should be getting out of today's kids shows and not just laughing their heads off (which I found myself doing more myself then learning anything; yes I'm a kid at heart but as a concerned adult I do take an interest in children's programming) . "Knowledge is power" and "learning can be fun and entertaining " when done right and with good intentions which means that "kids and families TRULY benefit" from a television show designed for kids/families. I think "Awesomeness" misses the mark even though it is entertaining and for thirty minutes (twenty two with "consumerism" tied into the show i.e. ads) I don't find it harmful for kids to watch even though the stereotypes in this show are "parodied" ). I just feel as an adult that shows are not necessarily top quality based on a "Youtube channel" are they? Or question is, should they be? An effective TV show designed for kids and families are "thought out, planned out" and planned, developed and created by "the right people" wh are interested in "quality programming" for kids and families and NOT just the bottom line which is the reality because ratings and advertising is what television is all about !
Kako
Kako Parent of 6, 10 and 13-year-old
January 26, 2015
age 2+

The Best Of Its Kind

After the release of this show, the Dizney Channel produced a shockingly similar series with the same structure. The Nickelodeon one is (of course - Nick has been the number-one cable network for kids since before the Dizney Channel was created) best and actually can get pretty funny for all ages. Avoid prank-based episodes (the Dizney Channel seems to love pranks as well) and try to view the Swag Master J segments, which actually have lessons.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

AWESOMENESSTV brings the YouTube sensation sketch comedy to the TV screen, repackaging popular clips like "Terry the Tomboy" and the "I Knew You Were Stubble" music video into a series format. Hosted by Daniella Monet, who adds quips and slapstick between segments, the show is geared toward kids and tweens and features hidden-camera pranks, pop-culture parodies, phony informercials, and comical skits.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (20 ):

AwesomenessTV joins the likes of Fred Figglehorn and Annoying Orange in defining the web-to-TV genre. But contrary to its predecessors, this clip show doesn't build on existing web popularity as much as it attempts to mask a glaring lack of originality by adding a recognizable host and a canned laugh track.

Ultimately the problem is this: Since all of the featured sketches are old news, existing fans (and any other tweens savvy enough to pick and choose what they want to see on YouTube) won't be bothered about tuning in. Instead the series introduces a younger audience to the AwesomenessTV brand name, and although its online presence isn't ever noted within the show itself, if kids are aware of it, they may want to check out the wealth of online skits tied to it. But unfortunately, many of them aren't suited for younger elementary schoolers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about AwesomenessTV's style of comedy. What insight, if any, do parodies give us about our society? What's their intention?

  • Is stereotyping an issue here? How do you feel when someone pokes fun at a person or an ideal that you hold in high regard? Does it change your impression? How might the subjects of these skits feel about them?

  • How does the Internet continue to shape how we live, work, and relate to others? In what capacities do we use it on a daily basis? Is there a downside to our unlimited access to information and communication?

TV Details

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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.

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