Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Likable series tackles gender barriers in thoughtful ways.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bella and the Bulldogs
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 29 kid reviews
Kids say this show features a mix of boy/girl drama and football themes, promoting messages about female empowerment and breaking stereotypes. While many appreciate its positive role models and humor, others criticize it for being cheesy, cringy, and overly focused on relationships, leading to a divided reception among viewers.
- positive messages
- mixed reviews
- cheesy humor
- empowerment themes
- relationship focus
- age-appropriate
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Bella Dawson (Brec Bassinger) loves being her middle school's head cheerleader because it puts her close to the action on the football field. So when Coach Russell (Dorien Wilson) offers her a try-out after seeing her throw a spiral, she's determined to show him she's up to the challenge. The football team isn't thrilled about the idea of a female teammate; least thrilled is egotistical veteran quarterback Troy (Coy Stewart), who sets out to make sure it doesn't come to pass. But Bella proves her doubters wrong when she earns a roster spot and bumps Troy from his starting position, raising eyebrows throughout the school and among opposing players. Even her best friends, Sophie (Lilimar) and Pepper (Haley Tju), aren't sure what to make of it, but they have Bella's back as she strives to make her dreams come true.
Is It Any Good?
Girls on the football field isn't exactly groundbreaking news these days, but BELLA AND THE BULLDOGS is a highly likable series that takes the gender-equality message a step further by making Bella an impressive role model. She's charismatic, caring, and conscientious, and, oh, by the way, she can throw a pigskin the length of the field. What makes her even more appealing is that she doesn't take her position for granted; when the going gets tough, she buckles down, puts on her game face, and works harder for herself and her team.
Of course, her challenges are pretty mild compared to what they might be in a real-world scenario, but kids who watch won't question why troubles resolve themselves so quickly in Bella's experience, and that's OK. What they will notice is a girl following her dreams, despite other people's doubts and the trends of the past, changing people's prejudices as she does so. She's surrounded by friends who support her and adults who encourage her, and she earns every bit of her success. As media messages go, kids could certainly do worse than what this show has to offer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes Bella a good role model. Does she demonstrate good sportsmanship? How does she show that she values the people in her life? In what ways does her success on the football field change her?
Kids: Do you ever hear people say that certain activities are meant for boys or girls only? How does that make you feel? What does Bella learn from challenging that rule in football? What do her teammates and friends learn?
This show inspires discussions about prejudice in a kid-friendly way. Talk to your kids about the dangers of judging people by how they look. Do they ever witness instances of prejudice within their peer groups? If they did, would they speak out against them?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 17, 2015
- Cast : Brec Bassinger , Coy Stewart , Lilimar , Haley Tju
- Network : Nickelodeon
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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