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Parents' Guide to

Daria

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Biting social commentary has mature themes.

TV TeenNick Comedy 1997
Daria Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 12+

Based on 11 parent reviews

MovieCritic699
MovieCritic699 Adult
October 5, 2019
age 13+

As Awesome, & Cool as MTV's DARIA was throughout our lives, Still, Parents, Boys & Girls, Be On Your Guard!

Dramatic Comedy is a genre in which comedy and drama are mixed in roughly equal amounts. The creation of a story in the dramatic comedy venue can be achieved through the mixing and matching of the various sub-genres present in the respective parts of the overall genre, such as action comedies or parodies that operate more as an homage to the original work than a mockery of it. While some dramatic comedies blend each part together seamlessly, others will switch back and forth between the two throughout the story, often starting off comedic, then becoming serious toward the end. Online Reference: https://dariawiki.org/wiki/Dramatic_Comedy Note: Satire, Definition: A literary work, or work of art in which human vice or folly is ridiculed or attacked scornfully, the branch of literature that composes such work. Irony, derision or caustic wit used to attack or expose, even unmask that same human folly, vice or even stupidity. Online Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satire
Daria Morgendorfer
Daria Morgendorfer Adult
August 4, 2019
age 11+

CSM is confused yet again

Daria is an amazing TV show. For sex, it has a few scenes of people making out, but no simulated stuff. There is innuendo but it's not nearly as crude or lewd as the Simpsons or family guy. For violence, there is absolutely nothing you need to worry about. The only thing even remotely violent in this show is people talking about shootings. Once again there is nothing simulated. As for swearing, it's pretty normal for kids to hear cursing, this show contains the words: hell crap and d*mn. But apart from that, this show is amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone eleven or older
See all 11 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Television viewers were originally introduced to Daria Morgendorffer (voiced by Tracy Grandstaff) when she appeared as an occasional character on MTV's animated series Beavis and Butt-Head. In 1997 the animated sitcom DARIA -- created by Glenn Eichler -- debuted, showcasing Daria's intelligent-but-antisocial personality as she offers her dark point of view about the trials and tribulations of life in the suburb of Lawndale. Living with her loving-but-dysfunctional parents Jake (Julian Rebolledo) and Helen (Wendy Hoopes), and fashion-conscious younger sister Quinn (Hoopes), Daria spends her days trying to alienate herself from mainstream society. She shares most of her observations with best friend Jane Lane (Hoopes), who usually sympathizes with Daria, despite her own more-positive outlook on life. Together Daria and Jane attend Lawndale High, where they must co-exist with the likes of "dumb jock" star quarterback Kevin Thompson (Marc Thompson), brainless blonde cheerleader Brittany Taylor (Janie Mertz), and Charles "Upchuck" Ruttheimer III (Thompson), whose mission in life is to have sex with any girl who falls for his cheesy and inappropriate propositions.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (11 ):
Kids say (22 ):

Daria provides some biting social commentary on many aspects of teen culture -- and on American suburban life in general. This is accomplished by exaggerating and often stereotyping recurring characters' personalities to the point of ridiculousness. Most of the teachers and staff at Lawndale have personality disorders so severe that they (hopefully) couldn't work in a real-life high school. And most of the show's teenagers represent what's most problematic in teen society -- including image consciousness, lack of academic interest, and consumerism. It's all meant to be funny, of course, but .....

And unfortunately, while Daria is particularly critical of her generation's willingness to conform to these mediocre standards, she's never motivated enough to do anything to change it. Instead she spends her time thinking cynically about the world she lives in -- which doesn't exactly make her the best role model for teen viewers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what things in their community bother them and the pros and cons of choosing to work to change those things. They can also talk about their adult role models at home and at school. Which teachers mean the most to them and why? Which of their characteristics do teens most admire? The show's use of negative stereotypes and inappropriate behavior are also topics that families may want to discuss.

TV Details

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.

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