Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Biting social commentary has mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say this TV show is a relatable, humorous, and feminist take on teenage life, often praising its ability to tackle important social issues while being entertaining. However, some viewers note that it may not be suitable for younger audiences due to mature themes and sarcasm, making it more appropriate for older teens and young adults who are navigating similar experiences.
- feminist themes
- relatable characters
- mature content
- social issues
- humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- Premiere date : March 3, 1997
- Cast : Julian Rebolledo , Tracy Grandstaff , Wendy Hoopes
- Network : TeenNick
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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