Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Look at go-getter's tween years tackles some mature topics.
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Diary of a Future President
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Based on 67 kid reviews
Kids say that this show offers a relatable and heartwarming depiction of middle and high school life, addressing important topics like puberty, periods, and LGBTQ+ representation. While many praise its diversity and positive messaging, some viewers find certain aspects, particularly discussions around sexual themes and bodily changes, uncomfortable for younger audiences, suggesting it's better suited for older children or tweens.
- diversity representation
- relatable characters
- discusses puberty
- uncomfortable topics
- middle school focus
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In DIARY OF A FUTURE PRESIDENT, Elena Cañero-Reed (Gina Rodriguez) revisits the musings in her middle school diary, reflecting on how the challenges she overcame at that point in her life helped prepare her for a political career that brought her to the White House. As she reads and remembers, the setting changes, and we meet 12-year-old Elena (Tess Romero), her widowed mother, Gabi (Selenis Leyva), and her older brother, Bobby (Charlie Bushnell). Having just started middle school, Elena finds it filled with uncertainty, disloyal friends, academic pressures ... and then there's a curveball she's not expecting at home! As Elena's life takes one turn after another, she details the ups and downs in the diary that years later helps tell her story.
Is It Any Good?
Romero's charisma helps elevate this show, which otherwise runs the risk of being overlooked because of its overall mellow vibe. There's no shtick, no gags, no hyperbolic silliness for laughs; instead it's a straightforward and relatable look at the unpredictable late tween years, happily guided by a smart, industrious, well-rounded kid. Because the story gives away the ending at its start with Elena's ascent to the presidency, it's easy to settle in and watch things transpire without wondering where events will take her someday.
From puberty matters to social drama to winging it on an assignment after mixing up the due date (yikes!), Elena's day-to-day issues hit close to home and mostly keep to appropriate topics, but the extent of some discussions, especially surrounding periods, may not be for all families. But talk about crushes, periods, and other timely concerns don't overwhelm Diary of a Future President's content -- there's still plenty of room for strong messages about family relationships, adjusting to change, and working hard toward your goals.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Elena's strong self-awareness in Diary of a Future President. What do you think accounts for it? How does it help her weather the storms that come at home and at school? Can you relate to Elena's self-confidence? In what kinds of real-life situations would this strength be most valuable?
What influence does Elena's Cuban heritage have on her determination to succeed and achieve? How do her mom's stories of coming to America help inspire Elena? What family traditions do you have that reflect your own cultural background? Why is the United States called a "melting pot"?
A recurring theme in this story is adapting to change. Why are resilience and perseverence such vital characteristics in success? When have you learned valuable lessons from change that was difficult or unwelcome?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 17, 2020
- Cast : Tess Romero , Selenis Leyva , Gina Rodriguez
- Network : Disney+
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Adventures , School ( Middle School )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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
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