Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Power-hungry kids sell cookies in adults-only cartoon.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ginger Snaps
What's the Story?
The GINGER SNAPS are a middle school cookie-selling troop, not unlike the Girl Scouts -- if the Girl Scouts was a mafia organization run by lunatics. Their leader, Calista, will stoop to great depths (like exploiting a classmate with cancer to boost cookie sales) to keep her troop running like a well-oiled machine. She has a crew of sycophants and lackeys working under her to ensure their success, including her consigliere, Cree, and twin henchwomen Jenny and Penny, who bust kneecaps when cookie payments are late. There are power struggles and betrayals, and with time we learn more about the history of the troop and the relationships between the characters within it.
Is It Any Good?
Watching cutesy cartoon children talk like jaded -- and often criminal -- adults is a shtick that can get old fast, so it's nice that these episodes are shorter in length (most clock in at under or around 10 minutes). The show's visuals are extremely kid-friendly, which is in direct contrast to the utterly adult content, and therein lies the joke. It's good to see a female-centric cast, even if it's animated, and more diversity in general. Though the humor can be a bit one-note, Ginger Snaps is an enjoyable enough diversion for mature teens and adults who are not easily offended.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what the show is trying to say with its off-color humor. Is there any social commentary buried beneath the surface, or is the show just being crass?
Why was the show made to look like a kid's cartoon, when the content is clearly aimed at grown-ups? What are some other shows you can think of that are doing the same thing?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 18, 2017
- Cast : Lauren Lapkus , Ashley Tisdale , Maria Bamford , Kari Wahlgren , Aparna Nancherla , Cree Summer
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 3, 2022
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate