H2O: Just Add Water

H2O's cast isn't likely to earn many acting awards (there's a fair amount of hokiness in most of the performances), and the premise is so far-fetched that it's sure to have teens rolling their eyes, but this fantasy drama is a fun escape for tweens. Girls especially will relate to the characters' struggles with learning to accept their own individuality (though their fishy circumstances are a bit extreme...) and overcoming social pressures. They may also be inspired by the trio's strong bonds of friendship and the selfless way the girls use their powers to help others.

Meanwhile, parents can smile over the fact that they don't have to endure overzealous Aussie acting to monitor what their kids are seeing, since there's virtually nothing worrisome here for the tween set. In fact, there are even subtle positive messages about self-esteem and respect for differences sprinkled throughout the plot. The only sticking point lies in the girls' refusal to trust their parents with their secret -- and the adults' apparent oblivion to their kids' life-altering changes.