Parents' Guide to

Haters Back Off

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

YouTube personality's misfit shtick grates in sitcom format.

TV Netflix Comedy 2016
Haters Back Off Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 62 parent reviews

Fiamancinidurrett
Fiamancinidurrett Parent of 11-year-old
January 30, 2022
age 11+

mean but sorta funny

this girl is just messed up. she is people are mean to her, and she is very cauios. not for me.

This title has:

Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
1 person found this helpful.
Karmali
Karmali Adult
November 5, 2021
age 13+

O M G

no no no no no
1 person found this helpful.
See all 62 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In HATERS BACK OFF!, Miranda (Colleen Ballinger) is a socially awkward teen with aspirations of fame that prompt her to post an online video showing off her singing abilities. But when she's met with negative comments, Miranda refuses to accept the opinions of her "haters." With her promoter/manager Uncle Jim (Steve Little) behind her every step of the way and her diminutive mom, Bethany (Angela Kinsey), and adoring neighbor Patrick (Erik Stocklin) only focused on Miranda's happiness, she keeps her dreams of fame alive in a storm of other people's negativity, including that of her sister, Emily (Francesca Reale).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (62):
Kids say (103):

Ballinger's transition from YouTube clips to a full-length series is painful at best. The nasal Miranda's delusions of grandeur might be funny in short bursts, but to watch her in 30-minute stretches as in Haters Back Off! almost requires breaks throughout. Not only is she hopelessly untalented -- and equally unaware of that fact -- she's also self-involved, ill-mannered, and oh, so whiny. Worse yet is how her family responds, with placidity and deference that just encourages her appalling behavior.

Of course, that is the show's shtick, and interestingly, Miranda's complete disregard for social mores also winds up being her best quality. In fleeting moments, Miranda represents a rare find, a teen girl who doesn't quite fit what society suggests is desirable but who doesn't much care. She's comfortable in her own skin, applies her lipstick with comical abandon, and thinks she's the next Adele, despite all evidence to the contrary. It's too bad she's such a cringeworthy role model, because she might have been a decent one.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the pros and cons of the internet. How does having access to so much information help us learn beyond books? On the other hand, are there dangers associated with this kind of connectivity?

  • Is Miranda someone you would want to hang out with? Do you admire her self-confidence? What accounts for it, given how those outside her inner circle view her?

  • Do your teens watch viral videos or follow web personalities? How does the internet allow us to present ourselves differently from reality?

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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