Common Sense Media Review
By Jill Murphy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tweens and parents will adore this star.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
INSTANT STAR puts 15-year-old Jude Harrison (Alexz Johnson) center stage as she embarks on a music career. After winning Canada's largest singer/songwriter competition, Jude attempts to navigate a new career, high school, and all things teen. The series follows Jude through the many transitions required in changing from an everyday teen into an admired songstress. Issues like heartbreak, friendship, and family are prevalent; in past episodes, Jude has had to deal with a jealous older sister, decide whether to stay in school or take her record label up on their offer of a private tutor, and learn to accept herself for who she is. Adding to the drama is Jude's love life, in which she is torn between Spiederman of The Spiederman Mind Explosion -- Jude's band -- to former boy-bander-turned-producer Tommy (Tim Rozon). As a result, many of Jude's songs (all of which are performed by the star) are full of self reflection, lost love, girl power, and teen angst, and lyrics range from "I'm not gonna change for anyone" to "My happiness fell off the track/I'd do anything to get it back."
Is It Any Good?
Falling somewhere between the giddiness of Hannah Montana and the dramatic angst of My So-Called Life, Instant Star speaks the language of young teen girls. In an age of pop stars and other young women who are famous for being, well, famous, parents will be glad to see their tweens looking up to a singer/songwriter who questions the world around her.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Jude's drive and ambition. Is it better to strive for fame or for excellence in your art? Does Jude make a good role model for tween girls? What could she be doing better? Who do your kids look up to? Has this series made your tween interested in pursuing music?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 1, 2005
- Cast : Alexz Johnson , Kristopher Turner , Tim Rozon
- Network : The N
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 11, 2021
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