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Parents' Guide to

Instant Star

By Jill Murphy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Tweens and parents will adore this star.

TV The N Comedy 2005
Instant Star Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

sexi_kitten24
sexi_kitten24 Adult
May 24, 2010
age 12+

GREAT

This show is one of the best show ever aired on television!! I love it and miss it a lot. I wish new episodes would appear out of nowhere but as we all know that is not going to happen :(
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

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

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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