Parents' Guide to

Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide

By Joly Herman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Tween sitcom offers guided tour to surviving middle school.

TV Nickelodeon Comedy 2004
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 7+

Based on 10 parent reviews

myopinionisbest
myopinionisbest Adult
May 23, 2017
age 7+

Loved it as a kid...still love it as an adult!

While the tips Ned gives are often vague and aren't always applicable, the warm, fun tone of the show keeps it interesting. Ned's Declassified has fantastic comedic timing, and its breakneck pace ensures that its never boring. Yes the overall tone of the show is very wacky and silly, and its not exactly a realistic depiction of middle school, but its clever script and likable cast of characters makes it endlessly watchable. All the characters are very well developed (especially for a kids show). There's nothing I hate more in kids shows and movies than one-dimensional bullies, but thankfully the bullies in Ned's Declassified are fairly developed characters, even if they aren't realistic. There is a lot of comic violence and bullying, but its all played for laughs. The only sex/nudity is asking people out, talking about going on dates, and occasional kissing. Overall, this is a really fun show that all ages can enjoy. The characters are all good role models who, although flawed and make mistakes, try to make the best out of their middle school experience using a wide variety of methods from the realistic to absurd.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
clarence
clarence Adult
August 5, 2015
age 7+
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Ned Bigby (Devon Werkheiser) is just a regular guy trying to survive junior high in NED'S DECLASSIFIED SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE. Confronted by challenges at every corner -- from a crazed science teacher to the bullies who threaten him -- Ned is always using his resources to get by. These resources include a great imagination, an upbeat attitude and a pair of friends -- Cookie (Dan Curtis Lee) and Moze (Lindsey Shaw) -- who back him no matter what. By giving "helpful" tips to his viewers, Nick attempts to help his audience cope with their own middle-school angst. Though some of the tips are diluted common sense, others might benefit kids who have to face some of Ned's situations.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10 ):
Kids say (60 ):

While tips like "express yourself and have fun" might not carry much punch in the real world, Ned's heart is in the right place. He's generally kind, positive, energetic, and supportive of his classmates. Some kids might find comfort in this show, since it conveys the idea that not everyone has to be perfect to be happy.

Plus, Ned brings an upbeat attitude to even the trickiest dilemmas. When the school principal insists on boring the student body with a talent show that sticks only to the classics, for example, Ned and his crew set up a "Talentpalooza" show in which everyone can participate. Situations like that cast Ned as a virtual seventh grade Ferris Bueller, whose only goal is to get through middle school unscathed -- and to help his viewers do the same.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the challenges that Ned faces and how he handles the bullies in his school.

  • Parents, ask kids what issues
    they're dealing with in middle school. Do they want to talk about
    bullies, tough teachers, favoritism, or cliques?

TV Details

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