Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cross-gender superhero makes light of sensitive issue.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
SheZow
What's the Story?
When Guy Hamdon (voiced by Sam Vincent) discovers a power ring in his aunt's house and slips it on his finger, he's instantly transformed into a superhero. His new powers have Guy jumping for joy ... until he realizes that he's actually a female superhero called SheZow and now has to get used to life in high heels and a skirt. Lucky for him, he can lean on his sister, Kelly (Diana Kaarina), who's up to speed on all things SheZow; his ever-loyal best friend, Maz (Matt Hill); and She-la, the omniscient computer in their new superhero lair. Can this "guy Guy" muster enough girl power to pass as the town's new hero and tackle the villains who challenge him?
Is It Any Good?
What some might call groundbreaking character development in an animated kids' series, others could find laced in ulterior motives -- so it's not surprising that SHEZOW has garnered some criticsm to its take on gender bending. The real question isn't why Guy's alter ego is a girl (though that is a good one) but why the show's creators thought it was necessary to put that spin on his character in a show targeted at elementary school kids. Based on the sheer mundanity of the rest of the content, it's tempting to assume they knew it didn't stand a chance on its own in the saturated superhero market. A boy hero who fights comical foes in his hometown? Easily forgettable. But a cross-gender hero who's simultaneously learning to fight villains and walk in heels? Now that's going to pique some curiosity.
Ultimately SheZow's appeal (or non-appeal) depends on your personal values, so only you can decide whether the way it addresses gender roles will raise questions you want to talk about with your kids. But if this issue doesn't bother you, then know that the show has some funny moments, is short on realistic violence, and features a surprisingly strong relationship between siblings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about SheZow's message about gender roles. What does Guy learn about being a girl when he becomes SheZow? Does it change how he acts as a boy? How different is his style as SheZow than it would be if he was a male hero?
Kids: Why do you think the show's writers put this spin on Guy's personality? Does it teach us anything about the opposite gender? Does it make the show funnier than it would be if his gender was consistent? Is it guilty of stereotyping any aspects of femininity or masculinity?
How does what we see on TV influence how we think and act? Do you think that's the goal of those who create the shows we watch?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 15, 2012
- Cast : Diana Kaarina , Matt Hill , Sam Vincent
- Network : Discovery Family Channel
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Superheroes , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate