Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartwarming family sitcom uses funny '90s flashbacks.
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Sydney to the Max
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 51 kid reviews
Kids say the show is entertaining and features relatable themes, but it has received mixed reviews regarding its appropriateness for younger audiences due to its focus on mature topics like periods and body image. While some viewers appreciate the humor and character development, others find the main character's disrespectful behavior towards her father problematic and note that the show's political undertones may not be suitable for all families.
- entertaining for ages
- relatable themes
- mature topics discussed
- characters overstep bounds
- mixed audience opinions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SYDNEY TO THE MAX, outgoing 13-year-old Sydney (Ruth Righi) is on the fast track to growing up, despite the goodhearted efforts of her protective father, Max (Ian Reed Kesler). As Sydney attempts to spread her wings and make more decisions for herself, Max does everything he can to rein her in and keep her his little girl. But as he's doing so, his mother, Judy (Caroline Rhea), is reminded of his own antics at Sydney's age, and the parallels -- illustrated by comical flashback sequences starring a young Max (Jackson Dollinger) -- are both amusing and enlightening.
Is It Any Good?
This sitcom's shtick -- '90s flashbacks complete with dated fashion and technology -- is a unique enough one to help bolster an otherwise standard series about generational crossed wires within a family. The added presence of Rhea as Sydney's hipster grandmother shakes up the traditional parent-teen dynamic in entertaining ways as well, forcing Max to alternate between being an authority figure as Sydney's dad and a submissive one as Judy's son. This illuminates the similarities between Max's early teen years and his daughter's and makes him a much more sympathetic and relatable character to kids in the audience.
Sydney's mild rebelliousness is necessary to advance the storylines, and all things considered, the stands she takes (adopting a dog against her dad's wishes, dyeing her own hair when he refuses to let her get it done professionally, etc.) are fairly safe ones. But the show takes a similarly soft stance on the consequence aspect of her actions, suggesting that this kind of behavior is part and parcel of the growing-up process and more a laughing matter than a serious one. It's a small hiccup in an otherwise benign series with positive themes about family relationships.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about communication between parents and kids. How do Sydney and her dad make sure they understand each other? Is it important to see a situation from the other person's point of view to reach a mutually beneficial understanding? How do you keep the lines of communication open in your family? In what ways does technology help that?
Kids: Can you relate to Sydney's struggle to assert herself and gain independence while still abiding by her father's rules? What new privileges have you received as you have gotten older? How have your responsibilities changed, as well?
How do Sydney's father and grandmother help guide her in different ways? What character strengths do you see in each of them? How are they united in their care for Sydney even when they have different opinions about what's best for her? Do you find that is true in your family?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 25, 2019
- Cast : Caroline Rhea , Ruth Righi , Ian Reed Kesler
- Network : Disney Channel
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Communication
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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