Victorious

TV review by Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media
Victorious Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Upbeat iCarly-like tween comedy promotes confidence.

Nickelodeon Comedy 2010
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Parents say

age 11+

Based on 99 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 475 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Victorious is a sitcom aimed at younger teens. Victoria Justice (of Zoey 101) stars as Tori Vega. Tori is a decent role model, displaying courage and perseverance by following her dreams and showing self-confidence by sticking to her personal values. This contrasts with some of her classmates' quirks and stereotypical labels (the "mean girl," the "geek," etc.). The cast is racially diverse, and women play important roles, but stereotypes and sexist jokes are common. But the remaining content is mostly kid-friendly -- except for some long kisses between teen couples. Every episode also actively promotes the show's now-defunct partner website TheSlap.com -- a social network that allowed viewers to follow blogs from the characters, play games, and post comments.

Community Reviews

hottpirate
hottpirate Adult
February 28, 2021
age 18+

Normalizes criminal behavior

The amount of manipulation, criminal offenses, situations that should have ended in lawsuits, and hyper-sexualization of teens are shocking. Everything gets a pass in the show, it seems. The main character even sang intimate and flirtatious songs to adults more than once. In one example, she wears a mini-mini-mini dress and rolls around on a piano like madonna, singing about romance, and grabs a grown man's tie, looking at him with flirting eyes. Disgusting. Also, the show is full of assault and battery. In no situation is there a real threat of liability for inappropriate or downright criminal behavior. The underlying message that bad things aren't so bad is consistent.
5 people found this helpful.
Moms with melanin
Moms with melanin Adult
May 2, 2020
age 7+

Apropriate

This is very apropriate for kids t and up but I put it ages 7+ because i believe that 5 year olds may not care for this show/ understand it. I laughed a little reading these reviews. I've watched each episode at least twice bc my kids and neices/ nephews love it so much and I can assure you that the edgy content of the show is either things your 7+ year old does know or should know. THEY ARE KIDS!!!! They aren't going to overthink this show! Seeing high school couples kiss isn't going to turn them into sluts. I'm a pediatrician and i know from studies and experience that if you keep your kids in a box for long enough they will learn the hard way and wont trust you. Let your kids watch a funny show. If you still dont know wether or not to let your kids watch it, watch it from a kids point of veiw. I dont know what else there is to say.

This title has:

Great messages
4 people found this helpful.
See all 99 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In VICTORIOUS, Tori Vega (Victoria Justice) is used to living in the shadow of her older sister, Trina (Daniella Monet), a self-proclaimed star-in-training at a prestigious performing arts school. When an unexpected medical malady sends Tori onstage in her sister's place, she dazzles the crowd and earns a spot at Hollywood Arts High School. Being the new kid in school is never easy, but it's even more of a task fitting in with this eclectic group of artsy students and teachers. Lucky for Tori, she's got supportive new friends in Andre (Leon Thomas) and Cat (Ariana Grande), and even a "frenemy" in Jade (Elizabeth Gillies).

Is It Any Good?

This series marks Justice's rise from a successful supporting role in Zoey 101 to center stage; and, like her TV counterpart, she's worthy of the promotion. Tweens and younger teens will find much to like in Victorious -- original music, dance, plenty of mild teen drama -- and the fact that Tori always emerges with unwavering self-assurance sends positive vibes to impressionable viewers.

This upbeat comedy's glaring pitfall is its reliance on stereotypes: Each character stands for one type (the "mean girl," the "geek"), and gender- and race-based jokes are common. The show also over-promotes its (now defunct) partner social networking website, TheSlap.com. At the very least, though, that gives parents a good reason to talk with their kids about using social media in a safe, healthy way.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about communicating through technology like they do in Victorious. How does social networking help you connect with friends? Are there any drawbacks to this? What are some basic things teens should know about social media?

  • How do Tori and her friends demonstrate courage and perseverance when pursuing their goals? Why are those important character strengths?

  • How do you face new challenges? Who are the people you lean on when you need support?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

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  • Zoey 101 Poster Image

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    Tweens will love this fluffy California dream.

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