Most kids in America are either already in, or about to get into, full-on summer vacation mode, but on Nickelodeon’s new series, 100 Things To Do Before High School, school is in session, and it’s … adorable.
From Scott Fellows, the creator of hit Nick series Big Time Rush, this new series premieres tomorrow night (Sat. June 6) at 8pm ET/PT. It follows middle schooler CJ Martin (Isabela Moner), and her lifelong best friends Crispo (Owen Joyner) and Fenwick (Jaheem King Toombs). CJ and the boys navigate the ups and downs of the last of their time before high school – which CJ is both excited and worried about – with a bucket list of must-do experiences and challenges to conquer.
The show is exactly what you’d expect out of just about any Nickelodeon series: the school’s a little brighter and cleaner than you remember from your own experiences; the teachers and parents are a little more dramatic and helpful than they’d be in real life; even the mean kids aren’t that mean. And that’s great, in my opinion. Kids live the reality of school every day. (Remember how tough middle school was? Imagine it now, with the pressure of social media added in. It’s no utopia.) This bubble-gum perfect school is refreshingly lighthearted and idealistic. Nickelodeon has figured out what kids like, and what sells, and this definitely works. (It passes the Mom Test – not only was I not annoyed by the show, which is very important as a mom – I actually liked it!)
I watched the first episode, “Run With the Bears Thing,” where CJ tries to conquer her fear of talking to a gorgeous 8th grade boy, with the assistance of Crispo & Fenwick, as well as her parents and the very helpful guidance counselor. Meanwhile, the group works to conquer some of Fenwick & Crispo’s fears, including the Running of the Bears (where the basketball team stampedes through the halls two get ready for gameday). Of course, there are cute and funny setbacks along the way, complete with a happy life lesson at the end. Here’s a look at what’s in store:
With such episodes as “Start a Garage Band Thing” (which also airs tomorrow night, at 9pm ET/PT), “Adopt a Flour Baby Thing,” “Get Your Heart Pre-Broken Thing,” and many more, the half hour series is sure to entertain your kids while teaching them a few life lessons – notably that everything is better when you work as a team, with your friends by your side.
Photo: Michael Elins/Nickelodeon. ©2014 Viacom International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
