Are you looking for a family friendly TV series to watch? If so, I recommend The Baby-Sitters Club which will be available to stream on Netflix beginning July 3, 2020. Based on a popular series of novels (by the same name), the TV series follows a group of middle schoolers as they navigate life and their relationships with others. With a PG rating, here’s what you can expect.
The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix: A Parent’s Review
The Baby-Sitters Club is a babysitting club founded by middle schoolers Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey. The first series mostly focuses on their friendships with one another, their family dynamics, and their babysitting gigs. As I mentioned above, The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix is based on a popular series of novels written by Ann M. Martin and initially published in 1986. Movie and TV adaptations based on books can sometimes disappoint its fan base. The movie adaptation of Artemis Fowl is one such example. However, The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix doesn’t disappoint.
Lack of Language, Violence and Sexually Suggestive Scenes
I did not notice profanity in any of the episodes. Instead, I heard words like “stupid” and one of the characters uses the term “loser.” Likewise, there’s not any violence or sexually suggestive scenes at all. There are a few kissing scenes, but nothing inappropriate for middle schoolers.
Mature Content
The series tackles serious subjects (such as abandonment, divorce, death, racism, and gender identity) with sensitivity. While some of the topics are more prevalent than others (like Kristy trying to come to terms with her mom’s impending remarriage), the characters do not shy away from serious subjects but confront them head on, becoming confident in themselves and speaking up for others in the process.
Overall Thoughts
I enjoyed watching the characters develop throughout the series. And while the series is primarily about middle schoolers, the adults hold their own. For example, Alicia Silverstone did a great job as Kristy’s mom, Elizabeth Thomas (although I still can’t believe the actress who played Cher Horowitz on Clueless is now playing the parent). I appreciated the pop cultures that are referenced throughout the series, like a little zing at the Broadway musical Cats. I also chuckled at the beginning when the girls talk about using an “old school phone.” Because yes, I’m old enough to remember using those phones. So while Netflix introduces The Baby-Sitter’s Club to a new generation, I think parents will also enjoy watching the series with their children.
If you’re looking for a family friendly movie to watch on Netflix, click here for my review for Feel the Beat.
About The Baby-Sitters Club
Netflix’s new series THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB is based on the best-selling book series, that follows the friendship and adventures of Kristy Thomas (Sophie Grace), Mary-Anne Spier (Malia Baker), Claudia Kishi (Momona Tamada), Stacey McGill (Shay Rudolph), and Dawn Schafer (Xochitl Gomez) as the middle-schoolers start their babysitting business in the town of Stoneybrook, Connecticut. Rounding out the cast, Alicia Silverstone plays Elizabeth Thomas-Brewer, the selfless single-mother of Kristy Thomas and love interest of all around good guy Watson Brewer, played by Mark Feuerstein. Ann M. Martin, the beloved series author and producer on the new series, was the first to conceive the idea of these inspiring young girls with different backgrounds, personalities and opinions that were brought together by a business venture they conceived and bonded through the friendships they forged. The adaptation of the contemporary dramedy that continues to champion friendship, female empowerment and entrepreneurship was led by Rachel Shukert (Glow) as showrunner and Lucia Aniello (Broad City) as executive producer and director.
Will watch it. Good article.