If you spent your childhood hanging around libraries or the book racks at K-mart like I did, then you undoubtedly came across the slim paper spines of the The Baby-Sitters Club. You could probably finish the book in a day or two and pretty much know which baby-sitter you identified with. Were you artsy like Claudia? Maybe you were a born leader? An artist? Or maybe you’re a dancer? With so many personalities as official members, it was possible to find a kindred spirit in any of the characters.
The series has its origins in the 80’s but moves forward into present time featuring a diverse cast that keeps up with the original spirit and message of the books. All girls can be leaders, all girls can take charge and navigate the pressures of middle school life while remaining true to themselves. The Baby-Sitters Club makes it’s Netflix debut in about a month and it is sure to please new audiences as well as conjure up feelings of nostalgia for fans of the original book series by Anne M. Martin.
THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB
If you watched the short-lived older series you might remember the song “Say Hello to Your Friends”! Embracing the charm and innocence of the books, the new series moves into 2020 with the same heart, but takes on current issues and situations. Not everything ages well. Some ideas are better left in the past. The Baby-Sitters Club first hit bookshelves in 1986 with Kristy’s Great Idea.
The series centered around a group of middle school aged girls who strengthened their friendship by starting a baby-sitters club. While, the characters may seem prototypical on the surface, each character was fleshed out beyond their surface appearance. Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, Stacey, served as role models for young girls. Despite their different backgrounds, the ultimate lesson was it’s okay to be an individual.
The modernized series will still embody the spirit of true friendship and female empowerment while introducing obstacles and situations that the 80’s simply wasn’t ready to handle in shows for young audiences. While some older works may be problematic in nature, The BSC demonstrates its timelessness and social consciousness. Starring Sophie Grace, Momona Tamada, Malia Baker, and Shay Rudolph, the first season will consist of ten episodes whose episode titles will be familiar to fans of the series.
The series will also feature Alicia Silverstone, Mark Feuerstein, and Marc Evan Jackson. Join The BSC, streaming on Netflix July 3rd.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login