Connect with us
'The Baby-Sitters Club' (2020) Season One Review: Fun coming of age series for today's kids
THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB

Television

‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ (2020) Season One Review: Fun coming of age series for today’s kids

Remaining true to its light-hearted and humorous tone, the first season of Netflix’s The Baby-Sitters Club bridges the gap between readers from the 80’s and the streaming generation. 

Netflix’s latest addition to their 2020 catalog is The Baby-Sitters Club. Based on Anne M. Martin’s book series, the television show brings the stories from the 80’s into today’s world, making them relatable to a whole new generation. The Baby-Sitters Club has always been ahead of its time.

Fiercely modern, the series has always looked at issues of identity, fitting in, equality, and unconventional family dynamics. Given its progressive story lines, the beloved books series has made a seamless transition into the 21st century. Remaining true to its light-hearted and humorous tone, the first season of Netflix’s The Baby-Sitters Club bridges the gap between readers from the 80’s and the streaming generation. 

One of the biggest questions circling the series is how will the series adapt to cater to modern day audiences? The Baby-Sitters Club has always been more inclusive than its contemporary bookshelf neighbors and the new series remains true to that diversity. There is multi-cultural representation, but there is also relatability in the actual character department. From the bossy and  the brainy to the social justice seeker and the bad student, the characters represented are true to real humans and portrayed positively for their differences.

This comes across with great performances from up and coming actors like Sophie Grace and Momona Tamada, who play Kristy and Claudia, the president and vice-president of the club. Grace and Tamada have excellent chemistry as two of the most outspoken characters. Kristy Thomas and Claudia Kishi are incredibly different and have differences, but delivery and performances by Grace and Tamada add layers to their dynamic. Oftentimes, discussions are quickly portrayed as bitter rivalries for the sake of drama, but the performances and series’ writing shows how differences  do not need to destroy friendships.

baby-sitters club 4-1

THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB

This first season is not afraid to mix heavy themes in with the more lighthearted aspects of coming of age. The BSC is composed of young girls in leadership roles. Despite the differences in personalities, even the shyest of the members steps up to fulfill their responsibilities and prioritize the needs of the children. Malia Baker shines in her role as the timid Mary-Anne Spier. Mary-Anne is the most introverted of the baby-sitters who has trouble standing up for herself, but finds it no trouble advocating for a child.

Despite grappling with serious issues, the show remains fun and true to the pre-adolescent experiences. Crushes, dances, and camp, traditional plot points of growing up mark the show, but it manages to exhibit strong friendships, lessons about individuality, while never veering towards that didactic after school feeling. 

Lovers of the book series will enjoy the show, but the baby-sitters will find a new and welcoming audience with today’s generation. The Baby-Sitters Club tackles modern day issues in a sensitive and nuanced way that can be embraced by viewers. Heart felt and funny, The Baby-Sitters Club is a wonderful much needed series  that will charm audiences and maybe get them to go back and read the series!

'The Baby-Sitters Club' (2020) Season One Review: Fun coming of age series for today's kids
The Baby-Sitters Club Season One
The Baby-Sitters Club S 1 Review
Feminism and coming of age silliness drive the Baby-Sitters club making this a great show for the younger generation and the entire family.
Reader Rating0 Votes
0
Excellent discussion of modern day issues, accessible to younger audiences
Great cast
Funny and touching, features strong relationships between young girls and family
Some problems are introduced that are resolved a little too easily
9
Great

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

'Universal Monsters: Frankenstein' coming August 2024 'Universal Monsters: Frankenstein' coming August 2024

‘Universal Monsters: Frankenstein’ coming August 2024

Comic Books

James Aquilone and Zac Atkinson break down time traveling heist story 'The Omega Eleven' James Aquilone and Zac Atkinson break down time traveling heist story 'The Omega Eleven'

James Aquilone and Zac Atkinson break down time traveling heist story ‘The Omega Eleven’

Comic Books

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Connect
Newsletter Signup