The Healing Powers of Dude

I have a huge crush on Larisa Oleynik since back in her "Alex Mack" days. So, I decided to check out this show.

I liked it. I thought it was a cute sitcom for kids with very relatable situations. I realize the controversy it created with confusing the difference between service animals and emotional support animals. It is valid but I think people need to lighten up a little and realize this is FICTION. It is not supposed to be realistic and accurate. It is a far more plausible premise than, say, a kid being doused with a mysterious chemical that gave him super powers. (Not that I am knocking ALEX MACK; that's a classic)

I did like how the three of the kids are misfits who nevertheless form their own little friendship. It is cool seeing an actual handicapped actress playing a character that doesn't try to illicit sympathy for her disability.

The kids definitely make the show. The adults on the other hand act kind of goofy on the show. Karen and Marvin feel like clones of the parents from Modern Family. Marvin is sweet but He comes off as an overgrown man child. The character of Karen is ok but kind of grating. You feel She's trying too hard to be Superwoman. It should be noted in real life Larisa Oleynik doesn't have children and it shows.

The dog is cute. The fact that the dogs talk and are slightly anthropomorphized is quirky and kind of out of place in a fairly grounded sitcom. In the pilot the dog is revealed to have been a slacker at his training and thus needs to prove his "worth" as an emotional support dog. There are scenes where He's talking to his friends. Kind of like in HOMEWARD BOUND or WISHBONE.

The fantasy sequences that illustrate Noah's fears are pretty cool. I loved how in the second episode they had Noah morph into a puddle using special effects that looked a lot better in 2020 than 1994. It was a nice tribute to ALEX MACK.

If one can get past the "controversies" surrounding accurate representation of social anxiety as well as service dogs you would like the show

The show only aired 8 episodes and it's been 3 years which means it is probably been cancelled by the notoriously fickle Netflix.

This is a wonderful family show! It tackles great subjects like social challenges, bullying, standing up for yourself, perseverance, kindness, friendship and learning that differences are just differences and we are all valuable people.

The parents, of course, are made out to be a little obnoxious (probably the kids' views), but they are very loving and supportive. All of the characters have fun personalities and the kids are all great actors and very talented. The friend, Simon and the little sister are very funny!

Just a side note: Emotional Support Animals do not have legal public access rights like Service Dogs do. However, I am sure some schools make an acception. 😁

I see some bad reviews and i think it's very important to remember that this show was made for kids. The way Noah's social anxiety is portrayed is exaggerated so that kids can empathize more with it. I personal have social anxiety and i was watching along with my little sister. I immediately thought "wow if this show was around 10 years ago my life would've been so much easier". It's so nice to see representation and mental health issues explained to kids in a subtle and enjoyable way.

Cute show but I don't like that Dude is an emotional support dog because ony service dogs have public access not ESA's.

This is an amazing tv show for families, and the fact that the tv show is about a kid that has Social anxiety disorder and a dog helping him with his disability is amazing!