Radio Free Roscoe

I first saw previews for this show a few months ago when I only watched Noggin because of Daria. The commercials sparked not just a curiosity but an actual hope that kids shows haven't gone down the toilet completely.

I must say that I think this may be one of the best kids shows ever created. Will McRobb, creator of Pete and Pete, is the brains behind this great show.

The best thing about this show is the plot. Four kids who attend Roscoe High School build a radio station to have their voices be heard, not to protest anything. They give advice to callers, talk about events at their school, and play music that isn't played on their local Top 40 station. No Nelly or 50 Cent on this station. (Thank God)

However, for the sake of the station's integrity they never say their real names on the air and never reveal their aliases to other people.

They express and defend their own opinions but don't come off as whiny, close-minded brats. When someone does something to compromise that right they love, they take action against it. The center of one episode was a protest against a rule banning headphone usage in school. (Which I relate to because CD players are banned on campus at my school)

As important as the station is to the show and the characters, it isn't an all-consuming factor. The characters go through the same crap that all teens have to go through like relationship trouble. Even though that idea has been done to death, this show tells kids that a broken heart is not the end of the world. And that is something so refreshing, I can't begin to tell you.

Radio Free Roscoe is a great blend of originality, empathy, and humor. There have only been four or five episodes so far but I've enjoyed all of them. I've laughed during each one, related to lots of the situations that the kids go through and it always ends with me being satisfied and wanting more.

I don't know if there are more episodes in the works or if the handful of episodes that air on Noggin are all there is. I honestly think that this is the best kids show that's come out since Hey Arnold! and Noggin has a real winner on their hands.

This show could be better. The characters are great- but the story lines are all the same. Basically, all of the episodes are about how either someone almost leaves the station, or how the group almost gets caught. Note the 'almosts'. One thing I do like, though, is the principal. You can tell that though he wants the show off the air, he's reluctant to take serious action to do so, and that leads to some interesting scenes. The relationship between Robbie and Kim is also interesting, as she really likes him, yet is afraid of what will happen if people see their interest in each other. But besides that, the show really isn't that interesting. The-N tried to spice up the show with the Lily-Ray-Travis love triangle, but that's hardly original. I hope that the new characters in the 3rd season will help the show out.

Radio Free Roscoe is great. As one of the few 16-year-old girls who is not amused by the media and society we live in, it's refreshing and encouraging to see a show that supports good morals & values. I'm hoping this show will go on for quite awhile.

And for all of those who don't know: It was Robbie's idea to start their own radio station. He met Travis when they both auditioned for a spot on Cougar Radio, and didn't get it. After finding out that Travis was able to do all the intricate details it takes to get on the radio, Robbie suckered Ray & Lily into joining them since they hung out in that comfy basement-type-place already. They were awful at first but got increasingly better, etc. Hope that helps someone. Great show!

I think Radio Free Roscoe is by far one of the most well-written and produced dramatic or otherwise Canadian television programs in years. You cannot help but fall in love with the show or its characters. Funny, charming, and rebellious, RFR is undoubtedly easy viewing.

The show has everything, and although the second season may have focused a bit too much on romance and less on what made the show so unbelievably popular among a demographic of fans in its first season, I still have yet to view a 'bad' episode.

RFR gives a universal message about individuality and following one's heart, despite adversity, and I would recommend it to people of all ages.

A couple months ago, my friend casually said "You know that Radio Free Roscoe show? It's actually not bad, I kind of like it." The commercials for it hadn't really done much for me, but I generally agree with her taste in such things so I checked it out. Yeah...I'm kind of hooked now. I seriously love Ray. He's a really great character, and the chemistry between him and Lily is great. Many people have criticized the believability of this show. Alright, obviously four teenagers wouldn't be able to hold an illegal radio station for very long without getting caught, but who wants to watch actual reality on television?? Honestly? Go watch the news if it's such a problem. It's a fun idea for a show, and I think RFR offers great and original characters and I really hope it stays on the air for a long time.