La Vie selon Annie

"Naturally Sadie" is very atypical of the current Disney Channel lineup, probably because it is made by a Canadian production company. The Canadian writers have actually managed to create a cerebral children's show, inside a package that is like a blend of 'The Saddle Club" and "Even Stevens".

It probably would be a better fit on Discovery Kids because it is a bit over the head of the standard Disney Channel viewer (at least judging by some of the comments and messages on IMDb). "Zack and Cody", "Hannah Montana", and "Raven" are basically "I Love Lucy" episodes in content (zany slap-slick with little attention to a theme) and much like "The Honeymooners" in their cartoonish production design. So you would not expect many in that audience to connect with something like "Naturally Sadie", which actually has a message as well as a realistic look.

"Naturally Sadie" is really working on three levels. There is a commentary by the title character (Charlotte Arnold-who looks like a younger and shorter Misha Barton) relating the human world to the animal world, this is sometimes a voice-over and other times Sadie looks directly into the camera and talks to viewers. There are the standard teen comedy adventures centering on family and school. Finally, there is the friendship dynamic between Sadie and her two best friends, Margaret Browning-Lesveque (Jasmine Richards) and Rain Papadakis(Michael D'Ascenzo). The writers give each episode a semi-serious theme, often about this friendship dynamic.

"Naturally Sadie" is more like a coming of age feature film than a television show. The nature emphasis is appropriately symbolic of Sadie's growth. Each episode she learns something, gains more perspective, and grows wiser.

With her red hair and freckles, Arnold is effortlessly charming and like the other younger members of the cast has become considerably more polished as the series has progressed. The newest episodes show a nuance and subtlety in her acting that was not there when the series started.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

Now, if we all realize that there are a finite number of plots a Teen show can have, it is easy to see that Naturally Sadie (NS) is one of the better shows out there right now. Early teens who "grew up" with Lizzie Macguire will only recognize the similar plots, but viewers who take the long view will see that NS has a fresh take on the teen show. The title character is interested in things other than how she looks or what boys think of her (though there is a boy involved). It took me a few episodes top "get into" NS, but now I recognize it as being the best thing out there in the Jr high category. It is much better than the gimmick-reliant "That is so Raven," and "Phil of the Future." I place it slightly ahead of "Drake and Josh," which is the second best show in this age range.

Get inside her head? Doesn't that sound like Lizzie McGuire? The most popular show to ever hit Disney Channel? I think that Disney is trying to up there ratings by making a show like Lizzie because it was so popular...nice try. I think that maybe this show would work if they had some actors and actress that actually knew how to act. Please help all who watch Disney Channel by giving us something to look forward to besides That so Raven and Phil of the Future. I think we all miss Even Stevens and Lizzie. But i know what happened to Lizzie but what happened to Even Stevens? Try again Disney and stop wasting nice air time with this piece of trash! Naturally Sadie is naturally horrible!

I think Sadie is cool and she has some good friends she can depend on when she needs help. She's done some great shows and shows her scrapbook sometimes and gives facts about animals and tips about school problems.I think Rain and Margaret are really nice to Sadie,and I think that's how true friends should act.I really don't think it's a bad show.I think it's worth watching definitely.I think it's cool that Sadie shares a room with Hal and he's nice to her.I think it's cool that Sadie is very interested in all different species of animals.It's so cool that in the show Sadie's friend's name is Rain.I know that it's definitely worth 30 minutes.Actually, I wish it would come on more than it does now.

Many people felt that the first season was unworthy of their time and patience and this was well true, NOW however they have fixed it up and made it more teen and less animal planet. Give it ANOTHER chance, PLEASE, you will NOT be sorry!! It is much easier to watch and there's a new romance. GIVE it another shot you WON'T regret it! They have all had a makeover. Sadie still loves her animals, but she has mellowed down, gotten more girly and has a new crush. Margaret has straightened her hair and Rain has gotten his braces taken off. This has made is appeal to wider audiences. I too felt like most of you during the first season but it's like the first season never happened. Give it a fresh start!