Liv et Maddie

Another IMDb User called "Dog With a Blog" "The Brady Bunch" meets Mister Ed," or something to that effect. Likewise, "Liv and Maddie" is a new version of "The Patty Duke Show." Not "Double Trouble," "Sister-Sister," or "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody," and it's spin-off series. In those twin-coms, the main characters were played by real twins. In fact, in an interview, Dove acknowledged the connection, and said she would love to see Patty Duke have a guest appearance on the show.

Some of you already know the story; Teenage actress Liv Rooney has just finished the final season of a sitcom called "Sing It Loud!," and returns home to her family in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, including her Twin sister Maddie both of which are played by Dove Cameron. While Liv is a star on the small screen, Maddie is the high school basketball star. The other family members include nerdy brother Joey Rooney (Joey Bragg), diabolical little brother Parker Rooney (Tenzing Norgay Trainor), school psychologist Karen Rooney (Kali Rocha), and high school basketball coach Pete Rooney (Benjamin King). Many of the episodes involve Liv's attempts to adjust to a normal high school life.

Liv Rooney, is the definition of girly-girl to the extreme. Combine Ann Marie with Quinn Morgendorffer, and jack the girliness of the two of them up past ten, and you've got Liv. Maddie is supposed to be the tomboy, but not much of one. Maddie's teammates include a girl named "Stains" played by ex-So Random player Bridget Shergalis, and Willow (Jessica Marie Garcia) who has a gigantic unrequited crush on Joey. The show also gives credit to Cameron's body doubles, something which as far as I know, the producers of The Patty Duke Show never did (although I could be wrong).

As Liv, Dove Cameron is an unbelievably fantastic singer; Way better than Laura Marano, and she's amazing herself. Therefore she was a terrific choice not only for the starring role, but the show within the show. But the true measure of her skills as an actress can be found in the episode "Skate-A-Rooney," where we meet Liv's brain dead skater-dude of a boyfriend who dumps her in a text message. One viewing of a crucial scene from the episode, and you will know the definition of a broken songbird.

Later episodes deal with Liv being sought out for the role of the hero of a graphic novel series about a Space Werewolf (No, I didn't make that up), who would be better off played by a 28-45 year old man than a teenage girl. Normally, casting a 16-year-old diva girl like Liv Rooney in the starring role would make John Wayne playing Genghis Khan look like casting Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi. Yet Hollywood chooses her anyhow, and she actually looks good as the hero. Meanwhile Maddie has to try to deal with her feelings towards another Jock at school best known as "Diggie," played by Cameron's real-life boyfriend Ryan McCartan. Mainly, they involve Maddie's willingness to admit to everyone else that Diggie is her boyfriend, something that comes to a head when an ex-cast member of Liv's old sitcom flirts with Diggie, even as Maddie is about to leave town to join the Junior Olympic Basketball Team.

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the season finale. From what I gather of the promos, it looks triumphant, and I mean that in the traditional sense of the word.

Liv and Maddie is surprisingly good. I was expecting an OK show that was somewhat entertaining, instead it is a show that has charm, great comedic timing and is pretty darn adorable. The lead actress who plays both the twins (Dove Cameron) is extremely talented and also has a beautiful voice. She captures the viewers attention and is definitely the star of the show.

Most of the episodes have been strong too with only the occasional weak one. Always a bonus with kids shows as they can be hit and miss. Out of all the Disney shows on air at the moment this is definitely the one I would recommend you watch. It's perfect light, funny entertainment and you can't help but smile when you watch it.

when I saw the previews for this show all I could think was "o god not another show. "But this show actually really isn't as bad as it looks since all of the shows these days stink, you just start to learn to accept new shows. This is one of those shows.Dov Cameron does a great job playing as a role of both of the twins.(though it is disappointing that liv actually isn't real. But what I really liked about this show was that it was nothing like the new shows. It was humorous but not only that is actually has a plot in the story and they do a pretty good job entertaining you. In words this show is a entertaining and humorous show with likable characters this show deserves a 8/10.

I have to say I was not expecting to fall in love with this show like I did. Dove camron did an amazing job playing both liv and Maddie, two completely different characters. The supporting characters are amazing as well. I loved this show so much I actually cried on the series finale. Great job Disney.

Dove Cameron, playing two major roles in this split-camera show, delivers an endearing feel to the Disney Channel. Liv, who is musically enhanced, shows off her witty side from being in her own television program. The only part that I find unappealing about this character is that Liv plays too much into being in "celebrity mode". Maddie, an ordinary high school athlete, brings in situations some teenagers may face and relate to. Despite their characters' differences, the twin sisters bond together to solve problems. In the end, sticking together as family is key. Some aspects from past Disney Channel shows take place here as well. The obvious would be from the "Suite Life" series which featured real twins, Cole and Dylan Sprouse. The confessionals originating from "Lizzie McGuire" are also added to restate what is going on in Liv and Maddie's minds about the problems they are facing.

As for the comedy factor, it's just bad. The jokes are stale and most of the time, the laugh tracks do not make it any better. However, this show is considered a gem compared to Jessie or A.N.T. Farm. How many people can relate to living in a rich Manhattan penthouse suite or elementary school students in a high school (then transferred away from their parents to a specialized facility)?

EDIT (9/26/13): As of recently, this series has been lukewarm, featuring the warmheartedness of family from Liv, and the crazy antics of Liv and Maddie's two brothers. I will continue to enjoy this as the season progresses.