Ned, scuola di sopravvivenza

I admit it, other than a few shows on Sci-Fi and HGTV, I don't watch much television, unless one of the kids of the house is. So quite often, we wind up watching cartoons or kid's programs. Which was what got me watching "Ned's Declassified" to begin with.

It was the clever writing, delightful acting and absolutely silly absurdist comedy that drew me back over and over again. Sure, like many other TV shows aimed at a pre-teen/teen audience, "Ned's" is about a group of kids trying to get through school, deal with adults that "just don't understand" and peers that are "out to get them", but it accomplishes this with an original style all its own. And along the way, the kids learn valuable lessons about creative thinking, problem resolution, compassion and empathy.

Two thumbs up from this Mom!

I have only seen about one and a half half-hour segments of this Nick show; but based on what I've seen, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide is good if you're in the vicinity of a TV and have nothing else to do. My brother loves this show, and records it on our DVR. There are a few good reasons why.

For starters, instead of one entire episode per show, there are two twelve-minute segments, each covering a single topic. This helps immensely in the pace of action by not having strung-out, boring scenes that go on and on. It also means there are no commercials guaranteed for an entire episode (unless you need to use the bathroom desperately). If there are any other good characteristics from cartoons like SpongeBob or Fairly Odd Parents that share this characteristic, they apply to this show as well.

Second, the show is not preachy. It does NOT make the entertainment value second-nature to the morals. The tips Ned does give naturally flow with the on-screen action and are not shoved down your ears. Compounded with the fact that it doesn't seem take itself very seriously, watching Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide felt a bit like watching Looney Tunes or Tom and Jerry - good if you like Nickelodeon's sense of humor.

Third, the three main characters are very likable if you are in to these kinds of shows. Personally, I believe Ned is one of the better main protagonists to come around lately.

Taken, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide is the most light-hearted school drama/comedy to come around in a while - not only in the humor or range discussed topics, but also in its playful presentation. Perhaps it's in many ways the perfect guilty pleasure show? Whether or not you'll like this show depends on taste; but, in short, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide succeeds in excellently manifesting itself into what it's supposed to be: a school comedy.

I had just about given up on my beloved childhood station of so many years when one day I ran across this show. My sister was watching it in our living room and I became curious and joined her. I immediately found myself laughing and caring for the characters.

The show centers around Ned, a junior high student who's considered somewhat of an expert on school survival. Every episode deals with the ways he and his friends, Cookie and Mose, must cope with evil science teachers, student rivalries, bullies, and anything else that may crop up.

The acting is phenomenal, the script is brilliant, and the tips and characters are true to life. Nearly every school has at least one of these people wandering the halls. This is also one of the only shows to center solely on school life. Ned's home life is strictly off limits, as is everyone else's, which makes for a focused show with no annoying subplots.

A solid 9.5/10 for me.

I've seen two episodes of this show now and I am totally into it. It has all the elements to make up a really great series and I can tell the rest of the episodes will just keep getting better. The characters are funny and original, the actors are hilarious, the special effects are sweet, the music is rockin, and the pacing of the show (two 15 minute episodes in a row) is a great way to ensure there won't be a dull moment. Even though the show is marketed for junior high school, younger kids will enjoy the silliness and older people will get the more clever tongue and cheek humor. I can see this show will be a big success.

Thanks Nickelodeon!

Unlike the other pre-teen shows on Nickelodeon, this one is quite original and humorous. Instead of having a show about 3 friends who are trying to become popular, escape from their "uncool" parents, or get a boyfriend, the characters on this show try to create a guide to help you survive school. As corny as it sounds, it's very funny once you watch it.

It's not just the plot thats funny, but the characters are a big part of the comedy. Cookie is half-cyborg and often uses his technology to get in some sort of trouble while Ned comes up with strange ways to escape a bully, study for a test, or avoid failing. And then there's Moze, who thinks of ideas to get new girl friends, "scares" her friends, makes interesting school projects, and tries to "defeat" her rival Susie Crabgrass.

I suggest watching this show if you want something original and amusing. You will not be wishing for your 30 minutes back after watching it.