Okay, I admit it- I love iCarly. Yes, my tweens love it, too- but the truth is I could watch it without them. It’s a truly entertaining show, with funny and engaging characters. If you’re looking for something that’s primarily teen/ tween- centered but still enjoyable for you, this would be a good choice.

The show centers around the life of a girl named Carly Shay, who has her own web show called iCarly. She is joined on the show by her B.F.F. Sam Puckett (who loves friend chicken) and her friend Freddie, a boy she’s known since she was very young who has always had a huge crush on her, although unrequited. Together, the three put on a variety- type show, full of nonsense and random humorous skits.

Along with the show, we get to see the day- to- day happenings in Carly’s life- her interactions with her brother and guardian, Spencer, her journey through adolescence, and her life at school. The show does a really good job portraying situations in which teens/ tweens could find themselves, and how to manage those situations (with humor). Many times, there is a crossover between things happening in her life and the show, which often leads to some great guest stars on the iCarly web show.

Carly, played by Miranda Cosgrove, is a sweet, honest, academically talented girl who really tries to do the right thing in every circumstance. She hates all forms of lying and cheating, and believes in hard work to earn good grades and being a friend in order to retain them. This is in stark contrast to her best friend Samantha (Sam- played by Jennette McCurdy) who, although pretty and friendly, is manipulating, aggressive, and feared as a bully by all the other students. They really are like night and day- but it’s a good contrast, as they bring out each other’s strengths and support each other’s weaknesses.

Freddie Benson is the third member and the techie of the group. He is a cooler version of the stereotypical A.V. geek, and he’s the one who literally keeps iCarly up and running. Although he has had a crush on Carly since they were little, it doesn’t interfere with their working relationship or their friendship.

Spencer (played by Jerry Trainor) is Carly’s older brother and guardian. It is unclear where their mother is, but their father is mentioned from time to time as being a naval officer on a sub, so he is constantly away- hence, the reason that Carly is being reared by her brother. Spencer is a sculptor who creates original, sometimes weird art sculptures, and usually doesn’t act his age. He frequently cavorts with the above-named three on their misadventures.

The other characters interact with the above four and lend a great deal of humor and grounding to the show. Overall, the cast is strong and while some of the situations are predictable, it’s presented in a way that makes it fun to watch nonetheless.

If you’re looking for something amusing to watch with your tweens, iCarly is a good choice!