iThink iCarly is fantastic
Pop Culture Confessional is a weekly column where our writers can divulge and indulge in their most deeply embarrassing cultural passion — and then tell you why it actually rocks. Everyone has a few dirty little secrets. Only the truth shall set us free.
Like other culture snobs, I am very conscious about the music I listen to, the movies I pay to see and the shows I watch. A television program is more than just entertainment — it’s art. However, it is nearly impossible to always be actively thinking about media consumption. I dance to garbage on the radio and watch senseless droll on TV. I know I make mistakes.
But my undying love for iCarly is not one of them.
Yes, I am talking about the tween TV show starring Miranda Cosgrove, whom most will recognize as the snotty band manager in School of Rock.Now, she is sixteen years old and the unconventional star of a surprisingly entertaining show that examines the very nature of entertainment itself. In spite of the nasty things I’ve been called, I proudly proclaim that I stop for the show every time I see it on TV.
iCarly stars Cosgrove and Jennette McCurdy as Carly and Sam, best friends and the hosts of a popular webcast. The two of them put on a comedy show full of silly gags and bizarre antics for their friends and the rest of the world to watch. Their friend Freddie is the show’s technical producer. Freddie is just as essential to the show as the wild and crazy Carly and Sam, evident when he leaves temporarily for his teenage temptress of a girlfriend Valerie (as far as I know, she only appears in one episode, but that is probably representative of most high school relationships).
Many will be quick to group iCarly with other television programs like Disney’s Hannah Montana, dismissing the Cosgrove vehicle as empty and void of artistic value. I find it personally offensive for those two shows to be considered in the same ballpark. For so long, families have relied on the Disney brand for quality entertainment for our country’s children and young teenagers. However, their entertainment has been a legacy of dishonesty. Shows about high school are most effective when audiences can relate. I don’t look back on my high school experience and remember having a double identity, spending half of my life as a rock star like Hannah Montana. My dad was not an embarrassing one-hit wonder.
I can, however, relate to Freddie of iCarly. He is a truly average character, down to the blue striped shirt he wears in seemingly every episode. In fact, he never actually kisses a girl until episode 32, cleverly named “iKiss.” That’s honest. That’s moving. That’s brilliant.
One of the most intriguing aspects of iCarly is the acknowledgement of the power of media. Note the show’s use of computer-screen transitions between scenes and the fact that Carly’s Web show is also named iCarly. The program is a self-reflective look at youth entertainment, depicted here as democratic and participatory. Average teens are being depicted producing content of their own, made possible by new technology. Notice the nod to Apple with the Pear-shaped logo on the computers in the show and the incessant use of the “i” prefix. The show’s producers know the possibilities of technology, and they think teenagers should too.
As evidenced by their show, Carly and Sam are not geniuses, but they are having a great time. We get to join their friends in enjoying their wild web show. Their sense of humor often has an avant-garde twist, lacking conventional boundaries. Take, for instance, the “random dancing” portions of their show in which they, well, randomly dance. It is not Monty Python, but it is less forced than the last four seasons of All That, and the Webcast becomes a metaphor for the active role media can play in the lives of teenagers.
iCarly has also had the courage to be critical of corporate intervention as seen in the episode “iCarly Saves TV.” A producer takes over the show, and it falls apart. The television show iCarly might be on the children’s cable network Nickelodeon, yet it subverts the nature of its programming to implicitly encourage kids to maybe make a show of their own. After all, if Freddie has the technical prowess to put on a show, why can’t other sixteen-year-olds (or twenty-year-olds) be tech-savvy?
It really comes down to the fact that this show is just extremely entertaining with its lovingly bizarre characters. The boxer-wearing Sam is a tomboy for the ages, with her rough personality being a hysterical foil for Carly’s endearing lack of a real personality. She is more abrasive than the other female teens that fill the screens, and it is refreshing to hear the smack she delivers on the show.
I have found myself watching this show with others, including my older brother, and it is admittedly embarrassing when Carly and Sam have teen girl moments. After all, most would say that I am not the show’s target audience and have no business watching the show. However, while the producers were targeting American youth, they also proved they had their finger on the pulse of contemporary American society. The next time you are surfing channels, and you stumble upon, stop for a few minutes. You might be surprised by the show’s depth and ability to put average teenagers in absurd situations. Don’t simply enjoy the show (which you will), but think about what it is saying about our society. Maybe you too will find yourself following Miranda Cosgrove on Twitter.
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If you can appreciate iCarly, you're probably the type who lives for Harry Potter. Or you can return home.
you have all reason.. i think iCarly is the best show because is very fun and certainly thanks to this show and the stars everyone (the teens and old people)wants to meet and learn about tecnology and new things to do in free time always seeing the fun side and not limited yourself at the moment to do and meet new things already be about tecnology, jokes, fun or each thing.
“dismissing the Cosgrove vehicle as empty and void of artistic value. I find it personally offensive for those two shows to be considered in the same ballpark” i’m so agree with you.. certainly that is true!
Kari
September 28, 2009 at 12:40 pm
i am 22 years old &unapologetically (&religiously) watch iCarly! i’ll admit i started watching because of the drop dead hilariously handsome jerry trainor (cary’s brother, spencer), but it is no longer a guilty pleasure. it is definitely one of the best & funniest shows around. xoxo
@xojanine
September 28, 2009 at 1:02 pm
This is a nice article. I’m a 23 yr old who just graduated from college and I think it’s brilliant. Sam and Freddie are most def my favorite characters. The stuff you said about the episode iKiss is really true. You can see how much those two characters should end up together.
Nicholas
September 28, 2009 at 1:06 pm
I totally agree with you. I’m 21 years old and started watching this to de-stress from school and quickly got hooked. The actors who play Sam, Freddie and Spencer totally make up for Miranda Cosgrove’s often annoying portrayal of Carly. Sam and Freddie should end up together (almost anyone who saw the “Date Night” episode would agree).
Love it
September 28, 2009 at 1:19 pm
i agree with you 100%. it’s one of the best shows around now ad i love it!
i’ll admit i did bash it becaus ei thought it would be another hannah montana show-like you said. but i watched one episode and was hooked.
they have brilliant actors on the show as well as amazing writrs!
carlie
September 28, 2009 at 1:47 pm
. . . . I’ve been watching since deep into
the first season and the ‘fit and feel’ of
this funny little show is addicting.
Second guessing what DanWarp will do next,
keeps me comming back. As the cast grows
into adulthood and starts mixing with
the masses, each episode feels a bit more
‘Friends’ish and that’s gonna be a good
thing, you watch, I dare ya. keepitoniCarly.com
keN
September 28, 2009 at 2:25 pm
i think they kissed is my fav eposode is it yours say yesw or no over the next few days ill cheach and keep wighting to you guys gabby mars
gabby
September 28, 2009 at 5:16 pm
i love them so much ithik they are asmome
gabby
September 28, 2009 at 5:17 pm
mily is so bad these days i dont like her or suport her eny more
gabby
September 28, 2009 at 5:18 pm
it is fantastick
gabby
September 28, 2009 at 5:18 pm
OMG im totally agree with you!
iCarly is the best TV show ever!!
I’m almost 20 and i love it.. its my fave show so far!
iThink more than just a TV show its my way to relax, its addicting! no joke!! if you like to relax and laugh you’ll def love iCarly ;)
marijomacias10
September 28, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Hay,My name is Morgan do you remeber when
the icarly about the prom was that girl really
magic.I was surprice.And do you have a myspaces
I do? GOODBYE!I love icarly by Sam,Fredy,Carly.
P.S/ Will you be my friend because I do not have know friend.
Morgan Weir
September 28, 2009 at 8:38 pm
wtf at these comments
anonymous
September 28, 2009 at 8:48 pm
dearcarly I love icarly I liked it when I saw the fred videos and it was funny and icarly goes to Japan I am a 3th grader and my name is michelle
michelle harb
September 28, 2009 at 9:46 pm
I totally thought I was reading too much into the show when I watched it, but now I know I’m not the only one who sees the genius behind iCarly. yay
Brianna
September 28, 2009 at 10:13 pm
. . . . @ wtf at these comments: ‘iCarly’ comments
come from all ages, from around the globe. Check out
Danwarp on Twitter. He’s the mastermind behind the show.
keN
September 29, 2009 at 1:24 am
you are not that good bye
claire
September 29, 2009 at 3:13 am
icarly rocks
faizan
September 29, 2009 at 10:38 am
@ keN
i think dan schneider and icarly are both awesome, but the comments were kind of weird
anonymous
September 29, 2009 at 11:21 am
I agree 100%! Like litterally, im 15 and I think this show is HILARIOUS. Even me and my dad watch it together, he gets a kick out of it. Icarly=5 out of 5 stars.
Peyton
September 29, 2009 at 2:40 pm
hi my name is tyisha smith. i really like the way yall do yall show it looks so good on tv
tyisha
September 29, 2009 at 3:02 pm
hi i think your show is fantastic
tyisha
September 29, 2009 at 3:03 pm
I really like iCarly beacause it is really funny andjust darn good. I love your show Carly,Sam and Fredie.By the way who is in love with who Sam and Fredie or Carly and Fredie.Anyway i love your show.
From Katie
kATIE
September 29, 2009 at 3:18 pm
HEY THERE CARLY
DESTINYHOOD
September 29, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Hi I love your show carly it is the best i watch it everyday and I like the episode where sam and fredie kiss and they both hate each other and I think your show is da best me and my friends all love watching icarly love suzanna
suzanna
September 29, 2009 at 4:51 pm
my head is going to explode.
.
September 29, 2009 at 5:32 pm
. . . . . if yer an ‘iCarly fan….,
a ‘green slime-like goo’ will likely splatter.
…(sorry if yer eat’n) btw, seddie ain’t
gonna work, ever. Too much like bro/sis.
Came to me in a vision today. (kidd’n) sort of
….however,,,
keN
October 1, 2009 at 12:25 am
Freddie and Carly,
My name is Gregory, I really like your show!
I wonder what it’s like to film it!?
gregory
October 1, 2009 at 7:17 pm
I thought I was the only one! ICarly is hilarious, and it doesn’t hurt that the guy who players her hilarious older brother is ridiculously attractive.
Cate
October 2, 2009 at 10:38 am
I love your article. I’m 17 yr old, I watch the show with my sisters and my 43 yr old mom! And my mom laugh more than us! It’s ridiculous.
Btw,I agree with everything you wrote!iCarly is hilarious! Dan Schneider is an amiazing and talented man.
Farah
October 17, 2009 at 10:04 pm
MIRANDA you is beryfult ,you is mexican or español ???
kew
October 20, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Hahaha agree w/ anon about the comments. Also, KeN, your second comment = ?
L
October 20, 2009 at 8:37 pm
grasias oye quiero ver los capitulos nuevos en la tele por que me aburro con los mismos capitulos ahs asi icarly quiero ver el capitulo donde sam y fredi se vesan grax
veronica castro moran
October 26, 2009 at 7:14 pm
fredi te amo’?'??”” espero tu respuesta
veronica castro moran
October 26, 2009 at 7:14 pm
y love you freddie !!! :-)
lolish
November 25, 2009 at 10:44 am
r
grace
January 25, 2010 at 7:37 pm
fuck this how. why are 3 yrs olds commenting
Fuckicarly
January 28, 2010 at 6:16 pm
nathan ta lindo te odoro!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Daniela
April 21, 2010 at 12:51 pm