Netflix has been churning out original content like nobody's business, so it's sometimes easy to miss new things and have an ever-clogged queue of to-watch content. However, its upcoming Kids and Family series, No Good Nick [1], is one you'll want to start watching with your kids as soon as it begins streaming. The show centres around a 13-year-old con artist who dupes the unsuspecting Thompson family into thinking she's a distant relative in need of a home and features Melissa Joan Hart and Sean Astin [2] as mom and dad, as well as a talented cast of teenage actors.
After previewing some of season one's episodes and chatting with Melissa and Sean about their favourite parts of the show, we are so excited to settle in with our kids for a marathon of No Good Nick [3]. Read on to hear more!
The show has a unique premise unlike other kids' shows.
Although No Good Nick is a sitcom, it's also a mystery that has drama rolled in. In the first episode, we learn that Nick is running a con with her foster parents, which is a shocking twist that leads to both humour and the discovery of Nick's underlying character traits — both good and bad. Melissa told POPSUGAR: "The characters are charming and relatable but also very flawed. That combination leads to both comedy and drama that teens and families can enjoy together."
The show will serve as a way to open up discussions among families.
The series is silly and hilarious in the ways your favourite '90s sitcoms were but ultimately has an element of darkness that makes for unique plot points and will open up the floor for discussions with your kids, something that's always a bonus.
When asked if he hopes NGN will spark important family conversations, Sean told POPSUGAR: "Absolutely. Nick is a criminal. We like her. We love her. But, she does something immoral every episode. The dangerous thing about the show is that it will make these scams seem exciting for kids. But, there are always consequences. Most importantly, the characters, especially Nick, have to understand what it means when your bad behaviour hurts people you love. That process could spark some great, fun, and serious chats among families."
Kids of all ages will love watching — and actually get something out of the episodes.
Although the show features teens, kids of all ages will enjoy NGN. However, Melissa, who is mom to 13-, 11-, and 6-year-old sons, believes that teens will get the most out of the show, and we'd have to agree. "All three of my boys have been on set for moments of production, and I wouldn't mind letting all three of them watch it, but it's definitely going to interest my teenager the most."
Sean, who has 16- and 13-year-old daughters, has high hopes that the family elements embedded in the show will send a positive message to young viewers. "I hope kids will learn a little more about what it means to have a family. Through all of the ups and downs, we all return to the truth that we love each other, and we are stronger together. That's a great message that I hope comes through in the show."
And we didn't forget about you — adults will love it, too! Melissa said: "There is a lot in the show that is for the adults as much as there is for the kids. We really hope that this will be a show families can sit down and watch together, [of] which there aren't many left of from the good old days of television." Amen, sister.