This week Netflix releases the highly-anticipated adaptation of a much-loved children’s series The Baby-Sitters Club, but should we be organizing a playdate with it?
When single mother Elizabeth Thomas (Alicia Silverstone) can’t find a sitter for her youngest child David (Benjamin Goas) after all her other children have previously made plans, her smart but stubborn daughter Kristy (Sophie Grace) comes up with the idea of the ‘Baby-Sitters Club’. Kristy joins forces with her best friend Mary-Anne Spier (Malia Baker), whose father has grown very protective after the death of his wife; the artistically talented Claudia Kishi (Momona Tamada), who is incredibly close to her grandmother Mimi; and Stacey McGill (Shay Rudolph) who’s fresh from New York and hiding a secret. Along the way, new arrival Dawn Schafer (Xochitl Gomez) is added to the group, and soon the rest is history.
As well as the Club, each member is dealing with their own personal challenges. When the series begins, Kristy’s mother is dating Watson Brewer (Mark Feuerstein), and the girls are dealing with the ups and downs of growing up, from fighting with their siblings to medical emergencies they have to deal with.
Creator Rachel Shukert (Glow) and her team have taken the essence of Ann M. Martin’s writing and updated it for modern times, while throwing in a few Easter Eggs for fans of the book series. The first season, all of which was watched for this review, covers the first eight books in the series and a summer camp, which allows each of the five leads time to shine in their own individual stories and personalities.
There are many fresh faces who bring this adaptation to life and the chemistry between the five leads is a major plus, as well as allowing the adults their own subplots.
Whether you’re a massive fan of the books, may have read a couple back in the day, or are looking for a new family show, order yourself a slice of pizza and book a playdate with The Baby-Sitters Club.
4 Stars
The Baby-Sitters Club premiers Friday July 3 on Netflix.
