7.4
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Popular fingerprint
Funny, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace5
- Tension3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Nostalgic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics8
- Nostalgia7
- Coming of Age7
Humor
Plenty of satire and sharp wit
- Satire & Parody8
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Situational Comedy6
World
Society, family, and growing up
- Novelty9
- Dialogue Centrality7
- World Immersion6
Craft
Standout direction and dialogue
- Direction9
- Dialogue Quality8
- Acting7
Style
Standout visual style and cinematography
A distinctive visual signature.
- Visual Stylization9
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Popular is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
MediumNostalgic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
HighPlenty of satire and sharp wit
Expect plenty of satire and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody8Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor6Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Camp & Irony8Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumSociety, family, and growing up
Its world is built around society, family, and growing up.
All world traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism6Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Pop Culture6References and cultural commentary.
- Surrealism6Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout direction and dialogue
The direction and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Meta Narrative7Stories about storytelling.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout visual style and cinematography
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the visual style and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Camp & Irony8Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
Episode ratings
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About
It's not a contest. It's a war.
Brooke McQueen, a popular cheerleader at Jacqueline Kennedy High School, and Sam McPherson, the editor of the school paper, are polar opposites. When their single parents unexpectedly meet and get engaged, Brooke and Sam have to deal with their new situation on top of regular teenage girl problems.
Subversive Teen SatireMeta-Cinematic CommentaryHyper-Stylized AestheticCult Classic StatusSocial Critique of ConformityWitty & Cynical DialogueUnconventional Narrative StructureNostalgic Late-90s VibePsychological Depth Beneath Surface
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Popular
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Popular worth watching?
69
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 60%, and Metacritic 54). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Popular rated?
TV-14Strong language
It's rated TV-14 in the United States. Content advisories: strong language.
How many seasons does Popular have?
2 seasons
It has 2 seasons with 43 episodes of about 44 minutes each.
Do critics and audiences agree on Popular?
Critics57
Audiences87
Not quite. Audiences rate Popular higher (87) than critics (57). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
When did Popular air?
S1S2
It ran from 1999 to 2001 and has ended.
What language is Popular in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
What tropes does Popular use?
Freudian ExcuseAll Periods Are PMSUsed to Be a Sweet KidNice, Mean, and In-BetweenTonight, Someone DiesBoot Camp EpisodeStock Series FinalesWondrous Ladies RoomCliffhangerMissing MomRe-Release SoundtrackYet Another Christmas Caroland 34 more
TV Tropes lists 46 storytelling tropes for Popular, including Freudian Excuse, All Periods Are PMS, Used to Be a Sweet Kid.