User reviews

Yeah, this show is good, but the reason it got discontinued right after season 2 in the wrong time because of the bad relation between former WB network president Jamie Kellner and the entire WB network station.

This show was favored by the entire WB network station, but not by Jamie Kellner. Jamie is both an ableist and an ageist and that's why he messed up this show's entire second season and that led to this show's discontinuation.

This show may need to be rebooted and aired in a low public type of cable network station, so it can last beyond 3 or more seasons without problems.

Sam McPherson (Carly Pope) is the leader of the Unpopulars, and Brooke McQueen (Leslie Bibb) is the queen bee of the Populars. To both their dismay, their divorced parents (Sam's mom and Brooke's dad) decide to be a couple. This leaves them in competition more than ever. And the two group clash. Some of the outstanding cast includes Sara Rue, Christopher Gorham, and Leslie Grossman.

This is Ryan Murphy's first success in the TV world. It's a colorful teen high school drama. It pits a group of Unpopulars against a group of Populars. It's a flashy start with a lot of promise. But it lasted only 2 years. The second season really deteriorated as the group dynamics get muddy.

I remember this show back in 1999 when it first aired, it was well acted, well directed and just a fun show to watch overall! However, the second season was another story. The punch was gone, it was like watching a poorly done copy. The biggest reward from this show was Maggie Grace! A great actress who has starred in many roles!

I remember early in the year 2000 listening to a local AM Talk Radio Station in Los Angeles (I believe it was Phil Hendrie). The topic of the hour was "What's your favorite TV Show currently on the air?" For the next hour I heard a lot of references to two shows: "Malcolm in the Middle" and this other show, "Popular." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I had already seen "Malcolm" and knew it was hilarious. But what about "Popular?"

The commercials made it look like a typical weekly teeny-bop High School show, a la "Saved By The Bell," but in Prime-Time (lest we forget Zach did go to college in the evenings though). The amount of praise I heard for "Popular" made me check it out.

The advertisements were wrong.

What I found in this show was a sleek, hilarious, dramatic, clever, filled to the brim with 80's references show not about kids in High School today (circa 1999-2000), but if kids from my generation were to go to High School today (yes, I went to High School in the 80's).

I think the failure of "Popular" was the advertising I referred to earlier for the show...it was going after kids in high school for ratings. But the show was made for (I feel) an entirely different generation. If only the ones it was made for had watched....it would probably still be on.

This is one of the few programs I have ever seen that managed to balance outright slapstick comedy with serious drama...and it did it so well in my opinion that I seriously mourned the loss of the show when it was canceled.

My favorite Season Two moments -

1) Mary Cherry's (Leslie Grossman) audition for judges, including Jim J. Bullock (way before "American Idol" became a household name). "Rock Me Amadeus, by FALCO!"

2) Nicole Julian's (Tammy Lynn Michaels) "rise" to Class President (one of the most clever and complex episodes ever written for television -- flat-out incredible comedy).

3) Every scene with Michelle Phillips ("Abra-abra-cadabra!!!!").

4) The "Gay" episode about Bobbi Glass (Diane Delano) - it gave me chills and again proved how the writers were almost magically able to juggle comedy and drama every week.

The casting of the show was simply brilliant. Everyone did an incredible job and I am pleased to see several of the cast riding other roads to fame as of 2008 (Christopher Gorham on "Jake 2.0" and then the successful "Ugly Betty").

The only thing I can pray for at this point are either reruns (Lifetime or Oxygen I'm guessing...but maybe Comedy Central?) or, *gasp* -- A DVD Release. Then a lot more people can have a chance to see a show that I firmly believe should have been "Popular."

*EDIT* Both Seasons are on DVD now. There really IS a God!

My personal thanks to the callers of that Los Angeles AM Talk Radio Program who touted the praises of this show. You got it right, and I'm glad I saw of it what I did.

'Popular' is one of the best shows on T.V. While "Friends" is one of my favorite shows, "Popular" is the ultimate comedy. "ER" is the top-rated drama, "Popular" can create drama you actually care about. This show has overcome many obstacles, bad ratings, some bad plot lines (Harrisons leukemia will always be the low-point in this shows running), and some rather unfriendly reviews. This show sports some of the hottest young talent today, Leslie Grossman is the best comedic actress on prime-time, nothing can top Mary Cherry, Sara Rue gives her character depth, and is the most realistic looking teen on T.V., I love Carmen, and Tammy Lynn Michaels plays Nicole (or as Mrs. Glass calls her "Satan's Child") with such priss and wit she is right up there with Megan Mullaly on "Will and Grace". The other actors are top-notch, too. Sometimes the drama dialogue sounds lifted from "Dawson's Creek", but it is usually something you can relate to and care about. Situations are exaggerated for comedic relief, and it almost always works. "Popular" is underappreciated greatness, just waiting for the attention it deserves. Watch now, I can not stress that enough.

In opposition to the previous reviewer (what the hell were you watching - a rerun of Dawsons' or a home video??)

Anyways, Popular is without a doubt one of THE best teen tv shows to hit screen in the US/UK.

The show has just the right mix of comedy and drama which is reminiscent of Heathers. Even the music used with the show sounds like the same music that was used in Heathers.

Yes, the show spoofs 'teen issues' but, also adds its own unique take on them.

I think you just have to be able to know when to take it seriously and when to laugh - take note previous reviewer! You need a BRAIN.

Anyway - just wish they'd get on with it and put it on DVD. It's the least they could do since they unceremoniously ended the series without a proper resolution (b*****ds!)

Funnest after school special. It's a shame the second season was trying to be more like every other teen dramas. To me it's one of Ryan Murphy's best shows to date. It's everything you'd find in all his future work. It also aired back when WB had a great lineup, filled with series that may not have lasted long, but are still remembered today. Twenty years later, this show still holds. In a big way. Things it made fun of, or condemned, are exactly the kind of toxic behavior you can still witness today. And not just on TV... I doubt any character was made out to be genuinely sympathetic. They were all very flawed, and both « cliques » could be as petty and mean. There are several episodes I love, like Slumber Party Massacre, Caged! Or the one with the popularity contest between blondes and brunettes. Timber!, Mary charity. Or even that slasher movie spoof. But if I had to pick one season, the first is the one with the edgy humor, the compelling drama and the best storylines. It was bold. Season 2 has its moments, but is ending on a very confusing and crazy cliffhanger. That has you wondering why the network decided to pull the plug, after such a big twist. Maybe it's time to revive the show? Only not in the way it was proven to be the wrong one, lately.

Considering that there's a fair number of reviews already, I doubt anyone will read this. I wanted to write a short one for popular anyway and I seriously encourage everyone to watch this show. It somehow managed to combine humor and drama perfectly into one episode. Some of the episodes were honestly laugh out loud, but could also make me cry at the same time. Mary Cherry was hysterical! Popular seems like its filled with stereotypes with the typical cheerleader but really the characters are really well developed that it becomes a lot deeper than that. I loved all the characters and believed in all of them. The only negative thing I have to say is that the last few episodes got a little weird in terms of character motivations but other than that it is a fantastic show.

I watched Popular when it first aired and up until now I was left with the impression that it's a fun and positively bunkers series. Now, having just watched it again, it actually seems more dramatic and depressing than fun. And I was disappointed because the dramatic scenes were over- saturated with blunt morality. Furthermore, I couldn't buy how aware of all the psychological aspects of their choices and actions most of these fifteen year-olds are portrayed. It's not easy to connect with characters who talk to each other like psychiatrists. The morality that was mostly in-your- face in every episode really put me off. Morality as such can be valuable but it needs to be weaved in masterfully so that it's almost invisible. Lily's overly righteous stance on all issues is more than annoying. Ryan Murphy should've given us some good background on why she is like that, otherwise, again, such a person seems very unlikely, and thus unrelatable. As for all the bonkers stuff, I really loved it. I can definitely see how this was more of an experiment for Ryan, a try for the real thing - Glee, and he really mastered this drama/morality/absurd comedy ratio perfectly in Glee. I love how a situation can get absurdly ridiculous, Ryan somehow manages to maintain good style, thus the absurd mostly doesn't come across annoying or off-putting.

All in all, Popular is a decent attempt for Ryan Murphy's to create his style in the drama comedy world, one that he perfects later on in Glee.

This is one of the few TV shows I can think of that was always consistent during its time on-air. There was a great ensemble cast who never failed to entertain week after week and could perform both comedy and drama to a high standard. The writers managed to bring out every emotion. A great example is the episode 'Ch-Ch-Changes' (#118) about a male teacher going about a sex change. The first half of the show was extremely funny, but then it seamlessly changed in tone to be about discrimination and had an ending that couldn't help but leave a tear in your eye. Despite some great dramatic storylines the show never took itself too seriously, and characters like Nicole and Mary Cherry were always around to provide some light relief. The show has been sorely missed since its cancellation.

I watched this show when I was much younger, 10 or maybe 11. I always loved the show and found it really funny, although watching it now (8 years on) I know there's a lot in it I probably didn't get back then. Either way, it taught me a lot about life in a way that made me want to listen. I really believe I'm a better person for watching this show when I was young - that may be a bit deplorable but there you go. I can't believe they took it off the air! I blame that for the corruption of todays youth =P

things the show taught me about: mean people, racism, homophobia, sex, STDs,alcoholism, animal cruelty, transsexuals, homelessness, leukaemia, relationships, prejudice, exorcism, that overweight people have feelings too, working, teen marriage, that sometimes conjoined twins might want to stay attached, about chickens, pregnancy, adoption, substance abuse, blackmail, ulterior motives........and the list goes on

even if it had taught me nothing I'd still have loved this show - maybe even just for Mary cherry =D

it annoyed that there was the 'in group', who were meant to be superficial and uncaring and the 'out group', supposedly the opposite. But the two groups were exactly the same. perhaps this was the point, i don't know.

next, the one character who was supposed to be individual because that's just who she really was was actually just trying to be different because she couldn't be popular or to seek revenge for petty stuff. i always hated her. but couldn't help but be mesmerised because she's beautiful

lastly, a really petty point - by the end everyone gets along. real life isn't like that. unkind people usually stay unkind. it shows kids the truth about so many aspects of real life and then goes and does that.....shocking.

the reasons it didn't get a 10

I thought the show wasn't that bad because at my age of time it's what a lot of high schools kids were going through with their families. I wasn't popular in school and I choose not to be because clearly, the high school hasn't still changed. The ending of the series was kind of wack because brook either gets hit or not or the best friend isn't really really healed. so much going on. I do enjoy it compare to new shows out, so my kids could watch because of there's, not all that crazy stuff going on in the world in it.

Popular is best described as a dramedy, for its 43 episodes it both had its bittersweet moments ones that made you cry to it's repulsive laugh out loud black comedy moments which made us die with laughter. Popular dealt with the issue we all face in high school the divide between the popular people and the unpopular people and for once it shows us that those people arent losers as they were in other stereotypical teen dramas. The cast were first class, the leads were good choices as they did seem like representable teenage girls. Plus the fact that Sara rue (perharps one of the best actresses on the show) represented fat people like me without any difficulty because shewas so honest with the role. I've read on here that people think this season made fun at delicate issues. That is not true it did indeed show that they were done in a new light. not with the same softpading done with other shows. Honest Brutal and touching. Popular dealt with issues truthfully the way we have to in the world and in the world it shows us not everything is peachy. Plus we finally got funny moments admist the sadness which took away the depressing parts of the show. So for all the cast the top acting skills which i plan to continue enjoying i enjoyed after last moments of brooke and co and sam and co as it was good to see something other than stereotypical rubbish when popular broke the boundraries of our modern society

Popular is most certainly worth your time and money. This show has intelligent story lines, great characters, and an atmosphere of high quality comedy.

The show is well cast and addicting to say the least. Popular is not your pre-teen comedy that belongs on Disney Channel, but rather is geared for older teen/young adult and older. The theme is mature(sex/drugs), while still being light hearted and funny.

What I love most about Popular, besides the addicting characters, is that each episode has a theme or purpose, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, cheating, STD's, body image, sexual harassment, meaning of Christmas, and of course the underlying theme is the meaning of Popularity and what people will do to be POPULAR!

Although Popular only aired for two seasons, the reason the season two finale was a cliffhanger, was because there was originally going to be a third season, but the show was suddenly canceled, with no time to re-write the ending into a more satisfactory explanation. I was disappointed as well.

I did some research and here is a list of what would have happened in season three....

Brooke breaks every bone in her face after being in the accident. Yet when the bandages are revealed, she's exactly the same - except brunette. (Brooke was hit be Nicole)

Harrison Chooses Brooke-then dates other eligible ladies

Nicole says she was driven to alcohol (and driving drunk) after being sexually abused by Mike McQueen.

Josh's addiction to cockfighting/gambling ruins his relationship with Lily, so he moves in with Harrison.

Mary Cherry is accidentally sent to the pound and put up for adoption. She is claimed just before being put to sleep by Cherry Cherry after her twin B. Ho is gunned down in her "hood".

Cherry Cherry starts teaching at Kennedy High--a little course called Madonna 101. Sugar starts a club for people that are discouraged about their weight to help them out.

Brooke and Nicole become united once again to stop exchange student Unique Jones from ruling the school.

Carmen becomes a nurse after the tragedy that happened to Brooke and becomes Sugar's girlfriend.

Kennedy High is then sold and converted into a nursing home, forcing the students to leave for college early.

Five years later - the 3rd season finale - Mary Cherry buys Melrose Place, where the entire gang live, spoofing that series.

Murphy has also revealed that he and the WB entered into talks about a potential spin-off called "The Cherrys" which would have starred Delta Burke and Leslie Grossman as Cherry Cherry and Mary Cherry. Unlike Popular the show would have been a half hour sit-com and follow the Cherrys as they try to rebuild their lives after losing all the money and wealth.

ABOVE IS COPYIED FROM-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popular_(TV_series)

I was an avid watcher of the television show Popular since its debut and followed it until the end. It was grossly unappreciated and not given the time on the air it deserved. Not only was it ahead of its time (the antics of Mary Cherry are some of the funniest scenes I have ever seen on television), but it was a true homage to teen life in the late nineties. It tackled every issue on any teen's mind: sex, popularity (or lack thereof), alcoholism, step-siblings, eating disorders, racism, adoption, poverty, pregnancy, cheating, etc. and accomplished it with comedy and heart. AMAZING SHOW. I suggest anyone who comes across the DVD set to purchase it immediately.

Okay this show is better then any I have ever seen. it is unique every character is different, the actors are absolutely AMAZING. I didn't like the last episode it wasn't s proper ending. i think they should continue on and make a third season! I'm DYING to know what happened to Brooke and also who Harrison chose. This show has made me, Laugh, cry, smile, frown. There has never been a show I loved more. My favorite Characters are Sam, Brooke and Marry Cherry. I think Sam is absolutely gorgeous. as is Brooke. Marry Cherry makes me laugh SO HARD! If I got to meet the cast I would faint. their all so amazing. If this show came back it would be the greatest thing ever. So please bring it back. it does have a very very good fan base. Please bring it back, and cure the horrible curiosity that is making many teens and fans of the show, wonder and yearn for answers. thank you.=]

Christina. <3

One of my favorite shows. I started watching Popular and I felt myself being sucked in by the powerful emotions encountered in this show. The acting is believable, but one thing I found about this show is that it is somewhat exaggerated. I don't know how high schools are now, but I still think that some of the themes explored are slightly misleading, and stereotypical. Nevertheless, a good show, capturing the heart of the confusing whirl of emotions in the high school experience, and I would recommend this show to anyone open minded. Mind you, the first time you watch this show, you will be confused, but give it a few episodes, then you will agree with me. It is very different from other shows that I have watched.

In the midst of a wasteland of "Millionaire" and "Friends", I finally started to watch television again. I record it every week, and I'm over 30. The writing is brilliant and it is THE most talked about show at my office water cooler. Definitely the prince on the frog network. Unfortunately, looks like the WB isn't capable of marketing a show properly or standing by one long enough to build an audience. Just want to say thank you to the forces behind Popular.

It was doomed from the start, I guess... Finally, a show with some intelligence, placed (unfortunately) in the prime time spot of what was it? Friday NIGHT?! Lucky for me, I was under 21 at the time the show was on, just barely too young to partake in the bar scene. So I looked forward to watching TV on Friday nights while my boyfriend (at the time) was whooping it up. I think Popular was directed toward what I call "the forgotten years," those people born between "gen. X" and "gen. Y". (or "gen. why?" ...if you will) I am a member of that demographic, Too young to remember the birth of MTV or the whole "Grunge" thing, yet too old for IPods, Rap-Rock, and vocational schools. But maybe the lack of marketing toward people in my age range has been beneficial to me. (I have very little credit card debt.) But at the same time I challenge network execs to try and entertain me again. And this time, don't cancel my favorite show prematurely. Or hell, sell me a DVD of 'Popular' or 'My So-Called Life' for God's sake! ---Christina B, Portland Oregon

anyway popular rocks. this show is so out there you have to love. it delivers drama comedy and somewhat a little romancing. every character nailed there parts to a tee. Marry Cherry being my favorite of all of them. She has a gift for comedy. she just nails it so seriously it is laugh out loud funny. Nicole Julian is such a bitch that you have to love her. I couldn't think of anyone else to play her than her. And then there is Brooke McQueen. Plays perfect little angel but isn't so much of an angel herself. Then we have Sam McPherson plays the little hard ass but really does want to be noticed herself. And Lilly Espisito so hard up about saving the world but needs to save herself first but i do like her a lot. "I'm Gonna Get You Sucka".Then there is Carmen Ferrara who i like most of all the "unpopular girls". Has the biggest heart of anyone on the show and she just has talent so good as I watch her I'm thinking that this girl is so gifted she will probably win an award some day in her life. Anyway this show was awesome and they always have to cancel such a great thing. BRING IT BACK Ryan Murphy

First of all I have to state that popular is a simply amazing show! ALL the characters are hilarious and each has a great story behind them.

When I first started watching popular my first thought was "how great another average teen comedy-drama about popular and unpopular teenagers in a stereotypical high school" which was, I am sure, many other peoples first impression. But as I continued to watch I realized that popular is definitely NOT your typical teen comedy-drama.

Popular is often satirical and sarcastic as well as incredibly heartfelt and dramatic. It does everything in its power to sort of push the boundaries of popularity and prove that nobody is perfect, even blonde beautiful cheerleaders.

I really believe that popular should have made at least another 2 seasons, it certainly had enough potential! There are plenty of TV shows that are not nearly as good as popular and that have made Way more than 2 seasons!! The entire cast is incredible and if more seasons had been made maybe more people would have realized these actors potential and they would have become as famous as they deserve to be. Carly Pope in particular is strikingly beautiful and very talented. Tammy-Lynn Michaels and Leslie Bibb are also amazing and deserve more roles.

Bottom line: watch popular, it will make you laugh, cry and you see yourself in at least one, if not all the characters :)

This show is so good, it has everything and it is freaking hilarious. It has teen angst, like humor and like everything a show needs, i love it. Brooke rules and Nicole is funny. Everyone is excellent. I love it, I'm addicted and now loads of my friends r addicted too. It is such a good show. I like how the show is stereotypical also, like it's how high school really is. Sugar Daddy and Merry Cherry are way funny in it. Lily is cool, I'm a vegetarian also. Sam does annoy me, because she always makes assumptions, which aren't always right. I used to watch this show ages ago when I was like twelve and now I'm eighteen and watching it again, because it's really good and I adore it.

Popular is a really great teen sitcom about the popular and unpopular kids at Kennedy High. A mix and match of a cast here too with Leslie Bibb playing the most popular girl and the likes of Carly Pope and Tamara Mello playing the unpopular girls. I'm not to keen on that Ms. Glass though. The show always keeps you interested all the time. So, catch it if you can. It's really good.