I'm kinda sad this show didn't get as much attention as it should have. Not only was it very unique in that it wasn't like all the other Nicktoons, but it was also very endearing and down-to-earth. The comedy may not have been the highlight, but it was definitely on point. As Told By Ginger would definitely have been a classic if it had been given more attention, but then again, it will still be known critically as one of Nickelodeon's best works. It was Emmy- nominated THREE TIMES alongside shows such as Futurama, King of the Hill, The Simpsons, and South Park!! (That's how good this show was!) And as I've said before, the show was truly one of its own: an animated drama, something unheard of. It broke the boundaries of what usually would be able to go on kids' TV. And usually, I'm not too fond of drama series, but this show was definitely engaging in that it dealt very well with real-life problems. But one thing about the show that can be noted is that it completely did away with the "daily wardrobe" trope. Another problem, however, was that I was too young to remember anything from the show. I'm reviewing this from having re-watched episodes of the show recently. Still, As Told by Ginger will forever be known as Nickelodeon's most underrated cartoon.
38 Reviews
Underrated coming of age cartoon
rachelrocket27 February 2023
I discovered this show around the time I was in middle school. If you can get past the character designs, it's a terrific show. The dialogue is very authentic and raw, I love the episodic plot framework as it allows for strong character growth. The only issue with this show is how it can be a lit too realistic at times.
For example, Ginger has Dotie, a terrible example of a friend and also a gossip. I think the point of her being there was to show in childhood your friends were not always the best and as you matured and grew they changed once you realized how bad they were. Macie is okay, but she had her moments as well.
Very nostalgic early 2000s show with some amazing life lessons, with Lois being one of my favorite TV moms across the genre.
It's a very awkward and quirky show depicting growing up. Love it or hate it, you could say were in between.
For example, Ginger has Dotie, a terrible example of a friend and also a gossip. I think the point of her being there was to show in childhood your friends were not always the best and as you matured and grew they changed once you realized how bad they were. Macie is okay, but she had her moments as well.
Very nostalgic early 2000s show with some amazing life lessons, with Lois being one of my favorite TV moms across the genre.
It's a very awkward and quirky show depicting growing up. Love it or hate it, you could say were in between.
It's not that bad!
TheLittleSongbird8 August 2010
I remarked before about a thread on the Rocko's Modern Life boards, and being shocked about Avatar: The Last Airbender being on there, well this is another show that was on a lot of people's worst lists. To me, As Told By Ginger is not that bad, compared to ChalkZone and Rocket Power, the only animated shows on Nick I well and truly dislike. As a matter of fact, I love how clever and original it is, As Told By Ginger does make the most of a brilliant concept.
The animation is great in general and has a somewhat unique style to it. I agree it was occasionally off, particularly with the mouth movements, but it was solid on the whole. The music is nice to the ears, the writing is clever and funny and the stories are sweet and well constructed. And I like the characters in general, they seem like stereotypes at first, but they do have some depth to them, especially the title character Ginger who is very smart yet awkward, and I like Dodie and Marcie.
And Carl is funny too, especially when he gets into trouble. Miranda is rather spoiled, which can be seen as stereotypical because there are kids who behave like that, but she is still pretty likable, and Courtney is really nice when she's kind. And what's wrong with morals? Nothing, and As Told By Ginger does teach some good morals. You may say this show is clichéd, but it is also different, I like different by the way.
All in all, I like this show. 8/10 Bethany Cox
The animation is great in general and has a somewhat unique style to it. I agree it was occasionally off, particularly with the mouth movements, but it was solid on the whole. The music is nice to the ears, the writing is clever and funny and the stories are sweet and well constructed. And I like the characters in general, they seem like stereotypes at first, but they do have some depth to them, especially the title character Ginger who is very smart yet awkward, and I like Dodie and Marcie.
And Carl is funny too, especially when he gets into trouble. Miranda is rather spoiled, which can be seen as stereotypical because there are kids who behave like that, but she is still pretty likable, and Courtney is really nice when she's kind. And what's wrong with morals? Nothing, and As Told By Ginger does teach some good morals. You may say this show is clichéd, but it is also different, I like different by the way.
All in all, I like this show. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Original, clever and funny!
V-Money7 July 2001
This is a great show. The characters are written very realistically and are given more complexity than your average cartoons. It follows a young girl who is not very popular nor an outcast through junior high. Ginger is a lot closer to your average pre-teen girl than most characters in live action movies. She is smart, thoughtful and awkward. Her best friends Dodie and Marcie are real treats too. They possess all of the sweet yet annoying traits that best friends are supposed to have in junior high.
Even most of the popular kids are well thought out. Though Miranda is a typical mean, rich kid, the most popular girl in school, Courtney has her moments of kindness and gets along well with the not so popular kids. Another real treat is Ginger's family. Her single working mom's a great wide eyed adult who always knows how to deal with her kids. And her brother Carl is always getting into trouble with his best friend, Hoodsie while executing some hysterically bizarre scheme.
This is a great show! Check it out if you like smart toons!
Even most of the popular kids are well thought out. Though Miranda is a typical mean, rich kid, the most popular girl in school, Courtney has her moments of kindness and gets along well with the not so popular kids. Another real treat is Ginger's family. Her single working mom's a great wide eyed adult who always knows how to deal with her kids. And her brother Carl is always getting into trouble with his best friend, Hoodsie while executing some hysterically bizarre scheme.
This is a great show! Check it out if you like smart toons!
Surprisingly clever and original
dustshadow2515 January 2008
Granted, a series about a girl and her friends in Jr High isn't the most original thing but As Told By Ginger gives a remarkably fresh spin on it.
It revolves around the dead common girl Ginger Foutley, whose only remarkable trait is a love for writing and literature, and her friends and family. The story lines are based on notes in her dairy. They are short, anecdotal but with often with a tricky twist in it. Characters are recognizable, well rounded out and come almost all with a darker side. Themes are regular stuff like peer pressure, friendship and boyfriends, but also things like divorce, depression and backstabbing. The red wire however is coping with change and matching old regular habits with exiting new stuff. The animation is a darker and more detailed version of what producers Klasky-Csupo usually produce. Things like composition and 'camera movements' are well thought out and clearly influenced by live-action shows.
It's a series you'll love or hate. Either you think of it as over-the-top preteen chatter or you'll take the time to sit down and watch a few eps as there's much more to see. And anyone over 18 will probably be drawn in mostly be the often-present melancholic sub-tone. One of the best Nicktoons, sit back and enjoy.
It revolves around the dead common girl Ginger Foutley, whose only remarkable trait is a love for writing and literature, and her friends and family. The story lines are based on notes in her dairy. They are short, anecdotal but with often with a tricky twist in it. Characters are recognizable, well rounded out and come almost all with a darker side. Themes are regular stuff like peer pressure, friendship and boyfriends, but also things like divorce, depression and backstabbing. The red wire however is coping with change and matching old regular habits with exiting new stuff. The animation is a darker and more detailed version of what producers Klasky-Csupo usually produce. Things like composition and 'camera movements' are well thought out and clearly influenced by live-action shows.
It's a series you'll love or hate. Either you think of it as over-the-top preteen chatter or you'll take the time to sit down and watch a few eps as there's much more to see. And anyone over 18 will probably be drawn in mostly be the often-present melancholic sub-tone. One of the best Nicktoons, sit back and enjoy.
The masterpiece of Nickelodeon
mathewgamal16 July 2020
I don't know what i should say about that iconic series ever .It's the best toon I have ever Watched .it is full of nostalgia and memories. This toon had a good eye on society of school and teenagers and some actions those are still happening until now . Every dramatic line was perfect and every character was built very well . The character of ginger is brilliant .She isn't a perfect girl . She is like everyone and she is us in our daily life .This toon made a wonderful orchestra between happy actions and sad actions . Finally , It's not like any toon It's a masterpiece.
Still Holds Up
adam_sandler_rox226 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This show has got to be the best held up cartoon series I've ever seen. I watched this show back when it first aired, being roughly the same age as Carl in the series. I may be more of the odd and weird personality of Carl, but my life was right in line with Ginger's at the time. And watching it over the last month, I've realized just how similar my experiences in life were to everyone in the show.
Dealing with deaths of loved ones, how everything can be going your way and suddenly one thing will change your life. Wondering if you should go with the crowd on something or do your own thing and just not care what others - including your closest friends - think. Questioning your friendship with those closest friends and deciding if you truly are friends and to fight for your friendship.
But the clincher is in an episode that never made it to US broadcast. Seeing Ginger being rushed to the hospital after her boyfriend breaks up with her and seeing how her mom and her brother reacted to that was so real. It was perfectly written, acted and animated. I've never seen anything like that in a cartoon series and it was done so much better than I've ever seen on a non-animated program.
In short, this show is just perfection to me. It has such a realistic way of dealing with and portraying so many different situations in Junior High and High School settings with incredibly brilliant writing. Along with the fact that this is also the only animated show I've ever seen with a continuing plot throughout the series and not just an episode only plot system.
I recommend anyone and everyone to view this show in its entirety. Like I said, to me, it's perfection.
Dealing with deaths of loved ones, how everything can be going your way and suddenly one thing will change your life. Wondering if you should go with the crowd on something or do your own thing and just not care what others - including your closest friends - think. Questioning your friendship with those closest friends and deciding if you truly are friends and to fight for your friendship.
But the clincher is in an episode that never made it to US broadcast. Seeing Ginger being rushed to the hospital after her boyfriend breaks up with her and seeing how her mom and her brother reacted to that was so real. It was perfectly written, acted and animated. I've never seen anything like that in a cartoon series and it was done so much better than I've ever seen on a non-animated program.
In short, this show is just perfection to me. It has such a realistic way of dealing with and portraying so many different situations in Junior High and High School settings with incredibly brilliant writing. Along with the fact that this is also the only animated show I've ever seen with a continuing plot throughout the series and not just an episode only plot system.
I recommend anyone and everyone to view this show in its entirety. Like I said, to me, it's perfection.
Best show ever
Prophetik1 July 2018
Best thing out of Nick in awhile, IMO
scissorhands__emily17 April 2006
This show is pretty good and a lot better than shows like 'Zoey 101' and 'Romeo!', which are completely unrealistic. Although this is a cartoon I can still relate with stuff on it (I am still in school so I can def. relate) like having friends get jealous because your new boyfriend is taking all your time away from them, although these are usually the really attached ones. It's different than a lot of pre-teen/young teen shows because it actually deals with real things apart from school bullies and the same old clichés. Even though the main char. Ginger's best friend Dodie is really obsessed with becoming popular, I don't believe Ginger is. She is just an average girl whose everything gets mixed up because the most popular girl thinks she might be okay. If Ginger was so into becoming popular she would of immediately ditched her best pals and gone and become one of Courtney's clique. This show deals with real things, including death, first time using makeup or shaving legs (I know, not such a big deal as death, but the younger audience will still relate with these changes in themselves). I totally recommend this show for anyone that is open to watching pre-teenish shows, especially when they're good like 'As Told by Ginger'.
Great a 10 for this
ileadpunishers26 July 2006
i Really liked this show a lot i am now watching season 3 i watched them all :D i just watched the one Ginger is in the hospital i hope nickelodeon will send the wedding frame out to :D a 10 for this when this season is over i am going to record them on DVD :) and gonna stay up late now and then to watch 1 to 60 :)
So the makers of this Cartoon Your Great!
the Theme Song is really good
Greetz
Ileadpunishers
Bye BYe
So the makers of this Cartoon Your Great!
the Theme Song is really good
Greetz
Ileadpunishers
Bye BYe
I love this show
ashelwood_678-110 July 2006
I really love this show. It is a great influence on kids and it tells them all you need to get popular is just be yourself. Thats what i think Ginger is doing. She doesn't try so hard to get popular as much as Dodie does. I am kind of like Ginger. I try to be myself and it works. People in the "in crowd" are starting to notice me. I like this show so much it influences me to make a show kind of like this one but different people. I might not though but it would be very cool. I only have one question though: where can people buy the seasons for this show? i really want them. I looked on every website and i can't find them. I would appreciate it if you could tell me. Thanx
Ginger kid
ThunderKing624 March 2021
A Nickelodeon Gold.
When Nick used to make mellow, down to earth shows that had some kind of meaning. The animation is the typical Nick type. The theme song is iCONIC. Characters were cool without being whacky. It has the typical stories of a girl in a world.
Overall a great show.
What can be learned? Learn to grow
Verdict: Do you think Eric Cartman likes this show too?
When Nick used to make mellow, down to earth shows that had some kind of meaning. The animation is the typical Nick type. The theme song is iCONIC. Characters were cool without being whacky. It has the typical stories of a girl in a world.
Overall a great show.
What can be learned? Learn to grow
Verdict: Do you think Eric Cartman likes this show too?
great show
krustwell31 July 2002
granted, as a 31 year old male, i'm not exactly in the "target audience". but i've found myself watching a lot of Nick lately (Sponge Bob, Wild Thornberry's) and happened to catch this show.
i like it a lot. the premise might be a little old, but it's funny and there's usually a lot going on to keep you interested.
if i had kids, i'd let them watch this. and isn't that what it's really all about? somebody complained in another comment the show was "morals, morals, morals". why is that such a bad thing? if you can teach good morals in an entertaining way, what's the problem?
and to people who have a problem with the voice work: Tress MacNeille...look her up.
i like it a lot. the premise might be a little old, but it's funny and there's usually a lot going on to keep you interested.
if i had kids, i'd let them watch this. and isn't that what it's really all about? somebody complained in another comment the show was "morals, morals, morals". why is that such a bad thing? if you can teach good morals in an entertaining way, what's the problem?
and to people who have a problem with the voice work: Tress MacNeille...look her up.
Another Nickelodeon favorite I really wish is on DVD
ja_kitty_7113 September 2022
I've been curious about this animated series from Nickelodeon. After I watched it on Amazon Video, I automatically loved this series, and I really wish this series was on DVD or Blu-ray. And even though I'm 37 years old, I like series about junior high and high school.
This series is about 12-year-old Ginger Foutley and her friends Dodie and Macie as they deal with adolescence as well as junior high and high school. Like in the episode "And She Is Gone," in which Ginger writes a disturbing poem that makes everyone think she's suicidally depressed. I can tell why it is a fan favourite, perhaps because of how it deals with depression. One of my favourite episodes from an animated series focused on a serious problem.
It's nice to see that Courtney Gripling is actually nice to someone like Ginger, rather than being a total rich b****. Even if she's a bit narcissistic and has an obsession with being the center of attention, And you know, throughout the seasons, I shipped Ginger and Darren, and I don't mean boats. In a nutshell, this show is another Nickelodeon favorite, and again, I really wish the series was on DVD or Blu-ray.
This series is about 12-year-old Ginger Foutley and her friends Dodie and Macie as they deal with adolescence as well as junior high and high school. Like in the episode "And She Is Gone," in which Ginger writes a disturbing poem that makes everyone think she's suicidally depressed. I can tell why it is a fan favourite, perhaps because of how it deals with depression. One of my favourite episodes from an animated series focused on a serious problem.
It's nice to see that Courtney Gripling is actually nice to someone like Ginger, rather than being a total rich b****. Even if she's a bit narcissistic and has an obsession with being the center of attention, And you know, throughout the seasons, I shipped Ginger and Darren, and I don't mean boats. In a nutshell, this show is another Nickelodeon favorite, and again, I really wish the series was on DVD or Blu-ray.
A very underrated cartoon for all ages
brandyharringtonfan10 May 2022
Despite the ugly animation, actually watching this show is super enjoyable. Tackling deep issues such as depression and addiction, this show is very relatable, especially for girls around 13-15. The plots are also very original and very clever with its humor. The best part about this show is for sure Lois Foutley, she is one of the best moms I've ever seen in animation with having so many heartwarming and funny moments! Overall, a great show that you should check out.
An underrated gem
justinamans29 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'm the exact age of the star character Ginger, and started watching this show right when it aired. It was the perfect transition show to bridge the gap between childhood and the teen years/adulthood. It gave advice without being corny, and allowed space for mistakes and growth. It promoted the idea that no one is perfect, perfectly. I'm forever grateful for as told by ginger. It took me twenty years to watch the last episode, and it seemed fitting seeing ginger grown at the end, with a child of her own, as I am now grown, with a child of my own. Very full circle moment. Very full circle show. Much more true to what it's actually like growing up than most shows about teens. It's tough! It's super confusing. No one is perfect. And life moves quickly. Before you know it, it's a fun/unfun and distant memory.
Funny and Real!
republicablink8 July 2001
I love this show! I think its funny because its so ReAl! Ms. Foutly is a perfect example of a Jewish Motha (mother). I love the whole cast and plot. This has the best art of any cartoon i've ever seen! Also, watch Invader ZIM. fantastic shows!
A great show!
breakzz30 April 2004
I love this show a lot, ginger is not perfect but i just love the way she handles her problems. Lois is the most amazing character in the show, she single-handedly supports the family and still find time to give Ginger some advice and to keep up with Carl. Ginger's friends might not 'likable' and at times i find them a tat annoying but they're always there for her when she needs them. The way they create Courtney comes to show that the most popular might not be the happiest. This show is simply the best! MUST SEE!! 5 STARS!
A breath of fresh air
Djcool9955527 June 2004
While this show cannot compare to classics such as Rocko's Modern life or Ren & Stimpy, it is one of the best Nicktoons made in a while. It is one of those shows that captures your interest yet you can't explain why. Sadly, the Kid's network I grew up with is not the same as it once was, and there is little that todays kids will get to enjoy like I grew up with. However, compared to mediocre Catdog and plain awful Wild Thornberries, it is spectacular. As Told By Ginger is a small shimmer of hope in Nickelodeons future, which over the years has faded to black. One of the few good modern Nicktoons, hopefully it will fare better than the greats did.
A good cartoon from Nick?
Op_Prime21 December 2000
Given the most recent shows from Nick, I expected this show to be below average if not totally and completely bad. Shockingly, I actually enjoyed this show. The animation is pretty good and there is actually quite a bit of originality here. For a cartoon from Nick, this is actually a pretty good show.
frizzy lizzys, mind you
faeriesmak26 October 2001
aaaahhhh..a refreshing breath of sweet original cartoon material. Where to start...Considering Nick's recent cartoons minus the Wild Thornberrys i was skeptical BUT alas! a cartoon where the characters have character..their plights are very real..as real as they can get from the view of a 13 year old girl with red hair, frizzy lizzies, and ever looming popularity. Ginger Foutley is a female character that is strong-willed and not afraid to be herself while being challenged by her friends and the ever popular Courtney Gripling who attempts to take Ginger under her wing. The plots are interesting and a nice long full half hour not like many that are not a skimpy 15 minutes and weak of plot. One of my favorite features of the show is that the characters have many changes of clothing (mostly the girls for Carl and Hoodsie seem to never change but isnt that what 10 year old boys are like?) This cartoon is VERY reminescent of the by-gone My-So-Called-Life in its plots and originality. I have seen every episode and cannot wait for the new ones to come out but for now i will have to rerun the ones i recorded. *sighsigh*
Finally a good Nicktoon!
dootuss9 January 2002
I like this show. The characters are original, and are all pretty unique in their own way. The animation is pretty good for a Klasky-Csupo cartoon, and the episodes do a good job at portraying life in a Junior High perspective, as well as a pre-teen point of view.
This Nicktoon is probably the best one in a long time. At least it doesn't star a talking sink cleaner, a conjoined animal, or a bunch of horse-faced human beings like some of the other Nicktoons do (and you know what shows i'm talking about).
This show is great, and that's all i have to say!
This Nicktoon is probably the best one in a long time. At least it doesn't star a talking sink cleaner, a conjoined animal, or a bunch of horse-faced human beings like some of the other Nicktoons do (and you know what shows i'm talking about).
This show is great, and that's all i have to say!
Love it!
diamonds1718 July 2002
As Told by Ginger has to be the best nicktoon Nickelodeon has produced in a while. I love it! It's cute, it's funny, and it's down-to-earth. I was exactly like Ginger when I was her age, and I think a lot people were too! I definitely recommend this show for younger teens. It's all about growing up! Great show!!!
creepy...
snarvle27 July 2003
Is anyone else creeped out by the character's mouths? I hear them talking, but i keep staring at the space in-between their noses and mouths. I have to agree with almost everyone else on this board, this cartoon is fairly awful. I've seen it a few times on NTOON on my digital cable, and I have to say that most of the filler they play is terrible.
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