Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004) User Reviews

Give this show a chance, it's actually very funny!

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 14 August 2010]

I am not saying that this is the best show on Disney, because it isn't. But along with Phineas and Ferb and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody it is one of the better ones, and much better than Hannah Montana and Cory in the House, which are full of the things that the negative commentators criticise this show for(ie. bad acting, bad writing and stereotyping).

Yes some of the characters are clichéd and some of the situations predictable, but we also have some funny writing and some story lines that work really nicely. The show is not that bad to look at, and I like the music, it is pretty funky. And the acting is not that bad, Hilary Duff is not the best actress ever but she is likable, and that is the same with her co-stars. Overall, you mayn't like this show at first, but I honestly don't think it is that bad. I have seen better shows but there are much worse out there as well. 8/10 Bethany Cox

End of an Era

[JayPetey · 8/10 · 12 August 2007]

Let's be honest with ourselves... Despite some people's hate for Disney Channel, Hilary Duff, or 'stupid kids shows' all together, this really actually was a good show. Story lines playfully cliché, lovable characters, good morals, and for kids, the acting wasn't that bad. In a way for myself, 'Lizzie McGuire' brought a clear end to the Nineties television era, as the last of a very good decade. The days of quality shows on Nickelodeon, Disney and other channels came to and end, with shows like 'Lizzie McGuire' and 'Even Steven's' as the last of them. Today's shows are far from what they used to be.

Today's television just isn't the same, but it's always nice to look back.

Interesting gimmick and appealing star

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 27 May 2016]

Lizzie McGuire had its normal Disney Channel run of three years. Rare that a program goes over that, rarer that they're canceled before. It seems that's the required run for one of their teen shows. Sometimes like in Lizzie McGuire's case you get a television movie made of it.

Some are better than others and Lizzie McGuire was not half bad. It had an interesting gimmick and an appealing star. The gimmick goes all the way back to Strange Interlude where the players speak their real thoughts as they turn to the audience. In fact Eugene O'Neill and no one less is responsible for the animated Lizzie who would pop up two or three times an episode and reveal her inner most thoughts.

The second was the wholesome appeal of Hilary Duff in the title role. Her family consisted of super normal parents Robert Carradine and Hallie Todd, no idiot genes here. Her younger brother Jake Thomas was a wild child, but in normal boundaries. And she had her two best friends Lalaine and Adam Lamberg. They did everything as a trio, in fact they were their own set as they described in one episode about how schools just divide naturally into cliques.

Then there was an extended cast that appeared in various episodes other kids and teachers. All in all it was a pleasant half hour viewing.

And from The Magic Kingdom I expect just that and nothing more.

give the show some credit!

[liz8afc · 1 April 2005]

I understand what some of you think about the show because I've read some of the comments, but come on! Give the show a break!! It is what it is, and thats a fun, care-free, entertaining uncomplicated show that deals with issues that all teenagers come across at some stage. The point is its not meant to educate you but to assure you that minor problems in your life can be taken lightly, showing that life doesn't always have to be overly complicated. To me your criticising a show for not being things it never actually set out to be. And as for slating Hillary duff through her make-up, dress sense and acting! your breaking down the show piece by piece taking away the simplicity of it. Just watch it for what it is! A comedy that never fails to amuse if you hold a sense of humour! Just lighten up and if you still don't like it, well thats fine. (If you generally don't laugh at anything).

A Fun Trip Down Memory Lane

[ArdourFilm · 6/10 · 30 June 2020]

With the arrival of Disney+ and the news of a revival coming later this year, I just had to revisit the part of my childhood that was Lizzie McGuire.

It was one of my favourite shows growing up. I thought it was so fun and unique with its added animation, quirky editing, and somewhat silly sound effects. And, for the most part, it still is.

I was a bit overly critical of the show in the beginning as the quality clearly doesn't look as good as it did when it first aired (I could literally count the number of pixels in Lizzie's animated persona!), and, in general, it took me a couple of episodes to get used to its style again. So, only when I adjusted my expectations did I start to enjoy it more.

Admittedly, this is very much a tween series, so my interest was a little lacking due to some of the aforementioned childlike qualities, but, despite its lighthearted approach, they do occasionally deal with some important topics/issues that today's generation of kids could very well benefit from too.

For a show that's almost twenty years old, it was fairly inevitable that there'd be some outdated ideas/opinions put forth, not to mention very clichéd, stereotypically written characters. But, even with these flaws, there's still something charming enough about the show that keeps you watching. For me, it was the nostalgia (so I'm not sure how a first-time viewer would feel) and the smile-inducing bloopers at the end of every episode which, honestly, were the most personally enjoyable moments of the show.

So, while this may not be the best series out there, it provides some decent entertainment and notable lessons and guidance for its target demographic, propelled by more than adequate performances from the main cast.

Oh, and the theme song? Still a banger!

Score: 6.5/10

Iconic

[seethachymiso · 10/10 · 31 December 2019]

The episodes had a fresh humor to them that made the whole show seem real rather then exaggerated.

Lizzie actually learns a lot and each episode has its own story. This show was way ahead of its time.

Okay

[beautiful_strangeme · 7/10 · 11 November 2007]

yes i think there are some scenes that are unrealistic like for example one character will just suddenly go off the scene which makes me think why did he/she leaves? which i thought there is no reason maybe because he/she has no more dialog in the script...though i find the show a OK although at first i don't like the animation part that show Lizzie's thoughts. and i think twenty something minutes is not enough for you guys especially the critics to see what you want to see...to see what for you are so-called "perfect"...Adam Lamberg and Lalaine are good actors too in addition to Jake Thomas and the supporting ones. writers did a great job to some episodes for me...not to all episodes but almost all of them

not the best but not the worst

[math_drama · 5/10 · 7 July 2007]

Lizzie McGuire isn't the best show, but it isn't the worst show; it's just somewhere in the middle. It entertains, I'll give it that, but the actors were annoying, especially Hilary Duff, who plays the main character. Also, this show seems to be showing girls that they have to follow the latest trends, have a crush on the most popular boy in school, not have the best relationship with their parents, have a worst enemy, and take forever to get ready for school each morning. Girls should wear what they like, not what a magazine likes. They should not let boys control their lives, but if they have a crush, it needs to be a boy they really like, not who everyone else likes. Girls should have a great relationship with their parents, and not try to avoid them. Girls should try not to have an enemy, but if they do, they shouldn't get distracted by it. And, girls should only take five or ten minutes to get ready for school. Sure, Lizzie does care about presentation and she tries hard academically, but if she was a real girl, she just wouldn't be a good role model.

A good show for pre-teens

[jamesmtuttle-31416 · 10/10 · 18 December 2017]

When I was 13, I watched it just because Hilary Duff was so cute. When I have kids, I will make them watch this when they hit the target age range. The characters are good and I enjoy the fact that there is not to much drama. A lot of tween shows feel the need to add a lot of unnecessary drama. Not this one. The plots are simple and deal more with the every day problems of middle schoolers. There were good morals. The dad was funny, but not a complete doting dad. Both parents served as the voice of reason for Lizzie. She is a relatable character and the animated segments so cleverly and humorously showed her inner thoughts.

fine family show

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 2 September 2013]

This is a family show about three best friends; Lizzie McGuire (Hilary Duff), Miranda Sanchez (Lalaine), and David 'Gordo' Gordon (Adam Lamberg). Lizzie deals with her parents (Hallie Todd, Robert Carradine) and bratty brother Matt (Jake Thomas) at home, and various kids at school.

The show is good tween drama with a loving family and traditional school themes. It was tremendously successful. It launched a whole line of never ending tween girl TV shows with incredible marketing powers. It's a new form of Disney princess after decades of Disney kid stars. The nice part is that she's not cynical in any way and is super sweet. Each episode ends with a blooper reel which is again sweet and cute. That's show. Sweet and Cute.

a view at Disney's worst

[dessler_24 · 2/10 · 16 July 2006]

This show is possibly the WORST show on Disney channel. The fact that Hillary Duff's character, Lizzie, is shallow and obnoxious proves this show to be intolerable. But, factor in her annoying best 'friend', Miranda (played by Lalaine) and her other somewhat normal friend Gordo (Adam Lamberg) and you're talking horrific. It's obvious that this show is trying to depict the normal everyday life of junior high while trying to be the next Ally McBeal, but it misses by a long-shot.

To start with, the plots are hilariously unrealistic (like how Lizzie trys to be 'bad' and she ends up in detention. Oooh, we have a real rebel on our hands!) or when Miranda is accused of stealing, and Lizzie doesn't know what side to take. Stealing is wrong, but who really cares if your friend so-called stole a lipstick!!! I mean, I know it's Disney and all, but do they really have to make the characters a goodie two shoes all the time? Or the time when Lizzie and Miranda go see the kiddy show, and Kate is there and they are made fun of? The short of it is is that Lizzie stands up on a table and sings a song, and everyone sings along with it.

Then there's the fact that Lizzie's hair always looks like she stepped out of a salon is COMPLETELY unrealistic. Who really has time in the morning to pick out a designer outfit, and put hair extensions in, with red streaks, or have a hair style that looks like it would take hours. What's wrong with a ponytail? Then we go to the clothing. Remember that episode where Lizzie was DYING to have that midriff bearing outfit? How unrealistic? First of all, no junior high school would let their students where that. It was trashy, and was possibly the stupidest plot out of all of the episodes. Who cares that much about some trashy outfit that will only allow you to look like a slut? What else...what else...how 'bout her stupid parents? Yes, yes. Lizzie's Mom is overprotective, clueless and just plain DUMB. All of her advice is the same, as well. Be yourself, and everything else will fall into place. Be kind to everyone. Give people a chance. Usually followed by some cheesy story. And her dad is probably the worst aspect of the show. How realistic is it that when he trips on a roller skate and smashes his head or spills feathers on him or WHATEVER he never yells, or says anything mean? I mean come on, who calls their son 'son' every time you ask them something. "son, what are you doing?" "son, let me tell you something." *gag* Whats even worse is the sound effects. Why would you feel the need to have camera noises every time you show a flashback? Or the boooinnnng noises when someone falls down? I mean, come on. But the music is what really makes me cringe. The slow, soft music that accompanies a cheesy apology, or the bouncy, happy music that accompanies their trips to a mall or their average everyday life at school is enough to make a person gag.

I understand that this show wasn't made to educate people, but why would have such low moral values and stereotypes? Like the fact that Miranda and Lizzie's main goal in life is to be the most popular girl in school, or that all cheerleaders are snobs.

This show makes me gag, and is the worst show one Disney Channel.

What is wrong with you?

[seethachymiso · 10/10 · 21 June 2019]

I find myself rewatching the episodes and they almost never grow old. Also,I love to see what the early 2000's were like. This show deserves a higher score

A Classic Coming-of-Age Story for a New Generation

[sufyaanrashid95 · 6/10 · 19 June 2023]

"The Lizzie McGuire" TV series is a classic coming-of-age story that has captured the hearts of audiences since its debut in 2001. The show follows the ups and downs of Lizzie (played by Hilary Duff), a middle school student navigating the challenges of adolescence with the help of her quirky friends and family.

One of the strengths of the series is its relatability. Lizzie's struggles with self-confidence, peer pressure, and family dynamics are familiar to anyone who has gone through the awkward teenage years. The show's humor, which is both silly and smart, adds to its overall appeal and makes it a hit with viewers of all ages.

Another highlight of the series is its cast of characters. Lizzie's best friends, Gordo and Miranda, are well-developed and likable, and their interactions with Lizzie provide some of the show's most memorable moments. Lizzie's parents, played by Robert Carradine and Hallie Todd, also add depth and humor to the series with their quirky personalities and loving relationship.

Overall, "The Lizzie McGuire" series is a classic that has stood the test of time. Its themes of friendship, self-discovery, and family are timeless, and its humor and relatability make it a must-watch for anyone who has ever been a teenager. Whether you're looking to revisit your own middle school years or introduce a new generation to the show, "The Lizzie McGuire" series is a must-see.

Disney's saddest attempt yet..

[arorashadow_2003 · 5/10 · 9 August 2004]

Lizzie McGuire, is meant to appeal to teenage life, and whats it like to be an teenager, but let me tell you as a teenager, LIFE IS NOTHING LIKE THIS!!!! Oh sure they lightly tap the subject of per-pressure, and the need to fit in, but really. I do not have a snobby cheer leader as a rival, I don't trip over my self every five minutes, cheer leaders don't control the school, and Ethan Craft? Who in the world is that dumb? He is the worlds biggest idiot. Matt, is an embarrassment to all guys. They think they have really appealed to teens, they think they are covering all there is to know. But they are not. What they fail to show is the "REALITY" of life. Anorexia, Bullying, kids brining guns drugs on and on and on! Of sure they did cover A eating disorder once, but they taped it very lightly. I know it's suppose to be a comedy, but you can make comedy, and drama work together, take the old Sit-Comes for example. I have to give this: * out of ********** (1 o/f 10)

a pretty good show

[JBoze313 · 15 April 2001]

Nice one line summary huh? Well...it might be weird, but I'm 22, and I like this show a lot. The other comments talk about how Lizzie is a brat and a snob, etc, but I think everyone is missing the point. The shows theme might be aimed at the wrong age group, but who knows...maybe I'm just weird. I think it's a really nice show, and if can entertain someone like me, and of my age, then it has to be halfway decent. It's got good values and a storyline that usually exposes some sort of really nice truth about life in general, and that works well with this show and format. The acting is pretty good, and it's funny, and almost all of the jokes work. 8/10

a bit stupid sometimes

[sashank_kini-1 · 6/10 · 23 February 2007]

well i started to watch this show only after i felt the urge to watch it as there was no other pro-gramme and all the episodes of the other pro-gramme were been repeated from the starting. the story is about a girl named Lizzie who, on the verge of becoming a teenager, faces a loads of problems, like bickering with her best friends, fight for the sweet boy and other which any teenager.... wouldn't face at such a young age. Lizzie has two friends called Gordon and Miranda. Gordo secretly likes Lizzie though he only expresses it in the ending episodes of the second season. Lizzie has a brother called Matt who has a best friend called Lanny whom well... Matt can only understand. Lizzie's parents are Sam and Joe who solve some of her problems. Well the first season of Lizzie Mcguire was a bit boring with Lizzie looking horrible in her short hair, Gordo is always the silent boy and is a bit irritating sometimes when he stars bickering with the two friends. Miranda who too is Lizzie's best friend is very irritating as she keeps on fighting with Lizzie just because she supports someone else. Matt is the character whom i personally like though he is a bit childish. his friend Lanny keeps showing silly faces and becomes clumsy in his acting. Lizzie's parents are obnoxious who keep behaving stupidly, giving Lizzie advices and giving her tips about boys, that too at the young age of thirteen! I felt some of the episodes a bit stupid like the one in which Lizzie is assigned a project with Gordo to be husband and wife and her best friend Miranda is made partner with the love of their life Ethan Craft and Lizzie overhears Ethan talking to Lizzie's enemy Kate and Kate tells Ethan to leave Miranda on the day of the project and marry her and she would leave her partner, the stinky Larry Dutchman and the Lizzie starts telling Gordo about how Miranda would feel and goes on saying everything stupid. But the episode i hated the most was in which Lizzie's younger brother Matt goes to Lizzie's school by mistake and people think that he is a film star and what not. the second season was a bit better as Lizzie looked beautiful in it with her long hair and she looked like a good girl. She keeps on talking about Ethan and her marrying which boils my blood. but the worst thing about the second season are the plots which are so stupid that i would puke on them. let me give you some examples: in one episode there is a food fight in the school and Lizzie tries to get out of the lunch hall but when someone throws food at her she takes some food in her hand and tries to throw it at that person when the principal arrives and gives punishment only to Lizzie, Kate and Larry. But hello... wasn't the whole class involved in the fight so why should only three children get punishment. there are even other episodes in which the plots are horrible. i am giving it a 5 out of ten as each episodes as in each of the episodes, they teach you something. thank you for reading my comment.

Lizzie McGuire is Fun!

[partyp-50455 · 10/10 · 21 March 2021]

I (reviewer) am a 15 year old male from the United States.

And I have to say this show is incredibly fun, I love the main characters, Lizzie, Miranda and Gordo, and I love the younger brother Matt McGuire.

I love how relatable the plotlines are, and I love the way the characters act and everything!

10/10 show.

7/10

[groovichick232 · 6/10 · 21 February 2005]

This isn't all bad. It is pretty typical cheesy Disney type stuff but its OK. Ill tell you the good points and bad points of what I think about this series.

This show Isn't AT ALL like real life. The show is supposed to be about a normal girl dealing with problems. But this show did not portray Lizzie of having a normal life. In the show, Lizzie has a big house, lots of clothes, perfect hair and make up, and no spots, braces or glasses. Nobody who has a normal life lives like this. Everyone on this show looks perfect and anyone who has braces of glasses or spots is portrayed as a 'geek'. NO 13 year old goes through life without spots/braces/glasses unless you are very lucky. And if you don't have these you are probably a model or something. And i don't get why if you are a cheer leader you are evil! Girls i know do cheer leading are nice. This show has many stereotypes. The gross guy, the evil cheerleader, the hot but dumb guy, etc, but you can laugh at some of them.

The good points now: i think this show is quite entertaining, but it is more like an escape from life rather than something I can relate to. I think some on the characters are funny, such as Ethan Craft and Larry Tudgeman, who make me laugh. The Matt McGuire sort of jokes are more my 10 year old brother's kind of humour, but his girlfriend with the blonde hair (forgotten her name) is funny to watch. She reminds me of my friend who it really bossy. My favourite character is probably Gordo who is sort of like me. I am , like him, short for my age and look about 11 even though i am 14, but i like him because he is very smart and he is a better friend than Miranda, who really just talks to Lizzie about Ethan Craft.

Overall I enjoy watching the show and i would give it 7/10.

Pretty decent show, could be more realistic, Lizzie could be less of a snob

[smithjolie · 5/10 · 18 August 2017]

I like Lizzie McGuire. I think overall it's an easygoing show to watch. What I don't really like is Lizzie herself. I feel like she's way too sassy, rude, and never listens to Gordo, even though half the time he's the only one that has any sense.

I also hate how Lizzie treats her parents. Sure, they're goofy and weird, but that's what's lovable about them. And they only want to help Lizzie, but she always pushes them away and yells at them when she doesn't get her way. And they seem to condone that. And plus, the show tries to portray Lizzie as this down to earth, sweet 13/14 yr old girl who goes through typical teen problems. But her problems don't involve getting a pimple or someone dying- it usually involves her whining about how the dumbest boy in school won't talk to her.

What Disney Channel should be

[flippensweet88 · 10/10 · 1 December 2007]

Any comments about this show being terrible are completely unfounded. This, along with "Phil of the Future" is the embodiment of what Disney Channel should be.

Each episode is funny and doesn't talk down to kids. It invites you to share in a life lesson but is not forced down your throat. Funny and relatable, it appeals to both kids, teens, and adults.

With Hannah Montana and High School Musical, Disney Channel has scraped the bottom of the barrel. Few adults or people over the age of 12 can stomach the garbage. Sure, Disney is rolling in money now, but if they want a future they should rethink their programming choices, and use "Lizzie" as an example.

Pretty Good. <3

[babyangel_maria · 7/10 · 27 December 2006]

The only thing that i hate about this show is ethan craft i wish they got a hotter guy to play him. & also kate sanders is so annoying. in the lizzie mcguire movie she is okay. i admit she is pretty but she just really irritates me. anyway this show is cute , and talks about real life issues , some of the episodes are bad but everythings mostly good. i really like the episode where kate and miranda were wearing the same outfit that was a funny one i know some of you hate lizzie mcguire but you know stop criticizing hilary duff shes only a teenager. even though this isn't as great as "thats so raven" its still a pretty good show. wellihavetogowatchsoyouthinkyoucandance<3 --babyangel.

It's OK, but does not age well.

[ulrichsaint · 4/10 · 25 December 2015]

The show managed to scrounge up 64 episodes is quite a feat, and the acting is nothing to get sick about from a few of the main actors, but the show has a problem where they must play non-stop SOUND-EFFECT SOUNDS. The show takes a bad movie approach by basically not having any quiet moments while the jokes are awkward and not pleasant. Hilary is a good actor, but her character is not a popular one. The friends that Hilary's character has are OK. The actor who plays "Gordo" is decent, but the other one is not pleasant, the fact that she was not in the spin off movie that premiered after the show speaks for itself, on how unimportant and how little the writers tried. The parents were every clichéd 90s parent of being either humiliating our main character or being complete cardboard copies. Her brother was forgettable as he tries to be memorable, how ironic.

Timeless Classic

[texxas-1 · 10/10 · 9 April 2017]

I watched this since it first came out and I still love it now the way I loved it then. As a teen Hillary Duff was very pretty without being tall and thin, this shows girls (well at least it showed me) that you can be beautiful without looking like a supermodel. The character Lizzie is very likable,pretty and stylish. She wears a lot of colourful clothes and her hair is always styled in a complicated fun way.

The problem with this show is it doesn't really help teens with the struggles of school, since Lizzie's problems are very light-heated and always seem to be resolved in the end. Real life is a lot more complicated than that. When I was struggling with the horrors of school I'd wish that my problems were as simple as Lizzie's, her only experience with bullying is from ex best friend Kate, but shes more of a catty mean girl than anything else. Each episode always has a subplot with Lizzies little brother Matt which I think hurts the show, I always find that part boring and annoying.

The show is very left wing, one of Lizzie's best friend is portrayed as Mexican (the the actress is actually half Philippino) and the other is Jewish.

I still watch this show as an adult and enjoy it a lot, it's really feel good and you feel happy and optimistic once you're done watching it.

Lizzie McGuire is okay

[Cutelizzy · 6/10 · 21 July 2006]

I don't want to say it's awful, the worst show ever, etc. I say it's okay. It's about Lizzie and her two friends Miranda and Gordo facing the problems of middle school, family, and friends. All the problems are realistic, but they don't go that far with the problem. Like, when Miranda became worried about her weight and went on a diet, she fainted only one day after she decided to diet. The episode would of been better if Miranda decided to diet for like, a week.

Another thing I don't like about Lizzie McGuire is their humor. Some of it is kind of funny, but I don't actually laugh out loud. I just kind of smile.

Hey hmm... well cheesy!

[mickyjoe-dawn · 4/10 · 18 October 2007]

What do I think about this? Very Cheesy I think. Lizzie Mguire played by Hilary Duff is OK but everything else is cheesy. OK sometimes I watch it if American Dragon is on but it really is silly and cheesy. I mean if I watch it I get bored of how cheesy it is. I can't stop saying that word Cheesy now but that's what it is. Sometimes a few (only a few)of the eposodes are OK but most of the time they're not. If you try the Lizzie Mguire Movie you are sure to get a bigger smile on your face but maybe the eposodes are not really that good. So over all I give it a 4/10 not a 10/10 or not an awful 0/10 if you can actually do that. But a hmmm not sure 4/10 is sutable.