TL;DR: Victorious is back in a big way thanks to the 2026 Netflix sequel, and your tween is likely swooning over Avan Jogia (Beck Oliver). The show is a classic "performing arts high school" sitcom—high energy, catchy music, and mostly harmless, though it carries some of that "edgy" 2010s Nickelodeon snark. Avan Jogia himself has evolved into a respected indie creator, making him a relatively "safe" celebrity crush.
Quick Links
- The Original Series: Victorious
- The 2026 Movie: Victorious: Back to the Arts
- The Spin-off: Sam & Cat
- Avan's Directorial Debut: Door Mouse (Note: Rated R, for older teens only!)
If you’ve heard "Make It Shine" blasting from your kid’s room lately, you aren't in a time warp. It’s 2026, and the Victorious renaissance is peaking.
The original show followed Tori Vega as she navigated Hollywood Arts, a performing arts high school full of eccentric (and often chaotic) teens. But while Tori was the lead, the internet has collectively decided that Beck Oliver, played by Avan Jogia, was the real star.
The recent release of the Netflix sequel movie, Victorious: Back to the Arts, has brought the original cast back together, sparking a massive wave of "Beck Oliver" edits on TikTok and Instagram.
In the world of 2010s teen TV, Beck Oliver was the "ultimate boyfriend." He was calm, artistic, had great hair, and—most importantly—he didn't participate in the over-the-top "mean girl" antics that defined many sitcoms of that era.
For today’s tweens, Beck represents a "cool guy" archetype that feels timeless. He’s the guy who stays chill while everyone else is screaming.
What parents should know about Avan Jogia: Unlike some child stars who spiraled, Avan Jogia has spent the last decade becoming a bit of a "Renaissance Man." He’s an actor, a director, a poet, and an activist. He’s managed to maintain his "cool" status without the typical tabloid drama. If your kid is following him on social media, they’re seeing a lot of fashion, vintage aesthetics, and promotion of independent film.
Ask our chatbot about Avan Jogia's recent projects for older teens
The new movie, Victorious: Back to the Arts, targets the original fans (who are now in their 20s) and the new generation of tweens.
The Good:
- Nostalgia done right: It captures the fun and musical energy of the original.
- Positive growth: The characters are shown as adults who have pursued different creative paths, emphasizing that success looks different for everyone.
- Beck and Jade: Their notoriously "toxic" relationship from the original show is addressed with a bit more maturity.
The "Be Aware":
- Mild Language: Since the characters are now adults, the dialogue is slightly "edgier" than the original Nick show (think "hell" or "damn").
- Romantic Themes: There’s more focus on adult relationships, though it stays firmly in the PG-13 realm.
We can't talk about Victorious without acknowledging the "Dan Schneider" era of Nickelodeon. In 2026, we are well-versed in the controversies surrounding that time period (specifically the Quiet on Set documentary).
While Victorious remains a favorite, some of the humor hasn't aged perfectly. There are occasional "foot jokes" or scenes that feel a bit exploitative in hindsight.
The Screenwise Take: You don't need to ban the show, but if your kid is binging it, it's a great opportunity to talk about "the vibe." If a joke feels weird or a character is being unnecessarily mean, ask them, "Do people actually act like that in real life?" It helps build that critical thinking muscle.
Ages 9-12 (The Sweet Spot)
This is the prime audience for the original Victorious. They love the music, the fashion, and the "high school" fantasy.
- Parental Tip: Keep an eye on the "Jade West" influence. Jade is a fan-favorite character known for being mean and "edgy." Tweens often try to emulate this persona because they think it's cool.
Ages 13-15
They’ll likely be more interested in the 2026 sequel and Avan Jogia’s current career.
- Parental Tip: This is a good age to discuss the reality of the entertainment industry and how child stars transition into adulthood.
Ages 16+
They might find the original show "cringe" but will enjoy the sequel for the nostalgia. They are also the target audience for Avan’s more mature work, like his book of poetry or indie films.
If your kid is obsessed with the "performing arts" vibe of Victorious, here are some alternatives that offer similar themes without the 2010s baggage:
- For the Music Lovers: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is a fantastic, more modern take on the genre with much better representation.
- For the "Cool Guy" Aesthetic: If they like Beck's chill vibe, they might enjoy the low-stress creativity of Stardew Valley.
- For the Drama: Julie and the Phantoms is a wholesome but high-quality show about a girl in a band (with ghosts).
- For the Creative Spark: Encourage them to make their own "TheSlap.com" style videos (privately!) using CapCut.
If your tween is currently in the "Beck Oliver" phase, use it as a bridge.
- "What makes Beck the 'cool guy'?" (This opens up a conversation about personality traits they value—is it his hair, or the fact that he's a good listener?)
- "What do you think about how Jade treats people?" (A great way to discuss boundaries and friendship dynamics.)
- "If you went to Hollywood Arts, what would your 'talent' be?" (Lean into their actual interests—singing, drawing, coding, etc.)
Victorious and the 2026 sequel are generally safe, high-energy entertainment. Avan Jogia is a charismatic and talented focal point who has managed to navigate fame with more grace than most.
While the original show has some of that "old Nick" snark, it’s a far cry from "brain rot." It’s about creativity, friendship, and finding your voice—even if that voice is occasionally singing a power ballad about a "Freak the Freak Out" moment.
- Watch together: The 2026 sequel is actually a fun "family movie night" pick if you want to see what all the fuss is about.
- Check the stats: Use Screenwise to see what percentage of other 7th graders in your district are watching Victorious.
- Set boundaries: If the "mean girl" behavior from the show starts showing up at the dinner table, it might be time for a Stardew Valley break.