TL;DR
The iCarly revival on Paramount+ is a nostalgic trip for millennials, but it is not a kids' show. While the original iCarly (Nickelodeon) was the gold standard for tween silliness, this version features swearing, social drinking, and frank (though non-explicit) discussions about sex and dating. It’s best suited for ages 14+—or for parents who want to watch it solo for the "Penny Tee" nostalgia.
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If you spent any part of the late 2000s hearing "Random Dancing!" coming from your TV, you know the vibe of the original series. The iCarly revival picks up ten years later. Carly Shay is now in her 20s, living in Seattle with her brother Spencer (who is now a wealthy, eccentric artist), and navigating a world where "web shows" have been replaced by TikTok and YouTube influencers.
The core trio is back—Carly, Freddie, and Spencer—but Sam (Jennette McCurdy) is notably absent, explained away as being off with a biker gang. In her place, we get Harper, Carly’s stylish roommate, and Millicent, Freddie’s social-media-obsessed stepdaughter who basically treats Carly like she’s "ancient" at 26.
There is a massive "nostalgia bait" trap here. Because it’s titled iCarly, many parents assume they can just hit play and let their 8-year-old binge it while they fold laundry. Don’t do that.
The writers specifically designed this show for the people who grew up watching the original on Nickelodeon. It’s a "grown-up" sitcom in the vein of Friends or The Big Bang Theory. It deals with adult problems: career failures, messy divorces (Freddie has two!), and the existential dread of being a "washed-up" internet star.
Language
The original show’s edgiest word was probably "chiz." In the iCarly revival, the characters use actual swear words. You’ll hear "ass," "bitch," "hell," and "damn" fairly regularly. It’s not Euphoria level, but it’s definitely not the sanitized language of a typical "kids' show."
Sex and Dating
This is where the biggest shift happens. The plotlines revolve around dating apps, ghosting, and romantic hookups. There are jokes about "one-night stands" and sexual innuendos that are much more blatant than the "hidden" jokes in old Dan Schneider productions. In one episode, Spencer even accidentally hires a sex worker for Freddie (thinking she was a date), which leads to a whole conversation about sex work being "normalized."
Substance Use
The characters are in their late 20s, so they drink. Social drinking at bars or wine in the apartment is a frequent backdrop for scenes. It’s portrayed as a normal part of adult life, but it’s a far cry from the smoothies at the Groovy Smoothie.
Ages 5-11: Not Recommended
They won’t get the jokes, and they’ll be confused by why Carly is suddenly talking about "getting the ick" from a guy she slept with. If they want the iCarly experience, stick to the original series or Sam & Cat.
Ages 12-14: Parent’s Choice
This is the "gray area." If your kid is already watching shows like Fuller House or older sitcoms, they can handle this. However, be prepared for questions about adult relationships and the occasional "bitch" dropped in conversation.
Ages 15+: Green Light
At this age, they’ve seen worse on TikTok. The show might actually lead to some decent conversations about the reality of "influencer culture" and how hard it is to maintain a digital brand over time.
Check out our guide on the best sitcoms for middle schoolers
If you decide to let your older kids watch, use the show as a springboard for these topics:
- The "Influencer" Grind: Carly struggles with her relevance in the 2020s. Talk about how social media fame isn't as easy or permanent as it looks.
- Digital Evolution: Millicent (the stepdaughter) represents the "Gen Alpha" view of tech. It’s a great way to talk about how social media habits change between generations.
- The Reality of Adulting: Freddie’s character arc—moving back in with his mom after a failed startup—is a very real (and funny) look at how life doesn't always go according to plan after high school.
The iCarly revival is a well-made, funny sitcom that successfully transitions a kids' brand into an adult space. It’s great for a nostalgic binge-watch after the kids are in bed, but it’s not the "family night" pick you might expect. If you're looking for something the whole family can actually enjoy together without the "wait, did she just say that?" moments, you’re better off with something like The Mitchells vs. the Machines.
- Audit your Paramount+ settings: If your kids have their own profiles, make sure the maturity rating is set to "Children" so they don't accidentally stumble into Carly's 20s.
- Watch the first episode solo: You'll know within 10 minutes if the tone fits your family's boundaries.
- Explore the original: If your kids are "Ohio-levels" of obsessed with early internet culture, start them with the original iCarly first.