Is the music in the show actually K-pop?

It’s K-pop inspired. It uses the upbeat, EDM-heavy production and synchronized vibes of the genre, but the lyrics are in English and the style is more 'American Tween Pop' than what you'd see from a group in Seoul.

Is there a lot of 'mean girl' behavior?

There is a rival character and some school-ground friction, but it never reaches the level of true bullying. The show stays firmly in the 'musical comedy' lane where problems are solved with a song and a dance.

Where can I find the music if my kid likes it?

The band from the show, XO-IQ, released several albums on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. It’s very safe, high-energy music for a kid's playlist.

Does the show push social media use on kids?

One character is obsessed with her 'Linc' (the show's version of social media) followers. It’s a major plot point, but the show often uses it to show the downsides of being too focused on your phone, making it a good opening for a conversation about digital balance.

Make It Pop – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Make It Pop

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2015

68%

WISE Score

Three roommates at a fancy prep school try to balance grades and K-pop stardom in this neon-soaked musical comedy.

Make It Pop

show

TV-G, 2015

68%

WISE Score

Three roommates at a fancy prep school try to balance grades and K-pop stardom in this neon-soaked musical comedy.

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Screenwise Verdict

It is neon-colored bubblegum. If your kid is currently obsessed with K-pop or musical theater, Make It Pop is a harmless, high-energy binge that feels like a time capsule of 2015 trend-chasing.

It isn't going to win any awards for deep storytelling, and the IMDb score of 5.2 reflects that it's fairly generic. However, for a parent looking for something safe that doesn't involve toilet humor or mean-spirited 'influencer' culture, this fits the bill. It's essentially Victorious with an EDM beat and less edge.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 7–11 set. It’s colorful and high-energy enough for younger kids, but the boarding school setting and 'crush' subplots will keep elementary-aged kids interested.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The show is built on the foundation of three distinct girls learning to share a space and a stage. It models cooperation, navigating roommate friction, and sticking together through school stress.

Imaginative

While it leans on the standard 'prep school' trope, the heavy focus on DIY fashion, music production, and performance encourages kids to think about their own creative outlets.

Safe

This is peak Nickelodeon-era safety. Conflicts are resolved within 22 minutes, romance is limited to light crushes and hand-holding, and there is zero problematic content to worry about.

Enriching

It touches on the importance of balancing academics with passions. It's not deep, but it validates the idea that being a 'bookworm' and a 'pop diva' aren't mutually exclusive.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

K-pop introduction for younger kids who aren't quite ready for the more mature themes or intense fandoms of the real-world music scene.
Diverse representation with Asian-American leads in a genre (tween musical comedy) that historically lacked it.
Creative inspiration through the characters' focus on fashion design and music production, rather than just 'being famous.'
Low-stakes drama makes it a 'brain break' show that won't leave kids feeling anxious or overstimulated.

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What to Watch For

The social media obsession of character Sun Hi is played for laughs, but her constant need for 'followers' and 'likes' is a trope that hasn't aged particularly well.
Stereotypical character archetypes (the nerd, the fashionista, the diva) are laid on thick, though they do find some depth as the series progresses.

Conversation Starters

"Sun Hi is really focused on her online followers—do you think that actually makes her happier or just more stressed?"
"Which of the three girls would you want to have as a roommate, and why?"
"The school in the show puts academics before art. Do you think it's possible to be great at both at the same time?"
"If you had to start a band with your friends, what would your 'twist' or style be?"

Deep Dive

Co-created by Nick Cannon, Make It Pop was Nickelodeon's attempt to capitalize on the rising K-pop wave before it became the global juggernaut it is today. Looking at it from 2026, the show feels a bit like 'K-pop Lite'—it takes the aesthetic and the upbeat sound but filters it through a very traditional American tween sitcom lens.

The show follows Sun Hi, Jodi, and Corki at the fictional Mackendrick Prep. The dynamic is predictable: they start as mismatched roommates and end up as a band called XO-IQ. What works here is the emphasis on the work behind the music. They aren't just discovered; they have to practice, design their own clothes, and navigate the strict rules of their boarding school.

While the music is catchy, the show's biggest hurdle for a modern kid might be the pacing. Compared to the hyper-fast content on TikTok or modern animated series, the sitcom beats can feel a little slow and the 'laugh-track' energy a bit dated. But for a kid who wants to see girls being ambitious and creative without the 'mean girl' toxicity found in shows like Gossip Girl or even some Disney Channel offerings, this is a solid, safe pick.

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