100 Things To Do Before High School

"100 Things To Do Before High School" is a vivacious, engaging, coming-of-age live-action comedy series aired on the Nickelodeon network from 2014 to 2016. The plot centers around three close-knit friends starting their middle school journey, inspired by the enthusiasm of childhood and the dizzying opportunities that adolescence unearths. The show presents their experiences with unfettered visual exuberance, amplifying the madness and mirth of middle school life.

The series introduces us to the vibrant trio of CJ Martin, Fenwick Frazier, and Christian "Crispo" Powers. CJ, a spirited seventh-grader, serves as the diligent protagonist behind the iconic "100 Things" list. She creates the list, filled with adventurous tasks and challenges to be completed before high school, hoping it will help them navigate their middle school years while staying true to themselves and keeping their friendship intact.

CJ Martin, portrayed brilliantly by Isabela Moner, is the catalyst for the group's future adventures. Her two best friends, Fenwick and Crispo, are her constant companions. Fenwick Frazier, played by Jaheem Toombs, is the bespectacled genius and voice of reason within the group, while Crispo, enacted by Owen Patrick Joyner, is the charismatic, free-spirited accomplice always eager to dive into new, intriguing endeavors.

The premise of "100 Things To Do Before High School" harbors the essence of carpe diem, encouraging its youthful audience to take full advantage of their opportunities. Each episode focuses on the three friends making attempts to accomplish various items on their list. These tasks range from making a new friend, to joining a club, taking on a cause, overcoming fears, or even, at times, breaking the rules. The trio communicates messages of resilience, determination, and bravery as they navigate through awkward moments, face-offs with bullies, school pressures, and the daily turbulence of early teenage life.

The show encapsulates the anxiety, excitement, and uncertainties that come with adolescence. Still, it also incorporates fun and friendship, resting on the belief that everything is more achievable and less daunting when one's best friends are by your side. It is refreshing to see a kids' show that doesn't shy away from the darker shades of adolescence but instead addresses them with humor and understanding, ensuring they remain relatable and engaging.

In addition to the relatable life lessons, the series also showcases the diversity and fluid nature of the characters' relationships. From classroom interactions to parental involvements, peer relationships to the development of early crushes, the show beautifully portrays the complexity that's embedded in the transitional phase of these young teenagers.

Moreover, "100 Things To Do Before High School" stands out because it doesn't succumb to the conventional melodrama seen in teenage sitcoms. Rather than presenting impeccable characters, it embraces their flaws and makes them their charm. The show's light-hearted, comical writing, balanced with heartfelt moments, makes it an entrancing and entertaining choice for its audience.

Authentic performances by the cast add depth to their on-screen personas, creating characters that resonate with the audience. The dynamic chemistry among the core trio is palpable and serves as the heart of the series, making it genuinely entertaining and easy to watch. Their inquisitive nature, exuberant spirit, and unwavering camaraderie shine through the spirited performances, making it a favorite among the younger audience.

Set in the backdrop of Pootatuck Middle School, which serves as a fitting metaphor for the intimidating world of adolescence, the vibrant, fast-paced series also takes full advantage of its visually playful style. The cinematography, which often feels like a comic strip brought to life, serves to further enhance the madcap, unpredictable world of middle school.

Overall, "100 Things To Do Before High School" is a spirited, fun-filled journey that champions the importance of friendship while teaching valuable life lessons. Unless you’ve experienced the ups and downs of adolescence with your best friends by your side, you’ve never really lived. This is the mantra that drives this Nickelodeon series, making it both a heartwarming and amusingly adventurous ride for the viewers.