Netflix’s ‘Victorious’ Spinoff ‘Hollywood Arts’ Is a Bland Copy of Shows From a Past Era: TV Review
Netflix has revived the world of Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” with “Hollywood Arts”, a 12-episode sitcom centred on Trina Vega, played again by Daniella Monet. The review finds the series a bland, over-the-top copy of an earlier tween sitcom style, but says it may appeal to younger viewers and offers a less polished picture of adulthood through Trina’s struggles.
After Mr Sikowitz retires, Trina takes a temporary teaching job at the performing arts school despite having no qualifications. Her pupils include a musician hiding his basketball scholarship story, a school star, a behind-the-scenes stage manager and two competing friends. The show leans on familiar hijinks, crushes, songs and physical comedy; the review praises the ensemble and highlights Trina’s uncertain but hopeful adult life as a distinctive element.
- Netflix has brought back “Victorious” with a Trina-centred spinoff.
- The sitcom recycles familiar tween-show comedy.
- Trina’s messy adult life gives it a fresher angle.
New here? Start with this
Victorious was a Nickelodeon sitcom about students at Hollywood Arts, a school for young performers. Its characters included Trina Vega, an aspiring actress played by Daniella Monet, and Mr Sikowitz, one of the school’s teachers.
Hollywood Arts returns to that setting, with Trina now taking on a temporary teaching role after Sikowitz retires. The story brings her into contact with a new group of pupils, each balancing school, friendships and ambitions.
The series draws on the music, comedy and school-life format familiar from earlier youth sitcoms. Trina’s uncertain move into adult life adds another thread, as she tries to find her footing while working with the students.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The revival may offer younger viewers an accessible, energetic sitcom built around music, friendship and broad comedy, while giving fans a return to a familiar world. Trina’s uncertain attempt to manage adulthood also adds a hopeful, less polished thread that distinguishes the show from a simple nostalgia exercise.
The case against
The series may feel like a dated imitation of earlier tween sitcoms, relying on familiar hijinks, crushes and physical comedy rather than a fresh comic voice. Its broad style and unqualified teacher premise may leave little for viewers seeking more subtle writing or convincing character development.
Art Business Celebrity Culture Entertainment Film Markets TV