User Reviews

Man! those were the days of my early like for Nickelodeon. It was around 1993 when got cable and spent hours watching this particular channel.

"Clarissa Explains it All" was one of the most popular shows because most puberts felt identified with Clarissa. To be honest with you, I had a huge crush on Melissa Joan Hart and that's why I watched the show. She was the most perfect female blonde on t.v.!

Then, on the entertainment factor, the show had it all. It was good for kids, puberts, and probably some teens.

I can't really determine if the show could fit in today's standards for teenage fun. The show was somewhat cheesy, naive, and felt uncomfortable while trying to add a moral message when Clarissa solved her "situations". It's a new generation people!

Still, I had fond memories towards this one.

Clarissa Explains it All may have been modeled on the successes of 1) Ferris Bueler and 2) Blossom. Melissa Joan Hart really got her start on this Nickelodean comedy aimed for younger teen and some pre-teen audiences as Clarissa Darling, a teen girl who often had a few minor dilemmas to work out in each episode. If I were to watch this show now, I'd probably remark how extremely corny it is, but then again, the humor and depth (or lack there of) doesn't have to carry on with me as I get older, since that isn't the point.

Clarissa Explains It All, nonetheless had some great things going for it. For one, it was one of the rare occasions that a show was headlined by a young teen girl, and a rather spunky one at that. Few times do we see this in the early 90s, other than Blossom and later, with another Nickelodean series, The Secret World of Alec Max. Something like Zach Morris and Ferris Beuler were able to do, Clarissa often addressed the audience, usually to reiterate how things are going or to give advice for solving those problems. And they were usually minor things, like dealing with a sneaky older brother, Furgeson, or getting out of some mundane chore. Harmless things like that as rarely did Nickelodeon, if ever, touch upon anything but neutral topics (save the short-lived half-hour news program). She was a likable character and not whiny or obnoxious, although her parents were usually nerds. She had a pet aligator named Elvis, a cool neighbor named Sam, and usually programmed computer games as the ideal way of planning a solution to her problems. It was an amusing show that tried to do things a little differently than the same old, same old. And it seemed to have worked, since the show lasted three years (which is still pretty good, considering).

Nickelodeon did have a quite a few good teen and pre-teen based shows on air in the early 90s. Among them were 'The Adventures of Pete and Pete,' 'The Secret World of Alec Max,' 'Are You Afriad of the Dark?' and of course, 'Clarissa Explains It All.' Check out the show if you can. If American television continues creating garbage shows, then these kinds of shows are truly the last of their kind.

"Clarissa Explains It All" doesn't really have a "plot" in the traditional sense of a straight-forward narrative structure, but instead it's largely about the random things going on in the life of a teenage girl named Clarissa Darling (Melissa Joan Hart), and her explanations of everything that's unfolding around her. (And I'm not ashamed to say that as a 25-year-old male, Melissa Joan Hart was probably my first TV crush when this show was in its prime.)

"Clarissa Explains It All" was one of old-school Nickelodeon's best and highest-rated live-action shows during its heyday. Part of what made the show so appealing was the enduring sweetness and charm of its lead actress: Melissa Joan Hart. She was funny, spunky, and not afraid to speak her mind about what was going on around her. Her constant talking directly into the camera was a gimmick that never became tiresome or annoying as it was often a showcasing of her truly unique style on the show. And somewhere in there, also, she found the time to grow up a little bit, as was charted across the show's successful three-year run.

Melissa Joan Hart grew up after this show's cancellation, and she was next seen on the equally popular "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch." Unlike most child stars, I don't think she ever succumbed to the pressures associated with most child actors/actresses who grow up in the Hollywood spotlight (i.e., fall out on drugs, become an unwed teenage parent, wind up at the loony bin or on some low-brow reality show for faded former TV stars, which I guess is the same thing, etc.). For that, you really had to love this girl, her career choices (even though she never really made it "big," she never really faded into any kind of obscurity either), and just general upbeat demeanor and sweetness.

Too bad Nick is no longer producing mature live-action family comedies like this one anymore. Clarissa did a lot of talking on this show and like I said, it never became tiresome or annoying, just like this show never will.

10/10

"Clarissa Explains It All" was a classic Nick show that aired in the early '90's. I remember watching it on SNICK when I was younger with my sister.

"Clarissa Explains It All" told the story of Clarissa Darling, a young girl who wanted to be a journalist. She lived with her mom, dad, and her brother Ferguson. Her best friend was her neighbor, Sam, who came in through her window everyday. There was also her pet alligator Elvis.

My all time favorite episodes were "Haunted House" and "Sam in Love", though, all the episodes were classics. I also thought the acting in this show was very well done, including Melissa Joan Hart as Clarissa.

I miss the days when Nick aired classic shows. I give "Clarissa Explains It All" 10/10 stars.

Clarissa was my favorite Nick show back in Nickelodeon's heyday. All the characters were delightfully quirky, and the show was brilliantly written with insights into what teenagers deal with growing up: school, friends, family, peer pressure, etc. The show was so much fun what with the constant fantasy sequences and Clarissa's funky, colorful outfits. It was also great to watch because Clarissa constantly acted as a news reporter on her own life, breaking the fourth wall to speak directly and relate to the audience, and writing on the screen to demonstrate her points. The laugh track was played a little excessively on this show--the "audience" seemed to laugh at everything, but that's still part of what I like about the show because it's sort of satirical, and it's all part of the show's quirky fun. "Clarissa" is also kind of Seinfeld-esque in how it deals with mundane tiopics in an amusing way. This show sort of paved the way for the Unfabulouses and Zoey 101. It also paved the way for Hannah Montana and That's So Raven. Let the 90's live in our hearts...forever.

Clarissa Explains It All is one of my favorites shows in my entire life and I have seen a LOT of them. I adore every minute of the series and every character... even Ferguson, the awful Ferguson. Melissa Joan Hart is really an amazing actress and as Clarissa she prove it... too bad, she hasn't had the movie carrer I wanted for her. Clarissa, rigth... one of my fav. characters is Sam. Clarissa's Best friend, who until the last episode didn't seem to know how to use the door. I don't remember much about her parentes except they were very, very funny. Clarissa is a MUST SEE to all children, teens and grown ups. Really the best show ever!!!

and Clarissa quickly became my hero. I watched it all the time. Then, there were reruns, and I watched them too ~! Hahaha! I was addicted to this show, I dunno why. It did for me what Punky Brewster did for me when I was 5. I remember Blossom being on the same time and thinking Blossom wasn't half as cool as Clarissa :)

Clarissa's room was really awesome, too. Remember in the beginning when she had Elvis, the Lizard?

I wish Nick would show reruns again...

I used to watch this show when I was growing up. When I think about it, I remember it pretty well. If you ask me, it was a good show. Two things I remember pretty well are the opening sequence and theme song. In addition to that, everyone was ideally cast. Also, the writing was very strong. The performances were top-grade, too. I hope some network brings it back so I can see every episode. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that I'll always remember this show in my memory forever, even though I don't think I've seen every episode. Now, in conclusion, if some network ever brings it back, I hope that you catch it one day before it goes off the air for good.

Of all Nicks real life TV shows this has got to be the best. After this show Nick lost it's touch with real life TV shows (i.e. All That-new ones- The Amanda Show...). For now, Nick should just stick to making cartoon because none of their real life TV shows have hit it off. Clarissa was one of my favorite TV shows and that will never change, it dealt with real problems, had good plots, good acting, what more can you ask for in a kid's TV show.

I give this show a 10/10!

You hit it right on the money, Cousteau. Clarissa was a cute show with other people who have to deal with the teen years (need I say more) Clarissa is a witty, fun character who, well, tells it like it is. The only thing I disagree with is that repetatedly she talked about her life being a teenage hell. She's pretty, popular, has awesome style, loving parents, and tons of revenge on Fergbreath. I'm so angry that Nickeloden took it off air and replaced it with Catdog, Butt Ugly, Martians, Spongebob, and all the other poor excuses for shows. We need Clarissa so Nickoloden will still have some sanity.

I was born in 1986, and this show came on Nick when I was five. I was a little young during its original run to seriously enjoy it, but now that it's back on Noggin (who are also reviving the genius classic 'The Adventures of Pete and Pete') I think it's one of the most fantastically entertaining shows out there. It may not be the most ground breaking and original show I've ever seen in my life, but it really doesn't matter for the fact that you just can't get enough of it!

Clarissa Darling is a hip and smart high school girl who has the coolest outfits (not to mention the coolest room!) and often finds herself in complicated situations (such as dancing in a talent show and going on a blind date). She also has a little brother from hell named Ferguson (AKA Ferg-face or Ferg-wad), who always tries hard to become a businessman, stand-up comic... you name it.

The parents are just kind of average, but Sam's awesome because it's not too often you see a girl's best friend who's a guy (on a TV show that is).

So all in all, give this show a shot if you get Noggin. It's a classic for all of us who were born in the '80s and grew up in the early '90s. : )

....is the way I used to be with "Clarissa Explains It All." Meaning, you don't think all day 'oh, man, i gotta see the show tonight', but you kinda' plan on doing it; or if you're flipping through the channels and "Clarissa" pops up, you're glued, and HAVE to watch it til the end.

My two favorite recurring elements in the show were: (1)The animosity Clarissa had toward 'Ferg-face'(one of his many "clarissa" nicknames!), and the energetic, off-the-wall, intelligent, and of course hilarious arguments between the two because of simple childhood sibling rivalry. Also(2) The fact that the show made her look so technologically 'astute' to her computer. It was rediculous, but at the time being 12 or 13, I was actually hoping it was real so that I would be able to turn my computer screen into a cable TV screen if I got grounded from TV!!

Anyway, the parents are nothing special, Sam is ok, but the two most memorable characters by *far* were Clarissa and Ferguson Darling.

I miss the good old days. I remember I use to race home from school to Watch Clarissa. I also remember, back then All the good stuff came on Nick, Stuff like Kenning and Kel, All that (with the original cast), Hey Arnold, AHH Monsters. Just to name a few oldies. Now kids don't even watch nick they watch Disney Channel and what not. Oh yeah remember that game show that used to be on Nick, you had to complete the obstacle course or get slimed,Figure it Out, Double Dare. Oh goodness I could go. But I don't have time, you probably don't either. Nevertheless, These where the good old days.

~!Mya!~

This was a smart, entertaining, clever, original, and funny show. The characters were lovable and it was a fun show growing up with. However, as I retrospect I begin to question the show. First off how come at the time I found Melissa Joan Hart so attractive and now I don't. And how come Sam always came in through the window?! Why didn't he just come in through the door like a normal person? Something was going on between Sam and Clarissa because why would he come in through the window?! Makes you wonder doesn't it! I guess Clarissa didn't necessarily explain it all!

I saw a comment downing Clarissa, All i have to say to this is.. you must be young. I'm only 21 but the crap that is on tv today is just.. well.. how did you put it.. stupid. Rugrats is ok ( i liked the first two seasons best) Other than that cable isn't worth $50 a month anymore. What do I remember about my horrid childhood.. Clarissa, may not have been the most action filled, graphic intense show out there at the time but at least it taught good morals which is more than I can say about most tv out there..And yes I know I sound far older than I am.. If you still think clarssia is stupid, go out and rent "shane" or the black and white "cheaper by the dozen" even the old "parent trap" Those were low cost, cheap graphic movies as well but they are classics to everyone with character.

I used to watch this show all the time. It was one of my favorite shows when i was younger, i used to dress like the character Clarrisa. I liked this show a lot. They should re-run it again on Nick. They have one episode on the weekends. They need to have a marathon.

When I was a teenager, I loved watching Melissa Joan Hart on this show. I would have loved to date a girl like Clarissa. She seems to have it all together. And does not seem to be insacure. She also has annoying little brother named ferguseon and clueless parents. I was hoping for second series of Clarissa. Like the college years. But I guess not. But Melissa Joan Hart had to go to Sabrina The Teenage Witch which was not has funny and charming has Clarissa was.

Clarissa Explains it All is by far better than the other shows on TV. With Clarissa, the smart, funny and informative. Ferguson Darling the business boy, and her parents, and Sam a must watch. Right now it's off TV, but if it comes back on tape it-trust me-I taped and it pays off. My favourite episode is when Ferguson dies-if you watch you'll know!

*Clarrissa Explains It All*

About ten years ago I started watching Clarrissa Explains it all. I loved it then but had totally forgotten about it up until yesterday. I was switching through the channels and they had a rerun of it on Nickolodean. I must admit my days of watching Nick ended around the time this show was cancelled, but when I saw it was on I had to watch it. After it was over I realized that this show was probably in my top 10 best shows of all time list.

Watching this show for the first time in a while was like visiting a house from your childhood. You don't think you remember it but when you get inside you know every hall and every room by heart. This was a very good show that I love deeply. Not to mention how cool her room was, as a kid I tried to make my room similar but no such luck. :)

*9/10*

Yes! I'm so happy! I just got an e-mail from TvshowsonDVD.com that nickelodeon is planning on releasing multiple shows on DVD in a set called "the Rewind Collection" which includes Pete and Pete, salute your shorts, Are You Afraid Of the Dark and You Can't Do That On Television! Yes! The classics are coming. Everybody can once again enjoy the best TV shows that Nickelodeon got it's true beginning from! The First season of each of these shows are said to be released around May 17th. After all these years of begging for them to put these shows back on the air, we can get the next best thing...a better thing...we can buy them and enjoy them in our own homes! It's just such a relief that Nickelodeon is finally recognizing the enormous pleasure that these shows once brought everyone and will bring them again.

You know, they air the show in the "Noggin Channel", but they show in a session called "the N" on the channel. It usually a cable/satellite channel, and air it on afternoon, everyday. Maybe check it out, and they usually air the show, just keep your eye out for the show.

Is there an official Clarissa website?! If so anyone know what it is?!

I think Clarissa was amazing! I loved it when I was little. I feel so old now!

I'm trying to remember all the programs I watched when I was a kid, and Clarissa was one of them! I always wanted Clarissa to be my big sister! Sounds sad don't it?!

Her room was cool, and I was so envious of her!

Anyway if anyone could let me know about the website, it would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks (clubleilah@hotmail.com)

You know, I grew up on this show. I wanted to be Clarissa, and I just remember the feeling of watching it. Melissa Joan Heart was SO wonderful and I just loved the way the whole show ran. I even watched Sabrina for a while in hopes it would be similar, but you just can't get that Clarissa-esque feeling to it. It was pure genius, and I wish they still played it today. unfortunately they dont, and i havent found very much information on web sites.... But its still my favorite show!

Many years ago, on ALL IN THE FAMILY, Edith Bunker wondered who "Dear Abbey" and "Ann Landers" went when they needed advice. The answer became clear to me in 1991. They went to Clarissa Darling, who had all the answers all along! But seriously now, the show was really good entertainment. Since it was aimed at a teenage audience, the issues, plots and humor hit the mark the way it was meant to.

Much of the humor was light and the writers got their inspiration from other shows which is perfectly acceptable.

Sam, who always made his appearance through Clarissa's window, reminded me of "Wilson" from HOME IMPROVEMENT, who was always lurking behind the fence, ready to give Tim Taylor some advice or simply lend an ear when Tim had to get something off his chest.

Sam's appearance also reminded me of Harry Zarakardos, that weird fireman, who lived in that fire station located next to Dick & Paula's apartment on the 1967 sitcom, HE AND SHE, portrayed by the great Kenneth Mars. Harry used to drop in on Dick & Paula by popping his ladder between his window and theirs and simply showing up unannounced. The same persona was portrayed by Michael Richards, better known as SEINFELD's Cosmos Kramer.

Clarissa was very sharp without being "street smart" and she was forever getting into sticky situations like "boy problems", blind dates, a bratty kid brother, parents who either didn't understand her situation, or worse yet, understood her situation too well! It was a combination of "life as a teenager" and "life with a teenager".

OK, so the only fault Clarissa had was in her being quick to complain that her life was a "teenage hell" in spite of the fact that she was popular in school, had good grades, stylish clothes, parents who loved her and cared for her, and, in short, had it made. Isn't it normal for a teenage girl to find a reason to complain, gripe, mope and grope?

The beauty of this show was that the show was well written with no "hidden agendas" and no matter how bad Clarissa's situation got, everything somehow worked itself out and Clarissa always explained it all in a light hearted way.