Shake It Up
Worth a closer look
Ages 7–13First shown 2010
Best friends CeCe Jones and Rachel "Rocky" Blue have dreamed about becoming professional dancers ever since they were little girls. Their big break finally comes when the girls land roles as backup dancers on a local Chicago TV dance show, "Shake It Up, Chicago!". As the girls pop, lock, and learn challenging dance moves for each week's show, they revel in their newfound status but also quickly learn they'll need more than fancy footwork to match wits with the show's other dancers, notably the highly competitive siblings Gunther and Tinka. At the same time, with their best friend Deuce and Rocky's brother Ty, they must quickstep through the complex twists and turns of an average big-city high school as well as Windy City family life, including their obligation to babysit CeCe's mischievous younger brother, Flynn.
Our verdict
- Good influence 3/5
- Parent appeal 2/5
- Well made 3/5
Grating audio
Shake It Up is a high-energy sitcom that wins praise for its impressive dance choreography and catchy pop soundtrack. However, many viewers find the writing formulaic and are bothered by the characters' frequent use of deception and snarky attitudes. While it offers some positive lessons on friendship and persistence, the repetitive humor and intrusive laugh track can make it a challenging watch for adults.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
3out of 5
Reviews are divided on the show's messaging, with many praising the central friendship and the positive representation of a character with a learning disability. However, there is significant criticism regarding the recurring use of lying, disrespect toward adults, and mean-spirited 'sass' played for laughs. Notable concerns were also raised about historical instances of insensitive jokes regarding eating disorders and race.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
2out of 5
While some parents find the dancing and quirky characters a pleasant diversion to watch with their children, the majority of commentary from adults describes the humor as juvenile and unbearable. Many reviewers feel the dialogue is cringeworthy and the plots lack the depth required to engage a more mature audience.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
3out of 5
The show's production value is a mix of high-quality musical elements and formulaic sitcom execution. While the choreography, catchy soundtrack, and energetic dance sequences are widely praised as highlights, the writing is frequently criticized for being predictable and reliant on an intrusive laugh track. Performance reviews are split between those who find the cast talented and those who find the acting over-the-top and forced.
Watch-outs
Overstimulating: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Toy-led: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Grating audio
There is a consistent pattern of complaints regarding an overused and repetitive laugh track that follows nearly every sentence. Additionally, reviewers frequently highlight annoying fake accents and describe the vocal performances as shrill or shouty.
Where to watch
Stream for free
- Not that we know of
Stream with a subscription
- Not that we know of
Rent or buy
- Not that we know of
DVD and Blu-ray
Last updated 18 October 2026.