Watch Sydney to the Max
- TV-G
- 2019
- 3 Seasons
-
6.5 (739)
Sydney to the Max is a popular sitcom from Disney Channel that premiered in January 2019 and ran for three seasons. The show revolves around the lives of Sydney (played by Ruth Righi), a middle school student, and her father Max (played by Ian Reed Kesler) who grew up in the 1990s. The show seamlessly connects the two different eras to show how life and family dynamics have changed over the years.
Sydney is a smart and independent girl who lives with her dad, who is a single dad and struggling to keep up with the demands of raising a pre-teen. He often seeks advice from his best friend and business partner, Leo (played by Christian J. Simon), who is a stay-at-home dad raising his son alongside Max. Meanwhile, Sydney has a best friend named Olive, (played by Ava Kolker), who is her partner in crime and they share all their secrets with each other.
The show has both present-day and flashback scenes, which take the viewer back to the 1990s when Max was the same age as Sydney. The 90s scenes add a nostalgic touch to the show and give the viewers a glimpse of life during that era. The showrunners are able to captivate their young audience, as well as engage the older generation with memories from their own childhood.
The interactions between the present-day characters and the 90s characters are creatively constructed, with Sydney being the link between the two timelines. The flashbacks serve as life lessons from Max's childhood that help him navigate his journey as a father. One of the strongest themes of the show is the importance of family, as Max is always looking for ways to bond with his daughter and create lasting memories with her.
Aside from the captivating storylines and lovable characters, the show also boasts an extremely talented cast. Ruth Righi shines as Sydney, who is both relatable and endearing. Ava Kolker is hilarious as Olive, who provides comic relief with her witty jokes and sarcastic quips. Alongside the two female leads, Jackson Dollinger plays young Max, who brings the 90s era to life with his charismatic and charming personality. Christian J. Simon's character Leo is a great addition to the show, playing the goofy yet wise best friend offering a different perspective to Max's single dad experience.
The show also delves into relevant issues such as gender stereotypes, body image, and bullying. It's a refreshing and subtle way to educate young viewers on tough topics while still keeping the show light-hearted and entertaining.
The overall setting of the show is an apartment complex in Portland, Oregon, where both Sydney and Olive live with their respective parents. The apartment complex serves as the hub for all their adventures and misadventures. The showrunners are able to beautifully capture the essence of suburbia, and the complexities of society through their portrayal of families living in apartments.
In a time where family sitcoms are becoming rare, Sydney to the Max shines bright. With its relatable characters, engaging plotlines, comedic moments, and wholesome family theme, it's no wonder that the show has been immensely popular among viewers of all ages. The show has been a critical and commercial success, and it's one of the shows that Disney Channel should be proud of producing. It's a heartwarming and inspiring show that has something for everyone.
Sydney to the Max is a series that ran for 3 seasons (63 episodes) between January 25, 2019 and on Disney Channel (US)