It's the perfect mixture of teenage cringe and charm. A childhood favorite and a guilty pleasure in adulthood. There's something so pure and enjoyable about this show with it's Aussie aquatic vibe and dumb but lovable characters. It's also quite funny and ironic enough that it doesn't have to be for children only.
59 Reviews
This show is my guilty pleasure
shmishe11 September 2020
I'll admit, it has bad writing and acting a lot of times and it makes no sense but there's certain magic to it, no pun intended. Maybe it's just childhood nostalgia or something, maybe the setting which is Australia, the accents, the silly mid 00s fashion or the fact that it's about average teen girls that happen to be mermaids but it keeps me entertained enough to keep watching. It's kinda trash but that good-entertaining type of trash and that's why it's an 8 in my book.
Just Plain Fun
dragon-nibbler30 October 2007
One of my friends recommended this show to me, and once I saw the first episode, I didn't really know what to think.
The story starts off with Cleo being the main focus, and jumping right into her life, with her friends, enemies and family.
Who are the people she is talking to? The story starts off slow, and if you are only planning on seeing the first episode, steer away right now. The characters' backgrounds and personalities are built up over the first few episodes, along with how they can cope with what is happening to them, but you have to stick with it or it won't make any sense.
Cleo is talking to this girl who is swimming, Emma. Emma is an important character int he story, as without her I am sure Cleo and Rikki would have been goners from the start.
So, we meet Rikki, who stole something off someone's boat (Note to self : watch my wallet around her), and valiantly jumps into the boat she stole the item from, which Cleo is now in. Now, my first impression of Rikki: Loud mouthed and cheeky. It turns out I wasn't that far off, but, in the end, it makes the show all the better. The 3 girls' personalities even out over the episodes.
And well, we have the main characters: Emma, the cautious one, Rikki, the one in-your-face one, and Cleo, the . . . I am not really sure how to describe her. Off the top of my head I would say 'annoying', but I think there are depths to her personality that I keep overlooking.
Then there is Lewis. Having known Cleo for who knows how long, he is seen often, as more of a comic relief character who thinks he is a scientist, and is usually, if not asking the girls for hair samples, trying to figure out what is up with them.
All in all, I would say this is a great, fun show. The plot is, in fact, thicker than I would have thought possible from watching the first episode (So stick to it!). It has a great assortment of characters (though, I do think a few skip between in and out of character), and plot twists when you least expect it (or think nothing else can go wrong for the three). So, I give this show 8/10 rating, for a great plot, good humor, and episodes that you want to see at least twice.
The story starts off with Cleo being the main focus, and jumping right into her life, with her friends, enemies and family.
Who are the people she is talking to? The story starts off slow, and if you are only planning on seeing the first episode, steer away right now. The characters' backgrounds and personalities are built up over the first few episodes, along with how they can cope with what is happening to them, but you have to stick with it or it won't make any sense.
Cleo is talking to this girl who is swimming, Emma. Emma is an important character int he story, as without her I am sure Cleo and Rikki would have been goners from the start.
So, we meet Rikki, who stole something off someone's boat (Note to self : watch my wallet around her), and valiantly jumps into the boat she stole the item from, which Cleo is now in. Now, my first impression of Rikki: Loud mouthed and cheeky. It turns out I wasn't that far off, but, in the end, it makes the show all the better. The 3 girls' personalities even out over the episodes.
And well, we have the main characters: Emma, the cautious one, Rikki, the one in-your-face one, and Cleo, the . . . I am not really sure how to describe her. Off the top of my head I would say 'annoying', but I think there are depths to her personality that I keep overlooking.
Then there is Lewis. Having known Cleo for who knows how long, he is seen often, as more of a comic relief character who thinks he is a scientist, and is usually, if not asking the girls for hair samples, trying to figure out what is up with them.
All in all, I would say this is a great, fun show. The plot is, in fact, thicker than I would have thought possible from watching the first episode (So stick to it!). It has a great assortment of characters (though, I do think a few skip between in and out of character), and plot twists when you least expect it (or think nothing else can go wrong for the three). So, I give this show 8/10 rating, for a great plot, good humor, and episodes that you want to see at least twice.
Genuine fun, in a cute package!
blueyedsunset20 July 2009
Though I should be embarrassed to say that at 18 I watch a television show marketed for tweens, I'm not. H2O: Just Add Water is quality entertainment.
The storyline, though not entirely lacking in plot holes, is well thought out and attention catching. I've scoured the internet on more than one occasion in the attempts of finding the next episodes and I'm mildly heartbroken about the current state of Season 3. I cannot help but remain interested in whatever might be happening in "mermaid land" The acting is certainly not that of Kate Winslet or George Clooney but as far as the small screen goes the skills of the young cast are enviable. Phoebe Tonkin (Cleo), Cariba Heine (Rikki), and Claire Holt (Emma) are the three headliners. They portray their roles as not only mermaids but best friends in a believable and touching way--and manage to convey turmoil in their relationships with each other but significant others as well. We often see Angus McLaren (Lewis) and Burgess Abernethy (Zane) throughout the series and they too are welcome characters. Both portray teens with real personality flaws and remain an area of interest.
Certainly the series isn't without its flaws but it's a cute show that will keep you entertained. I'll definitely continue watching for as long as it runs.
The storyline, though not entirely lacking in plot holes, is well thought out and attention catching. I've scoured the internet on more than one occasion in the attempts of finding the next episodes and I'm mildly heartbroken about the current state of Season 3. I cannot help but remain interested in whatever might be happening in "mermaid land" The acting is certainly not that of Kate Winslet or George Clooney but as far as the small screen goes the skills of the young cast are enviable. Phoebe Tonkin (Cleo), Cariba Heine (Rikki), and Claire Holt (Emma) are the three headliners. They portray their roles as not only mermaids but best friends in a believable and touching way--and manage to convey turmoil in their relationships with each other but significant others as well. We often see Angus McLaren (Lewis) and Burgess Abernethy (Zane) throughout the series and they too are welcome characters. Both portray teens with real personality flaws and remain an area of interest.
Certainly the series isn't without its flaws but it's a cute show that will keep you entertained. I'll definitely continue watching for as long as it runs.
Don't watch season 3
the-antichrist-is-near31 May 2021
WAY Better than SPLASH
kjf2007-125 September 2010
This is the BEST new show I've seen in many years, and I've been watching television since 1966. The effects are superb, the actors are both very attractive and very talented. And the Australian accents make it all the more adorable. "MERMAID" just sounds SO much better when it rolls off the tongue of a beautiful Australian actress. You have to watch this show from the start, and give it until season 2 to really hit its stride. It gets very humorous in season 2 - truly a joy to watch. Great for all ages - trust me on this one - i know my mermaids! If this show had an advertising budget behind it it would have been a super smash. Oh and yes I agree - the music is also excellent especially the theme song NO ORDINARY GIRL. I just LOVE this show! If you only watch ONE EPISODE - be sure its SEASON 2 episode 15 IRRESISTIBLE. This is by far the funniest of all the episodes, some of the humor will be lost on you if you haven't seen the prior shows, but it can stand on its own just fine. I'm off to roll around in some ambergris and shamelessly throw myself at the cast...
Seasons 1 and 2 are my childhood, 3 does not exist
countessemily5 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
(For context, I'm in America) Oh H2O. Let me say THIS was my favorite show when I was 11 and in 6th grade- and I was counting the moments until season 3 was released. I actually remember watching bootleg recordings of season 3 on youtube having to quickly watch them before they got taken down.
But now that I'm older and 26 (opposed to 13), I can say with confidence only seasons 1 and 2 were good. Season 3 started chasing trends (Bella has her own band- and she sings! Just like other late 2000s shows that had main character singers, Oh we have a hot sporty blonde guy in the cast now who will take his shirt off!!) and lost all the charm that made the show good.
Indiana Evans was not a good addition to the show and it ruined season 3. A note to showrunners out there: if you think you can replace a character on a kids tv show and the kids will not care, think again. Kids will actually be the most unforgiving about a replacement because they latch onto their favorite characters.
The friendship dyanmic was also ruined: you're supposed to believe after 1 episode after meeting Bella is BFFs with Cleo and Rikki? I don't think so. Granted in season 1 Emma and Cleo were early childhood best friends with Rikki being the new girl, Rikki quickly bonded with Emma and Cleo after having to share the secret they were all mermaids. Bella just automatically stepping into the role didnt feel organic or natural- just the fact Oh you're a mermaid too! Let's be friends. I didn't buy it.
The Zane character also lost all development he had in seasons 1 and 2, and making him the villain again in season 3 felt lazy.
The only thing redeeming about season 3 is Cleo and Lewis were in a good place... until Angus McLaren left too, only to be "replaced " with dull acting Luke Mitchell's character, Will.
Will was such a boring character and an awful addition to being the male friend in the group. He didn't possess the intelligence Lewis has, and just because he's sporty/ athletic does not mean he's automatically great.
To save yourself from the show's decline- just rewatch seasons 1 and 2- you'll save yourself from critiquing the show and it will instead remain a fun childhood memory.
But now that I'm older and 26 (opposed to 13), I can say with confidence only seasons 1 and 2 were good. Season 3 started chasing trends (Bella has her own band- and she sings! Just like other late 2000s shows that had main character singers, Oh we have a hot sporty blonde guy in the cast now who will take his shirt off!!) and lost all the charm that made the show good.
Indiana Evans was not a good addition to the show and it ruined season 3. A note to showrunners out there: if you think you can replace a character on a kids tv show and the kids will not care, think again. Kids will actually be the most unforgiving about a replacement because they latch onto their favorite characters.
The friendship dyanmic was also ruined: you're supposed to believe after 1 episode after meeting Bella is BFFs with Cleo and Rikki? I don't think so. Granted in season 1 Emma and Cleo were early childhood best friends with Rikki being the new girl, Rikki quickly bonded with Emma and Cleo after having to share the secret they were all mermaids. Bella just automatically stepping into the role didnt feel organic or natural- just the fact Oh you're a mermaid too! Let's be friends. I didn't buy it.
The Zane character also lost all development he had in seasons 1 and 2, and making him the villain again in season 3 felt lazy.
The only thing redeeming about season 3 is Cleo and Lewis were in a good place... until Angus McLaren left too, only to be "replaced " with dull acting Luke Mitchell's character, Will.
Will was such a boring character and an awful addition to being the male friend in the group. He didn't possess the intelligence Lewis has, and just because he's sporty/ athletic does not mean he's automatically great.
To save yourself from the show's decline- just rewatch seasons 1 and 2- you'll save yourself from critiquing the show and it will instead remain a fun childhood memory.
Brilliant! Stunning!
BrittanyTheUnicorn19 April 2010
This is not just a kids show. One of the biggest reasons I love this show so much is because it involves relationships, friendships, heartache in great depth yet includes no foul language or anything of that sort. The show is well developed from season to season as well as the characters. Some of the quotes are pure genius (if you watch it you will see what I mean) there are some hilarious one-liners and scenes in the show as well as some serious moments, gripping moments, and moments that have made me laugh out loud and cry. The cast is amazing and perfect for their parts - which is pretty rare. The casts acting improves as the seasons go on and the episodes always have me at the edge of my seat. Brilliant, stunning, 10/10.
The most futile, daft, and heedless television series. A massive disappointment.
TrentReznorandAtticusRoss7 August 2012
In an effort to steal 'Charmed's thunder, Australia went ahead and created something rather diabolically stupid, that it seems almost pointless and a waste of time. H2O Just add water is a television series about three teenage friends who become mermaids, and gradually avoid danger at every turn. Although the three friends must also avoid the greatest danger of all: Themselves. Risking exposure is not a priority that sadly seems very high for them, amongst trying to control their powers. Their powers include the different stages of the H2O cycle, like steam, Ice, and liquidized water. The threats also come from below; other mermaids who want to steal their powers, and their boyfriends... From boat chases to drama both on land and off, H2O just add water promises adventure and spectacle at every turn!
Unfortunately the promise of Mermaids, dazzling special effects, and action, seems to be the only thing on their minds. The script is a childish, contemptible, and the most obtuse, brainless script to have ever been said aloud in quite some time. The dullness of the script is not the only thing that's senselessly nonsensical, but the story-line of each episode is incredibly numb as well as it's cheesy. The dense dialog is so imprudent that the actors performing the inane screen-play look just as stupid. The acting is quite possible the most ludicrous thing about the television series. Here, our protagonists are on the verge of adulthood. Yet, everything that they do – and say – is beyond asinine. We have tweens acting like kids, teens acting like tweens and adults acting like teens. The irrationality of both the script and three girls acting like typical American aussy-speaking teenage girls, along with all of the male figures – all of them – acting like tools and nerds, is utterly absurd and pitiful.
Phoebe Tonkin (Cleo) is probably the poorest actress of the three girls, Cleo, Rikki and Emma. Whilst looking like she's just popped out of a 90's Wes Craven movie, with foul haircuts and the most plain outfits a star could wear, her acting is the most conventional and boring on the show. She's a cynically stupid, easily predictable character who just shut her damned mouth up. Cariba (Rikki) Is perhaps the least appalling actress here, keeping her character a serious and fit one, despite the inferior script. But like everybody else on this show, she does have her stupid moments – yeah, not stupid in the show. Emma (Claire Holt) is just as bad. So, good then. But eager to squeeze his way next to Phoebe as the worst actor on the show (Phoebe later redeemed herself in 'Tomorrow: When the War began) is probably Angus McLaren. He's just annoying, with his incensing presence proving worthless. But that doesn't stop him; Stupid haircuts (they get around, don't they?) feeble acting, floppy dialog, all make him just as weedy as the rest of the cast. An irritating factor is, he seems far too pre-occupied with thinking that he's all sophisticated because he plays a young scientist with the sea-maids, that he doesn't seem to focus on the real issue at hand; the vulnerability of the three mermaids that are apparently his best friends. The exposure of the mermaidians is evidently not a priority; so why even bother with the show? Burgess Abernethy is another male actor throwing away his career. At first he's an untrustworthy 'friend', who as nearly a grown man, is obsessed with mermaids. Again, another pessimistic and juvenile addition. He then proves himself worthy of friendship, and then they all go out for an under-water orgy. This is probably all you need to know. A weakening factor is, he's still a baddie.
Oh no! Now there are bad actors, badly acting, as people acting Bad! Villains and threats are a common factor for our mermaids. Although the villains are nowhere near as menacing as they should be. We might as well kick the show whilst it's down. The theme song 'No Ordinary Girl' written by Shelley Rosenberg is as fatuous as the song, 'I'm a Barbie Girl'. Nail gargling, soul-crushing, head-aching, H2O Just Add Water is promptly the worst television show that has played on afternoon television since 'Power Rangers: Samurai'. Beyond poor.
Unfortunately the promise of Mermaids, dazzling special effects, and action, seems to be the only thing on their minds. The script is a childish, contemptible, and the most obtuse, brainless script to have ever been said aloud in quite some time. The dullness of the script is not the only thing that's senselessly nonsensical, but the story-line of each episode is incredibly numb as well as it's cheesy. The dense dialog is so imprudent that the actors performing the inane screen-play look just as stupid. The acting is quite possible the most ludicrous thing about the television series. Here, our protagonists are on the verge of adulthood. Yet, everything that they do – and say – is beyond asinine. We have tweens acting like kids, teens acting like tweens and adults acting like teens. The irrationality of both the script and three girls acting like typical American aussy-speaking teenage girls, along with all of the male figures – all of them – acting like tools and nerds, is utterly absurd and pitiful.
Phoebe Tonkin (Cleo) is probably the poorest actress of the three girls, Cleo, Rikki and Emma. Whilst looking like she's just popped out of a 90's Wes Craven movie, with foul haircuts and the most plain outfits a star could wear, her acting is the most conventional and boring on the show. She's a cynically stupid, easily predictable character who just shut her damned mouth up. Cariba (Rikki) Is perhaps the least appalling actress here, keeping her character a serious and fit one, despite the inferior script. But like everybody else on this show, she does have her stupid moments – yeah, not stupid in the show. Emma (Claire Holt) is just as bad. So, good then. But eager to squeeze his way next to Phoebe as the worst actor on the show (Phoebe later redeemed herself in 'Tomorrow: When the War began) is probably Angus McLaren. He's just annoying, with his incensing presence proving worthless. But that doesn't stop him; Stupid haircuts (they get around, don't they?) feeble acting, floppy dialog, all make him just as weedy as the rest of the cast. An irritating factor is, he seems far too pre-occupied with thinking that he's all sophisticated because he plays a young scientist with the sea-maids, that he doesn't seem to focus on the real issue at hand; the vulnerability of the three mermaids that are apparently his best friends. The exposure of the mermaidians is evidently not a priority; so why even bother with the show? Burgess Abernethy is another male actor throwing away his career. At first he's an untrustworthy 'friend', who as nearly a grown man, is obsessed with mermaids. Again, another pessimistic and juvenile addition. He then proves himself worthy of friendship, and then they all go out for an under-water orgy. This is probably all you need to know. A weakening factor is, he's still a baddie.
Oh no! Now there are bad actors, badly acting, as people acting Bad! Villains and threats are a common factor for our mermaids. Although the villains are nowhere near as menacing as they should be. We might as well kick the show whilst it's down. The theme song 'No Ordinary Girl' written by Shelley Rosenberg is as fatuous as the song, 'I'm a Barbie Girl'. Nail gargling, soul-crushing, head-aching, H2O Just Add Water is promptly the worst television show that has played on afternoon television since 'Power Rangers: Samurai'. Beyond poor.
GREAT FOR KIDS- enjoyable for nostalgia
morganleedame3 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I watched season one when I was in elementary school and loved it, now I'm in college and figured I'd re-watch season one for the laughs and nostalgia. In all honesty the show holds up pretty well, but definitely has its problems. I am going to go into what the show does well as well as problems the show has, but keep in mind if you just want to show it to it's proper age group (tweens and kids) the show will work great! And in all honesty the problems I had with the show I think added to the laughs! And this review is only over season one (didn't love the show enough to watch 3 seasons- lol)
H2O introduces three girls who are not (all) previous friends who become mermaids together from a mysterious island they get stranded on together. They find out that if they touch water (just a drop) they will become a mermaid until dry. The three girls have varying personality's of the fearful nice one (Cleo), the (kinda bossy) responsible one (Emma), and the (kinda moody) rebellious, funny one (Rikki). They learn to deal with this situation, and juggle high school.
First off think what the show does great is introduce a situation where I really feel the curse of the superpower. Pretty early on we find out that "touching water" can be as simple as moisturizing your face or getting any form of drink (soda, juice, etc) on you. This helps make the world feel more "lived it" because this would technically be true. It also creates some reasonable drama that I agree with. Normally when a character with a superpower doesn't want to do things because of their power it seems a little melodramatic and forced. Here, in any given episode they will argue if they can host a party, go to a pool party, get a job at a marine park- and each time the arguments still seem warranted (for the most part- I'll get to that later)- because it's a fair argument that going to a pool party would give you a really good chance to get wet. But it's also a fair argument that you shouldn't let situations hold you back from living your life. Also a show that can get me to stress about water (even if it's in the background-I mean seriously did they have to live so close to the water) is doing something right.
Another thing I thought was done well was the friendship and independence of each of the girls. Let me explain, I like that Rikki joins cleo and Emma's established friendship after they all find out their mermaids. I am a big fan of people sorta running into a bond or creating a friendship over a shared experience. It wouldn't make sense that these three clearly different personality's would have been friends for years, and it's more fun to watch people have to learn to work together because of a common goal. The friendship they form is nice enough for me too root for it, but also rocky enough for me to buy into arguments. As for the characters independence- it's a small thing but it makes the world feel real, I really liked how self motivated a lucid each character is. For the most part the characters do their own thing,Cleo could spend an episode cleaning out her closet. Most "teen" group or power shows tend to keep the cast together or one member is off. But that one member tends to have to ask for permission or it's a big deal that their not all together. Each character just tends to do their own thing unless something happened that involves all of them. Like the episode where Cleo decides to go to a pool party, Emma and Rikki aren't interested and don't even notice her absence until they get called. This aspect to the show also helps make the romance seem more believable. Rikki and Zane get stranded together on a roof and have a natural (enough) conversation that leads to them dating. I buy that the experience they had forms a relationship, and I also buy it when the other characters seem shocked and still don't really like Zane when they eventually find out Rikki is dating him.
My last few positives are that the mermaid tails seem really believable and still hold up. I like that we don't get a ton of information (at least in season one) about how they are mermaids. (I just don't think you can come up with a good enough explanation, it's better that it's just a weird thing that happen, and it feels a little more special when we get some information every now and then) the romance is delightfully awkward (Zane and Rikkis overall relationship works the best) and the color coded characters is kinda a fun touch (seriously Emma wears blue/white- Cleo wears Pink/purple- and Rikki wears red/black)
Ok now into the negatives, first off the writing. The dialogue isn't great (kinda stereotypical teen show writing) but by no means even close to the worst of tween dialogue I've seen. Some episodes are way cringer than others (nearly any episode with the younger siblings or Cleo's family are worth skipping) But there's a handful of other episodes in season one with pretty bad main or side plots- but that being said some of those episodes I also found those to be the funniest to watch.
Going right into my second negative, the acting. Once again not the worst, And they don't have the best dialogue to work with. Cleo is probably the worst, she does ok in episodes where she doesn't have to be fearful, overly weird (her moon episode), or mad. So she's fine when she's just being generally nice or supportive (which is a decent chunk of her character), but this really makes her one of the weakest characters and she's probably the most forgetful of the main three, though at times her acting did make her the funniest. Emma's a little better than Cleo, though she can be pretty bad too. Her character suffers from a decent chunk of the bad writing so that's apart of it, but for the most part she comes across as a kinda mean overly organized somewhat leader of the group, but I do think this was intended for the character to be like this. (It doesn't make her terribly likable though) Rikki really made this show for me, the actress is the best (by quite a bit/ though she does also have her moments) she really feels like a self assured, headstrong teen who really believes that this is the coolest thing to ever happen to her, but admits it can be hard to deal with. Honestly her acting was good enough that it made her character more likable than the other two, she just has more of a physicality and a delivery that worked. (I think the episode that's most worth watching is bad moon rising (rikkis moon episode)) Lewis and Zane are also some of the better actors. lewis's curiosity makes him likable and also is how we get most of the information over the logistics of being a mermaid. Zane is made sympathetic by his father (who also is a pretty good actor- seriously every scene he comes out I could see his disappointment -and Zane just seemed so over it that I couldn't help but laugh) Zane scene where he almost drowns is one of the shows best moments, mainly for how stressful it is. I also think Zane and Rikki have quite a bit of chemistry that makes there scenes really worth watching.
Overall I don't think I'll watch all of season one again- unless I'm just really in the mood to laugh at some of those episodes. but the show is entertaining enough for a nostalgic re-watch -seriously Zane's drowning scene, rikkis moon episode, Zane and rikkis talk of the balcony (as well as some of their dates), and even the moment when Lewis finds out their mermaids (particularly Cleo)are much better than they should be. For the most part the shows a cheesy, funny, and a overall great time if your up for it!
Mermaids in Oz
jessica_60893 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Quick and easy: 3 Aussie girls Cleo, Emma & Ricki,(all with opposing personalities, for some added tension whenever it suits) get stuck on a boat, land on an island and their only way back is through magic water. From then on whenever water touches their skin, they immediately turn into mermaids, just like the series title connotes. Life is then a very strange journey for the girls and their time to accept their new powers concerning water. There's the nerdy side kick 'Lewis', a young scientist and trusty friend and Miriam the class bitch who's nasty comments just show her immature personality. Tweens will love the show, but anyone over 13 will recognize the Friday afternoon time slot and the "kid type" plots that come along with it. However it is good to see some Australian shows on our screens.
The Low Down On H2o just Add Water
bmh11200526 January 2007
Hey, i am a 13 year old girl and i absolutely love h2o just add water. Its basically about 3 girls named Cleo,Rikki and Emma. When Cleo gets stuck on a boat, Rikki helps her. Gets the boat going picks up Emma and (with the help of Rikki) Get stuck on a island. While trying to get a phone signal Cleo falls down into a cave and Rikki and Emma go down after her. After they walk for a little bit they find a little pool which if they swim underwater would lead them out to the sea. When they get into water they find that the water starts bubbling and sparkling. They don't think anything of it and swim to safety. The next day the girls realize that they have tuned into mermaids. They decide not to tell anyone because they were scared they would end up in a freak show. Later on they find that they have powers over water. Rikki can boil it, Cleo can morph it and Emma can freeze it. While tyring to keep this secret but not let in ruin the lives Cleo decides to go to a party where Zane (The bad boy) throws her in the water while everybody goes inside Lewis (Cleo friends who she likes and he likes her two)is shocked to see her turn into a mermaid he helps and finds out that Emma and Rikki are mermaids to. I have only seen 6 episodes. Because i missed it on channel ten so i am now watching it on the Disney channel. So if you are looking a the show and thinking is this a good show. i would say to you no... Its a GREAT show. And i would definitely recommend you watch it.
The show is fine if your a kid but besides that it's pretty bad
cynthiahoffman29 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I used to watch this show as a kid and I loved it. The effects were good and are still decent today, the tails were beautifully designed if you watch the behind the scenes videos. However, the characters didn't seem all that realistic, the acting was decent but I'll give it credit for covering important subjects like animal abuse with illegal fishing of sea turtles etc. This show does have some substance and morals that are interesting but besides that it's dull. The underwater scenes are beautiful to look at, although there are some aspects that I just can't overlook. First of all the title is incredibly stupid. H20 just add water doesn't make any sense, if you replace H20 with water, the title literally means water just add water! H20 is just the chemical name for water which is made up of two hydrogens and 1 oxygen= water. There are a few plot holes and stupid moments that make no semblance of sense. ( spoiler alert) How Lewis first tests the water inside of the girl's DNA. It is not scientifically possible for a person to have a mermaid's tail just by swimming in a "moon pool" there has to be an already existing genetic material from some line of lineage. So, he should've tested the girl's DNA first and then the water to see what activated the genetics. They do explain some of this when Charlotte shows up in season 2-3 but besides that it should've been obvious. It is an enjoyable show for kids but lacks in certain parts.
Deceptive presentation
archiebee-4230523 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This show and it's advertising gave the impression it was female centric. But as it progressed, the men took over. One man was presented as docile and turned out to be cruel, another was borderline abusive control freak, and the hunk of the final season was an aggressive creep, but all three were celebrated,in the ambiance. You could tell, in the end, it was produced by men. It started out as promising, as secrets were valued. Then it ended with men having the rights to women, as property, and the essence of the wonder of the mystical nature of secrecy, was excessively undervalued. You put out something like this, you can't afford to take it back. But this show did. The producer used bait, and cheaply delivered and you got your eye candy, so, mission accomplished, I guess. But since there are good shows out there, this isn't one of them.
This is my favorite show :) and it is excellent
fox-19522 February 2009
This show has some of the best developed character personalities I have ever seen.If you like shows aimed at pre teens to teens then you will most likely love this show.
The start of the show is kind of confusing but if you keep watching it gets better and better! The plot of the show revolves around three teenage girls that get turned into mermaids.Also how they deal with everyday situations with there new found 'abilities'.
I recommend this show to anyone that likes relationships,mermaids,and just watching one of the best shows ever!.It really is that good, and you will not regret watching it.
The start of the show is kind of confusing but if you keep watching it gets better and better! The plot of the show revolves around three teenage girls that get turned into mermaids.Also how they deal with everyday situations with there new found 'abilities'.
I recommend this show to anyone that likes relationships,mermaids,and just watching one of the best shows ever!.It really is that good, and you will not regret watching it.
For me I preferred Mako Mermaids
zendatrim14 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
OK i know i am an old lady and am forced to watch these things with granddaughter. I watched Mako first and we both enjoyed it i quite liked it did a review. Then we decided to watch H20 just add water.
I found it quite tedious and lacked any substance, i mean they transform into mermaids and must avoid the moon, but every time it comes up they always allow someone to open their door so the moon light comes in, and one will be affected and off they go in a trance...yawn.
Then the not getting wet or turn into a fish, yes always they get wet and one turns into a fish. I mean Cleo gets a job with dolphins really.
Then they freeze someone in the cafes freezer i mean she was solid, and stuck in there all night, and they defrost her with their special powers and she wakes up as though nothing happened, REALLY....i just sighed and thought how stupid is this.
Then boo hiss we have way too many nasty females, Kim Cleos sister who is a brat all through the series, Sophie Wills sister horrible person really, then Charlotte who turns into a nasty horrible mermaid and does really bad things to the girls, but all is forgiven yawn. Even Sophie who causes the island magic pool to collapse seems to be forgiven yawn again.
So many silly things, I mean i know its for young people it had its moments but it was just well the same thing over and over again.
The best person was Lewis who left, I couldn't get on with Rikki and Emma left and we had Bella who was yes a mermaid but from Ireland.
All the things that happened and no one even made a comment or wondered why. How can you keep that kind of thing a secret, i mean water is everywhere in our lives. Oh and what a hoot tentacles really they looked like snakes or eels to me. Oh and no way would a comet be allowed to get so close it would breach our atmosphere. Far fetched or what lol.
Oh and really snorkelling under the sea give me a break how bad is that.
No i preferred Mako it had more substance and story line. I can see the charm of it for young people but even my grand daughter found it hard work.
I found it quite tedious and lacked any substance, i mean they transform into mermaids and must avoid the moon, but every time it comes up they always allow someone to open their door so the moon light comes in, and one will be affected and off they go in a trance...yawn.
Then the not getting wet or turn into a fish, yes always they get wet and one turns into a fish. I mean Cleo gets a job with dolphins really.
Then they freeze someone in the cafes freezer i mean she was solid, and stuck in there all night, and they defrost her with their special powers and she wakes up as though nothing happened, REALLY....i just sighed and thought how stupid is this.
Then boo hiss we have way too many nasty females, Kim Cleos sister who is a brat all through the series, Sophie Wills sister horrible person really, then Charlotte who turns into a nasty horrible mermaid and does really bad things to the girls, but all is forgiven yawn. Even Sophie who causes the island magic pool to collapse seems to be forgiven yawn again.
So many silly things, I mean i know its for young people it had its moments but it was just well the same thing over and over again.
The best person was Lewis who left, I couldn't get on with Rikki and Emma left and we had Bella who was yes a mermaid but from Ireland.
All the things that happened and no one even made a comment or wondered why. How can you keep that kind of thing a secret, i mean water is everywhere in our lives. Oh and what a hoot tentacles really they looked like snakes or eels to me. Oh and no way would a comet be allowed to get so close it would breach our atmosphere. Far fetched or what lol.
Oh and really snorkelling under the sea give me a break how bad is that.
No i preferred Mako it had more substance and story line. I can see the charm of it for young people but even my grand daughter found it hard work.
I'm a 39 year old mom and I love this show!
sarahrank-716447 January 2020
My daughter (9) and I have watched it in the past and we're enjoying it again. For a series, this is really well put together. Yes, there are some cheesy lines, but the girls do a nice job. They can't help it that they had 2006 era phones! Just enough innocent teen romance to keep it interesting. I wish there were more than three seasons.
Oh, Phoebe Tonkin...
segathekid9 January 2021
Another one
bevo-1367823 November 2020
Nostalgic and I love the gang
AwesomeReviewperson22 July 2022
The acting in H2O: Just Add Water may not be top tier and some of the fashion choices reek of the 2000s, but I still hold a special place in my heart for this show.
It's innocent fun, as we watch our girls Cleo, Emma and Rikki navigate their new lives, turning into magical mermaids at the smallest contact with water. The girls' friendship with each other is strong and they are good role-models, but they often fall into mermaid issues - like time-activated sprinklers. Thankfully, they have Lewis (toe nail clipping collector and scientist) to help them when they transform.
Rikki is my favourite character because I think she has the best arc. I really like how one of the episodes explores her embarrassment in her living situation (she lives in a trailer park) and her friends being totally fine and accepting of it. She can't control her family's financial situation and it doesn't make her any worse a person. I am a bit disappointed that we only really got one episode about it, though.
Zane is also an interesting character. He's a pretentious, obnoxious rich kid who gets saved by one of the mer-girls when drowning. He becomes determined to prove the existence of mermaids, seeing himself bullied and considered weird by many others at the juice shack all the kids hang out at (the gang are determined to not be discovered, as they think they will get stuck in a lab). He ends up bonding with Rikki when stuck on a balcony at one of his dad's conferences and we see that his dad is a major influence of his disagreeable behaviour. The two start dating (which Rikki hides from her friends) until Zane is forced to make a choice. He could expose mermaids to the world (including Rikki, who he was not aware was one while dating) or help Cleo, Emma and Rikki escape and remain safe. He helps the mermaids out and we come to see that he is actually quite caring.
I find Emma okay. She's very responsible, but has had to give up her passion for swimming to hide her mermaid powers from the world. Cleo. Is. A. Mopey. Pest. She has been friends with the toe-nail clipper, Lewis, for ages and gets weirdly mopey and controlling about him at points in season 2. She's super whiny and I 100% side with her little sister in all their silly spats.
The series is funny and addictive: I binge watched it for a few days on netflix. However, the third season is a major disappointment. Emma disappears 'to Europe' and is not seen at all, with a new personality-lacking girl in her place (she takes centre stage in the show, despite being very boring). Lewis is hardly seen and Zane and Rikki's relationship just gets really weird. It takes away a lot of enjoyable elements.
It's innocent fun, as we watch our girls Cleo, Emma and Rikki navigate their new lives, turning into magical mermaids at the smallest contact with water. The girls' friendship with each other is strong and they are good role-models, but they often fall into mermaid issues - like time-activated sprinklers. Thankfully, they have Lewis (toe nail clipping collector and scientist) to help them when they transform.
Rikki is my favourite character because I think she has the best arc. I really like how one of the episodes explores her embarrassment in her living situation (she lives in a trailer park) and her friends being totally fine and accepting of it. She can't control her family's financial situation and it doesn't make her any worse a person. I am a bit disappointed that we only really got one episode about it, though.
Zane is also an interesting character. He's a pretentious, obnoxious rich kid who gets saved by one of the mer-girls when drowning. He becomes determined to prove the existence of mermaids, seeing himself bullied and considered weird by many others at the juice shack all the kids hang out at (the gang are determined to not be discovered, as they think they will get stuck in a lab). He ends up bonding with Rikki when stuck on a balcony at one of his dad's conferences and we see that his dad is a major influence of his disagreeable behaviour. The two start dating (which Rikki hides from her friends) until Zane is forced to make a choice. He could expose mermaids to the world (including Rikki, who he was not aware was one while dating) or help Cleo, Emma and Rikki escape and remain safe. He helps the mermaids out and we come to see that he is actually quite caring.
I find Emma okay. She's very responsible, but has had to give up her passion for swimming to hide her mermaid powers from the world. Cleo. Is. A. Mopey. Pest. She has been friends with the toe-nail clipper, Lewis, for ages and gets weirdly mopey and controlling about him at points in season 2. She's super whiny and I 100% side with her little sister in all their silly spats.
The series is funny and addictive: I binge watched it for a few days on netflix. However, the third season is a major disappointment. Emma disappears 'to Europe' and is not seen at all, with a new personality-lacking girl in her place (she takes centre stage in the show, despite being very boring). Lewis is hardly seen and Zane and Rikki's relationship just gets really weird. It takes away a lot of enjoyable elements.
Shallow entrance into deep waters
henryvic-3845622 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Being nice is a virtue and this program makes good use of that. Australian writers are truly the best, but they falter when it comes to Charlotte. They got one dimensional and took the easy way out by making her the bad mermaid. All of these women are beautiful, and by the billing, there is a sense of discrimination. You can do better than that, Australia. Taking the groupthink approach makes you a groupthink writer, and that's not good. In fact, you suck for writing this. It's a straight 180, and one of the reasons, your show, with so much great potential, lasted only 3 seasons. I guess, the days of your great writing ended in 2006, and you reduced yourselves to the annals of American script writing.
A really sweet comedy series with a fishy twist!
XSuNsHiNeX31 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
*********May contain spoiler*************
I am 15 and I have to say I love this show! It is about 3 teenage girls: Rikki, Cleo and Emma who, when accidentally stumbling across the mysterious Maego Island, find they now develop tails every time they come in contact with water! Not only that but they have special powers to do with the water: Rikki can boil water, Cleo can manipulate water and Emma can freeze it. When their slightly geeky friend, Lewis, discovers their powers at a pool party he helps the girls hide their secret from their family, friends and enemies in the form of stuck up rich girl Miriam and bad boy Zane whilst also helping to work out how and why they got their powers. Some of the acting could use some brushing up (Cleo's little sister Kim has an annoying way of delivering her lines) but the three main girls are brilliant, especially Rikki (Cariba Heine) who comes out with the best lines in the series and is the best new talent in Australia. The directing is really good and the underwater scenes are so cool especially the tails! All those who say that this show is just for the younger generation are wrong: the show tackles the teenage problems of boys, parties and fitting in. Those who say it's childish are just hiding the fact that they love it! If you are a fan of The Little Mermaid or maybe the lesser brilliant version of it, Aquamarine, then watch this series!
I am 15 and I have to say I love this show! It is about 3 teenage girls: Rikki, Cleo and Emma who, when accidentally stumbling across the mysterious Maego Island, find they now develop tails every time they come in contact with water! Not only that but they have special powers to do with the water: Rikki can boil water, Cleo can manipulate water and Emma can freeze it. When their slightly geeky friend, Lewis, discovers their powers at a pool party he helps the girls hide their secret from their family, friends and enemies in the form of stuck up rich girl Miriam and bad boy Zane whilst also helping to work out how and why they got their powers. Some of the acting could use some brushing up (Cleo's little sister Kim has an annoying way of delivering her lines) but the three main girls are brilliant, especially Rikki (Cariba Heine) who comes out with the best lines in the series and is the best new talent in Australia. The directing is really good and the underwater scenes are so cool especially the tails! All those who say that this show is just for the younger generation are wrong: the show tackles the teenage problems of boys, parties and fitting in. Those who say it's childish are just hiding the fact that they love it! If you are a fan of The Little Mermaid or maybe the lesser brilliant version of it, Aquamarine, then watch this series!
Makes my scientific fiction bone happy,
jgardiner-871-72672920 January 2022
I needed something light and funny and I discovered this. Makes my scientific fiction bone happy. These three teenagers suddenly grew tails and have some powers. Yeah! I'm all in to this. Just started so I'm just saving this page for me to begin this light and fluffy adventure. I like these child centred stories. I can start and drop it when ever I feel like it then pick it up again later. So that is what I am going to do.
Really great show, unique, excellent acting, awesome special effects
blue_wave_aqua12 July 2008
I was just channel surfing and my digital box summary for the show read (almost exactly)"The story of three Australian teens that are able to transform into crime-fighting mermaids".- Crime-fighting mermaids? It sounded like a lame, animated, 7-year-old, kiddie, "Totally-Spies" copy television show. So I waited for the commercial break to be over while I was reading the show info. When the show came back, I started watching it. It was the pilot episode (I guess it was the premiere of the show on the channel). It was actually REALLY good. As soon as the episode was over, immediately went on youtube to see if anyone had posted some episodes.-I was NOT gonna wait once a week to watch the show.
I started to watch more on youtube and it was entertaining along with interesting plot lines in each episode.
This show may sound like a girly-bad acting show, but it isn't. The other great thing about the show is that the girls have almost no acting experience on television, yet their acting is believable not overdone at all.
All the special effects look totally realistic, unlike other shows for teens.
Even though I've only seen at least a total of 9 episodes (from both seasons), I strongly recommend this show! I'm not exactly a fan of adventure and fantasy, but I can't stop watching "H2O: Just Add Water"!
GO RIKKI, EMMA, AND CLEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 9/10
I started to watch more on youtube and it was entertaining along with interesting plot lines in each episode.
This show may sound like a girly-bad acting show, but it isn't. The other great thing about the show is that the girls have almost no acting experience on television, yet their acting is believable not overdone at all.
All the special effects look totally realistic, unlike other shows for teens.
Even though I've only seen at least a total of 9 episodes (from both seasons), I strongly recommend this show! I'm not exactly a fan of adventure and fantasy, but I can't stop watching "H2O: Just Add Water"!
GO RIKKI, EMMA, AND CLEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 9/10
amazing
theinvaderjames26 September 2009
this show is great great effects for a low budget show. stunning underwater photography and amazingly realistic tails make this one of the greatest mermaid media ever created. the show however is not so popular in the us but its incredible popular though out the world showing in over 140 countries/territories and over 200 million viewers of the show a week making huge. with the demand for a new season, a new season will start this October. the beginning is a little bad by not so good acting but good enough and then over a short time they get they're acting great. the show has a lot of twists in the tail(laugh out loud) making it one of my favorite shows ever. i highly recommend this show to anyone who likes magic mermaids for all ages
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