Hollywood Arts Review: Daniella Monet’s Trina Vega Makes A Charming Comeback, But The Victorious Spin Off Struggles To Recapture The Original’s Magic | 3/5 Stars

Netflix brings viewers back to the world of Victorious with Hollywood Arts, a spin off centred on Trina Vega, played by Daniella Monet. The new series revisits the performing arts school that became familiar to audiences through the original Nickelodeon sitcom, but this time, Trina returns as a substitute teacher rather than a student. While the show attempts to recreate the fun and musical energy of its predecessor, it also gives its lead character an opportunity to grow beyond the personality viewers remember.

With a new group of aspiring performers, familiar faces and plenty of school drama, Hollywood Arts aims to entertain both longtime fans and younger viewers discovering this world for the first time. However, nostalgia alone cannot carry a show, and the series needs more than familiar references to stand out.

What Is Hollywood Arts About?

The series follows Trina Vega, Tori Vega’s older sister, who has spent years trying to establish herself as an actress. However, her career has not progressed as she hoped which leaves her struggling to find opportunities in the entertainment industry.

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Things change when Trina returns to Hollywood Arts as a substitute acting teacher after Erwin Sikowitz steps away from his position. There is just one problem. Trina is hardly qualified to teach aspiring performers. Nevertheless, she takes up the opportunity in a hope that being around talented students might also help her career.

Her students include Emmy, a technically skilled performer who usually works behind the scenes, Pepper, an enthusiastic student, Jen Z, who has a sharp tongue, Qwest, a talented musician, and Oscar, who enjoys the attention he receives at school. As Trina attempts to guide them, she finds herself dealing with their ambitions, insecurities, rivalries and personal problems.

The series also brings back familiar characters, including Principal Helen and Robbie Shapiro, giving fans of Victorious a connection to the original show.