Jennette McCurdy has made a lasting impression on television audiences with her diverse roles and undeniable talent. From her breakout performance as the tough yet lovable Sam Puckett in iCarly to appearances in popular series like Malcolm in the Middle and Will & Grace, McCurdy has shown remarkable versatility across genres and age groups. This article takes a closer look at the top 10 TV series that have defined her career, showcasing the range and impact of this dynamic actress in both comedic and dramatic roles.
1. iCarly – Jennette McCurdy as Sam Puckett
IMdb Rating: 7.6/10
iCarly is the show that put Jennette McCurdy on the map. She played Sam Puckett, Carly’s best friend. Sam was tough, funny, and always munching on something. She had a sharp tongue but a soft heart. Deep down, she cared deeply for her friends.
The show follows three teens—Carly, Sam, and Freddie. They start a web show called iCarly. As their online fame grows, they stumble into all sorts of adventures. Some are hilarious, others are strange, and a few are downright touching. It’s packed with friendship, humor, internet antics, and just enough drama to keep you hooked.
iCarly became a huge hit on Nickelodeon. It ran for six seasons and won over fans and critics alike. People loved its fresh take, humor, and relatable themes for kids and teens. The show even snagged several Kids’ Choice Awards, proving how much it meant to viewers.
Here’s a fun tidbit: Jennette did many of her own stunts. Once, she got smacked in the face with a real pie during filming! Yep, no stunt double for that one.
If you’ve never watched iCarly, it’s worth your time. You’ll laugh, feel the warmth of friendship, and love Sam’s unforgettable lines. Stream it now on Paramount+, or check out some episodes on Netflix. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
2. Sam & Cat – Jennette McCurdy as Sam Puckett (Again!)
IMdb Rating: 5.7/10
If you enjoyed Jennette McCurdy in iCarly, Sam & Cat will feel like a gift. Jennette is back as Sam Puckett, but this time she’s paired with Cat Valentine, played by Ariana Grande from Victorious . The two become roommates and start a babysitting business. Things spiral into chaos quickly, but that’s where the fun begins.
Sam hasn’t changed much—she’s still tough, hilarious, and full of energy. Cat, on the other hand, is sweet but a little scatterbrained. Their opposite personalities make the show shine. Together, they dive into wild adventures. From handling odd kids to dreaming up bizarre snacks, their antics are unpredictable and laugh-out-loud funny.
The show aired on Nickelodeon and became a hit with fans. It pulled in viewers who loved iCarly and Victorious . Though it only ran for one season, it packed 36 episodes full of charm. Critics praised the chemistry between Sam and Cat, and fans adored seeing two beloved characters share the screen.
Here’s something cool: Jennette and Ariana grew close during filming. They even made up dances and songs off-camera, adding their own spark to the set.
If you’re searching for a lighthearted, funny show, Sam & Cat is worth your time. You can stream it now on Paramount+, and some episodes might be available on Amazon Prime Video. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed.
3. Between – Jennette McCurdy as Wiley Day
IMdb Rating: 7.4/10
In Between , Jennette McCurdy takes on a role unlike anything she’s done before. She plays Wiley Day, a smart and resilient teenager who’s also pregnant. This show is far more serious than her previous work, proving Jennette can handle more than just comedy.
The story unfolds in a small town named Pretty Lake. One day, a mysterious disease wipes out everyone over the age of 21. Sounds wild, doesn’t it? The town is quickly sealed off, leaving the kids and teens to fend for themselves. No parents, no teachers, no rules. Wiley steps up as one of the leaders, helping the group survive while unraveling the mystery behind the disease.
Between blends mystery, drama, and action. If you enjoy survival stories with twists and hidden secrets, this one’s for you. Fans were blown away by Jennette’s ability to tackle such a heavy role. Critics also praised her performance, saying she brought depth and strength to the character.
Here’s a fun tidbit: Jennette mentioned in interviews that filming in freezing Canadian weather was grueling but thrilling. She embraced the challenge and made the most of it.
You can stream Between on Netflix. If you’re ready for a dramatic, gripping story, give it a try. It’s a chance to see Jennette shine in a whole new light.
4. Malcolm in the Middle – Jennette McCurdy as Daisy
IMdb Rating: 7.6/10
Before Jennette McCurdy became a household name, she had a small role in the hit comedy Malcolm in the Middle . She played Daisy, a character who appeared in one episode during Season 7. Though it was brief, this early gig helped her gain attention in the TV world.
The show follows Malcolm, a brilliant boy growing up in a chaotic family. His brothers are always stirring up trouble, and his parents are a mix of strict and scatterbrained—but in the funniest ways. Malcolm in the Middle was a huge hit in the early 2000s. It balanced silly humor with relatable family struggles, making people laugh while nodding in agreement.
Even though Jennette’s part was tiny, being part of such a beloved show was a big deal for her career. The series earned multiple Emmy Awards and won over both critics and viewers alike.
Here’s something interesting: Malcolm in the Middle was one of the first sitcoms to ditch the laugh track. This made the show feel more authentic and different from other comedies at the time.
If you’re curious about Jennette’s early work or just want to enjoy a funny, heartfelt show, check out Malcolm in the Middle . It’s a classic that still holds up today.
5. Zoey 101 – Jennette McCurdy as Trisha Kirby
IMdb Rating: 7.4/10
Jennette McCurdy made a fun guest appearance on Zoey 101 . She played Trisha Kirby in the episode “Paige at PCA.” Trisha was a diva and not the friendliest person at school, but she was hard to forget. Even though Jennette was only in one episode, she brought plenty of drama and humor to the story.
Zoey 101 is about kids attending Pacific Coast Academy, a boarding school by the beach. The main character, Zoey, and her friends navigate teenage life—school, friendships, crushes, and growing up. The show was stylish, fun, and felt like a dream for many fans who watched it.
The series became a big hit on Nickelodeon and even earned Emmy nominations. People loved the California vibe, the beautiful setting, and the quirky characters. Critics praised the show for its quality and how it handled teen life in a fresh, relatable way.
Here’s a cool tidbit: During her guest role, Jennette acted alongside Jamie Lynn Spears, Britney Spears’ sister, who played Zoey. That must have been an exciting moment for her!
You can stream Zoey 101 on Paramount+ or find reruns on Nickelodeon. Episodes are also available to buy on Amazon Prime Video. If you’re looking for something light, funny, and full of early 2000s charm, this show is a great choice. It’s perfect for a nostalgic trip back to simpler times.
6. True Jackson, VP – Jennette McCurdy as Pinky Turzo
IMdb Rating: 5.9/10
Jennette McCurdy guest-starred in True Jackson, VP as Pinky Turzo. Pinky wasn’t the warmest character—she was sassy and caused her fair share of trouble. But Jennette brought so much energy to the role that it became unforgettable. Even in just one episode, she shone brightly and showed how talented she is.
The show centers on True Jackson, a regular teen who lands a dream job as the vice president of a fashion company. True is smart, creative, and always juggling work with her everyday life. It’s not easy, but she handles it with style. The show mixes humor, trendy fashion, and lessons about staying true to yourself. It’s light, fun, and full of heart.
True Jackson, VP was a major success on Nickelodeon. Fans loved its fresh story and quirky characters. Critics praised it for being both funny and inspiring. Keke Palmer, who played True, even earned awards for her performance.
Here’s something fun: Jennette’s character, Pinky, had a playful rivalry with another character. Their scenes were packed with quick-witted comebacks and hilarious drama—classic Jennette flair!
You can stream True Jackson, VP on Paramount+, and some episodes are available to buy on Amazon Prime Video. If you enjoy fashion, friendship, and shows with a dash of humor, this one is worth your time. It’s a feel-good ride that’ll leave you smiling.
7. Victorious – Jennette McCurdy as Ponnie
IMdb Rating: 7.5/10
Jennette McCurdy made a hilarious and unforgettable guest appearance on Victorious . She played Ponnie, a strange and mysterious girl who only Tori, played by Victoria Justice, could see. Ponnie was odd—showing up out of nowhere, acting bizarre, and scaring Tori half to death. But here’s the twist: no one else believed Ponnie was real!
Victorious follows Tori Vega, a talented teen who gets into a prestigious performing arts high school. There, she meets other creative students who sing, act, dance, and get into all sorts of wild situations. The show is packed with music, drama, and plenty of laughs.
Jennette’s role as Ponnie was small but brilliant. Fans loved seeing her shift from tough-as-nails Sam in iCarly to this quirky, over-the-top character. Her episode became one of the most talked-about guest appearances in the series.
Here’s a fun tidbit: In one scene, Ponnie wears a giant sandwich costume. Yes, a sandwich! It was as random and funny as it sounds, and Jennette nailed it.
Victorious was a huge hit on Nickelodeon, even winning Favorite TV Show at the Kids’ Choice Awards. You can stream it now on Netflix, Paramount+, or other platforms. If you enjoy music, high school antics, and surprise guests like Jennette, this show is a must-watch. It’s a wild ride you won’t forget.
8. The Penguins of Madagascar – Jennette McCurdy as Becky
IMdb Rating: 7.3/10
In The Penguins of Madagascar , Jennette McCurdy voices Becky, a cute yet sassy girl penguin. Becky shows up in the episode “The Penguin Stays in the Picture.” She’s part of a funny little love triangle involving the penguins. Though her role is small, Jennette’s voice acting makes Becky both adorable and hilarious.
The show is a spin-off from the Madagascar movies. It follows four penguins—Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private—who run secret spy missions from the Central Park Zoo. The series is packed with action, funny animal antics, and clever jokes. Both kids and adults find it entertaining.
This animated show was a big success on Nickelodeon. It won several Emmy Awards and earned praise for its sharp writing and charming characters. Fans of the Madagascar movies loved seeing the penguins get their own spotlight.
Here’s a fun fact: In an interview, Jennette shared that she enjoyed doing voice work because she could record in her pajamas. How cozy is that?
You can stream The Penguins of Madagascar on Paramount+. Some episodes are also available on Amazon Prime Video or for purchase. If you like animals, adventure, and plenty of laughs, this show is worth checking out. It’s a delightful mix of humor and heart.
9. Robot Chicken – Jennette McCurdy as Voice Actress
IMdb Rating: 7.7/10
Jennette McCurdy flexed her voice acting muscles in the animated comedy Robot Chicken . She brought different characters to life across several episodes. What’s unique about this show? It’s a wild mix of random, hilarious sketches made with stop-motion animation using toys and action figures.
Robot Chicken doesn’t follow one main story. Instead, it’s packed with short skits that make fun of pop culture—superheroes, cartoons, video games, even commercials. It’s quirky, edgy, and totally unpredictable. The humor is sharp, and it’s made for older audiences. Jennette’s performances are full of energy, showing off her knack for playing quirky, out-of-the-box characters we don’t often see her as.
The show comes from Adult Swim and has been a fan favorite for years. It’s won Emmy Awards and earned praise for its creativity. Critics call it clever, while fans love how it keeps them laughing with unexpected twists.
Here’s something cool: The show is made using real dolls and action figures. Animators move them frame by frame, which takes a lot of time just to create a few minutes of footage!
You can stream Robot Chicken on Max (formerly HBO Max). It’s also available on Hulu or Adult Swim’s website from time to time. If you enjoy cartoons that are wild, silly, and a little offbeat, this is a must-watch. Plus, hearing Jennette in such a fresh, zany role makes it even more fun. Give it a try—you might just find your next favorite show!
10. Will & Grace – Jennette McCurdy as Riley
IMdb Rating: 8.2/10
In Will & Grace , Jennette McCurdy played a guest role as Riley, a quirky and lively character. Her part might have been brief, but she left a mark. The show centers on two best friends: Will, a gay lawyer, and Grace, a straight interior designer. It follows their lives, relationships, and wild adventures with their eccentric friends Jack and Karen. It’s a timeless sitcom that blends humor with heart, celebrated for its sharp wit and vibrant personalities.
Jennette’s character Riley adds a dash of fun and drama to her episode, making it a standout. This series was a massive hit, earning Emmy Awards and heaps of praise from critics and fans alike. Its clever jokes, relatable characters, and stellar performances cemented it as one of the most iconic sitcoms of its era.
Here’s something neat: Will & Grace made a comeback in 2017 with a reboot, drawing in even more viewers eager for laughs.
You can stream Will & Grace on Hulu and Max. If you’re craving classic sitcom humor with unforgettable characters, this is a must-watch. It’s a perfect mix of comedy and warmth that’ll keep you smiling.
Jennette McCurdy has truly left a mark on TV with her diverse roles, from the hilarious Sam in iCarly to the quirky Riley in Will & Grace. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering her work, these top 10 shows are definitely worth checking out! Now, we’d love to hear from you. Which of Jennette’s roles is your favorite, and which show do you think she nailed the best? Drop your thoughts and comments below—let’s start a fun conversation! 😊
