Hollywood Arts Is Back! 

By Jenna Barr

Hollywood Arts High is open yet again. 

It’s been more than a decade since Victorious signed off in 2013, and Hollywood Arts High School is back with a fresh cast of students. Netflix’s Victorious spinoff, Hollywood Arts, debuted Oct. 15.  If you grew up singing along to “Make It Shine”, this show will be an easy binge, and the first 12 episodes are now streaming!

This time however, Trina Vega is at the head of the classroom. Daniella Monet returns as Tori Vega’s overconfident sister, now as an underqualified substitute teacher at her old high school. Though at first, she clashes with the new generation of ambitious teens, she may end up inspiring them along the way.  

Monet isn’t alone in her return. Yvette Nicole Brown is back as Principal Helen Dubois, Eric Lange guest stars as acting teacher Erwin Sikowitz, and Matt Bennett returns as ventriloquist Robbie Shapiro. The new class includes Alyssa Miles, Erika Swayze, Emmy Liu-Wang, Peyton Jackson and Martin Kamm, with Kira Kosarin, Lexi Rivera, Sofie Dossi, and Taylen Biggs joining in.

The music is back too. The theme song, titled “Here To Stay,” and the official soundtrack dropped alongside the premiere. This soundtrack boasts 16 original songs, ranging from upbeat pop anthems to emotional ballads. It was released through Republic Records: Kids & Family, and spotlights a new generation of singers, dancers, comedians, and performers.

Monet is an executive producer on the series, alongside Samantha Martin, Jake Farrow, Shauna Phelan and Jonathan Judge. She says the goal was to keep the original audience in mind while still welcoming new viewers. In her words, the show is funny, and it’s everything she hoped it would be. 

Whether you’re a longtime fan or you’ve never set foot on the Hollywood Arts campus, there’s a seat for you.