That Girl Lay Lay - Out The App (S1E1)

Sadie makes a wish that turns her affirmation app avatar into Lay Lay, a lively new friend who motivates Sadie to run for student council president.

Runtime (min)	23
Air Date	2021-09-23
Genres	Comedy
TV Rating	TV-G
Network(s)	Nickelodeon

Storyline

Sadie is a middle schooler who relies on a motivational affirmation app featuring an avatar named Lay Lay to boost her confidence. When she makes a heartfelt wish, the digital avatar magically comes to life as a real person, stepping out of her phone and into Sadie's world. Lay Lay is energetic, confident, and determined to help Sadie believe in herself.

With Lay Lay's encouragement, Sadie decides to run for student council president, something she never would have considered before. Lay Lay's bold personality and unwavering support push Sadie to step outside her comfort zone and take on new challenges at school. The episode establishes the central dynamic between the cautious, self-doubting Sadie and her lively, fearless new friend, setting the stage for their adventures together as Sadie learns to embrace her own potential.

What parents say

Parents have noted that the show's premise—a digital avatar coming to life—resonates with kids who spend time on apps and devices, making the fantasy element feel relatable to a tech-savvy generation. Many parents appreciate that Lay Lay's character encourages positive self-talk and confidence-building, themes they find valuable for middle-grade viewers who may be navigating social pressures and self-esteem challenges.

Some parents have mentioned that the show's energetic pace and Lay Lay's exuberant personality can feel overwhelming at times, particularly for younger or more sensitive children. Others have complimented the series for centering a friendship between two Black girls and showcasing their creativity, ambition, and problem-solving skills in age-appropriate scenarios.

Parents on Common Sense Media and parenting forums have generally found the content appropriate for the target demographic, with minimal concerns about language or behavior, though a few have noted that the magical premise requires some suspension of disbelief that very young viewers might take literally.

What kids learn

This episode teaches children about the importance of self-confidence and believing in their own abilities. Sadie's journey from self-doubt to deciding to run for student council president demonstrates that taking risks and stepping outside one's comfort zone can lead to personal growth. Kids see that it's okay to be nervous about new challenges, but that supportive friends can help us find the courage to try.

The episode also highlights the value of positive affirmations and self-talk. Lay Lay's role as an encouraging voice shows children how uplifting words and a can-do attitude can make a real difference in how we approach obstacles. Young viewers learn that the way we speak to ourselves matters and that surrounding ourselves with people who believe in us can help us achieve goals we might have thought were out of reach.

Additionally, the episode introduces themes of friendship and mutual support. Lay Lay doesn't just push Sadie to change—she partners with her, showing kids that good friends celebrate each other's strengths and help each other grow. The decision to run for student council also models civic engagement and leadership at a developmentally appropriate level.

Parents' top 5 questions

Question	Answer
How does Lay Lay come to life, and is the magical element explained?	Lay Lay magically appears when Sadie makes a wish, transforming from a digital avatar into a real person. The show treats this as a fantastical event without a scientific explanation, embracing the magic as part of the premise. It's presented as a fun, wish-fulfillment scenario rather than something grounded in reality, which is typical for this type of kids' comedy.
Is the show appropriate for younger elementary-aged kids, or is it aimed at tweens?	The show is primarily aimed at tweens and upper elementary viewers, roughly ages eight to twelve. The middle school setting, student council storyline, and themes around self-confidence and social dynamics are most relatable to that age group. Younger children can enjoy the colorful energy and friendship story, but some of the social situations may go over their heads.
What kind of role model is Lay Lay for my child?	Lay Lay is portrayed as confident, enthusiastic, and supportive, encouraging Sadie to believe in herself and take on challenges. She models positive self-talk and loyalty to friends. Her high energy and boldness are meant to be inspiring, though some parents may want to discuss balancing confidence with listening to others and respecting boundaries as the series progresses.
Does Sadie's reliance on an app send the wrong message about screen time?	The app is a plot device that brings Lay Lay into Sadie's life, not a promotion of excessive screen use. Once Lay Lay becomes real, the focus shifts to their in-person friendship and real-world activities like running for student council. The show emphasizes face-to-face connection and personal growth rather than digital dependence, making it unlikely to encourage more screen time.
Are there any behaviors or language I should be aware of in this episode?	The episode is clean and age-appropriate, with no inappropriate language or concerning behavior. Lay Lay's exuberance is played for comedy, and the conflicts are mild and typical of middle school life. The humor is silly and energetic rather than mean-spirited, and the episode promotes positive messages about friendship, self-belief, and trying new things without negative content.

Writing

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Directing

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Season

Season #	Episode #	Episode Name
1	1	Out The App Sadie makes a wish that turns her affirmation app avatar into Lay Lay, a lively new friend who motivates Sadie to run for student council president.
1	2	Lay Lay Lies Lies Sadie teaches Lay Lay about white lies after she keeps it too real at a family dinner. Marky seizes an opportunity to make quick cash at a burger spot.
1	3	You-Go-Girl-Kart Sadie asks Lay Lay to keep a low profile... until Lay Lay joins the auto club and sparks competition. Marky and Jeremy team up for a brilliant invention.
1	4	Lay Lay the Legendary Lay Lay leans on her avatar powers to master tricks at magic camp with Sadie and Jeremy. Later, Lay Lay discovers she can pull a disappearing act.
1	5	Ha-Lay-Lay-Ween On Halloween, Sadie and Lay Lay have a spooky school sleepover to prove Old Man Packer isn't real. Marky helps Woody when Woody gets stuck in a coffin.
1	6	BoomBox Burger Bop Trish and Bryce worry they've lost their edge when they learn their burger jingle is being replaced. Can a new sound help boost their confidence?
1	7	Ha-Lay-Lay-Lujah A guilty Lay Lay starts feeling the heat when she accompanies the Alexanders to church. Sadie sets out to become a junior deacon.
1	8	That Dude Dylan Lay Lay enters a rap battle at the BoomBox Burger and tries to get dirt on her competitor. Marky feels the blues after selling his favorite toy.
1	9	Mozzarella Heads Trish helps a rhythmless Jeremy learn how to play an instrument. Lay Lay and Sadie take a job performing as clowns, which has Marky seeing dollar signs.
1	10	Lay Lay & Sadie's Big Hair Adventure Trish comes to the rescue when a sticky prank leaves Sadie and Lay Lay with a huge hair crisis. Marky accidentally lets scorpions loose — in the house.
1	11	Make Room for Lay Lay Bryce strives for victory in a cornhole tournament against a pair of old bullies. Lay Lay and Sadie's tastes clash while designing a room makeover.
1	12	Fa-La-La-La-La-La-La-Lay-La Marky tries to profit off of Jeremy's wrapping skills. After a gift-giving fumble, Sadie and Lay Lay go on a mission to perform a Christmas miracle.
1	13	Granny Fae Fae & Lay Lay Trish obsesses over beating Marky at a dance game. When Lay Lay lands in the principal's office, Sadie puts on a special performance to bail her out.

Season #	Episode #	Episode Name
2	1	Ain’t That a Glitch After Marky discovers Lay Lay’s secret, he takes advantage by having her use her powers to do what he says. But when an overworked Lay Lay starts glitching, Marky and Sadie must fix her before the girls have to perform at an awards show.
2	2	Ain’t That a Glitch After Marky discovers Lay Lay’s secret, he takes advantage by having her use her powers to do what he says. But when an overworked Lay Lay starts glitching, Marky and Sadie must fix her before the girls have to perform at an awards show.
2	3	The Burger Games Lay Lay feels threatened by new student, Cobo. When Cobo applies for a job at BoomBox Burger, Lay Lay pounces on the opportunity to show him up by applying, too. This leads to “The Burger Games,” a competition that puts their skills to the test.
2	4	Lay Lay’s Beauty Shop Day Day It’s Lay Lay and Sadie’s first-time accompanying Trish to her standing appointment at the Beauty Shop. When Lay Lay starts spilling all the tea, she and Sadie are left with a big mess to clean up in order to get Trish un-banned from the salon.
2	5	Lay Lay Gets a Pet Pet When Lay Lay and Sadie see Cobo with a cool pet snake, they decide it’s time for the Alexander family to adopt a unique pet of their own. Lay Lay discovers the perfect furry companion: a wild possum she discovers she’s allergic to!
2	6	Dylan and Rebecca's Cleve-Land-Land Adventure The Alexanders get another visit from Young Dylan, whose cousin Rebecca joins Sadie at the launch event for the new version of their favorite video game, while Dylan enlists Lay Lay to help get his music on the game soundtrack.
2	7	Fami-Lay-Lay-Reunion The family is hosting Bryce’s relatives for the annual Alexander family reunion. Sadie is finally old enough to help in the kitchen. Lay Lay is convinced that a friend of the family’s named Ray Ray is an avatar, just like her.
2	8	Bars It’s East Packer High’s talent show fundraiser and Sadie starts to feel the pressure of running the event. Lay Lay is confident that her song will be a big hit for the show until, she meets a big time music producer who challenges her writing style.
2	9	Freaky Fri-Day-Day A face-swap app causes Lay Lay and Sadie to switch bodies, forcing both girls to live a day in the other’s shoes before they can resolve the issue.
2	10	Lay Lay's Line Line Dance Dance Lay Lay ridicules Sadie's interest in a country music dance competition but feels neglected when Sadie goes to the contest without her.
2	11	Lay Lay's Par-Tay-Tay Determined to make their first party a hit, Lay Lay and Sadie brag to the entire school they’ve booked the Good Newz Girls to perform. Now all they have to do is make the idea a reality.
2	12	How Zelda Got Her Groove Back Back Sadie and Lay Lay are determined to find Principal Willingham a date so she’ll approve a school dance but disagree on who her date should be. Separately, they set out their own match-making missions to prove who is right.
2	13	The App Came Back Lay Lay's avatar creator Ilana visits Sadie with some changes to the app settings, turning Lay Lay's personality negative; Sadie tries to restore her best friend's positivity while convincing the techie not to shut down the app completely.
2	14	The Packer Packer Bowl Bacon becomes the East Packer High football mascot, but when the school's rival steals him as part of a prank, Lay Lay will stop at nothing to get her beloved pig back.
2	15	Sorori-Tay-Tay Trish's college sorority is reuniting for a mother-daughter step contest, and Lay Lay agrees to take over for Sadie, who is locked in a battle with Marky over their personal space.
2	16	Beastie Pie Marky's favorite social media influencer, Beastie Pie, is hosting a gross food-eating competition at BoomBox Burger; when Sadie and Lay Lay overhear Beastie's plans to rig the contest, they work together to convince Marky that Beastie is a fraud.
2	17	Bringing Down the House House Lay Lay and Sadie volunteer to build houses for those in need, but when Sadie is put in charge of all the workers, managing Lay Lay becomes her biggest challenge.
2	18	Bring It On Trying out for the cheerleading squad, Lay Lay and Sadie add their own twists to the routine, but learn that standing out doesn't always work when trying to fit into a team.
2	19	Lay Lay's Little Little Sadie and Lay Lay are assigned a shared Little Buddy, Milaena, and spend the week attempting to create a mini-Sadie and mini-Lay Lay, or Say Lay, instead of learning about what Milaena likes and what makes her unique.
2	20	Judge Lay Lay The Alexander family looks to Lay Lay to cast the deciding vote on family decisions, but the newfound power goes to her head, and one ruling causes a rift between her and Sadie.
2	21	Lay Lay Gets Ready to Rumble Rumble Sadie and Lay Lay are enlisted to help save the school's boxing club and set up a fight between Sadie and Gigi that is sure to draw a crowd.
2	22	Ask Away-Way with Lay Lay As class president, Sadie gets to host the announcements, and Lay Lay comes on the show as the advice expert.
2	23	All I Want for Christmas is Lay Lay After Sadie loses the Christmas spirit and cancels the Holiday pageant, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future visit to remind her of the true meaning of Christmas.
2	24	Those Girls Lay Lay Lay Lay discovers a new power, she can clone herself! But which Lay Lay is the real one? Sadie and Bryce create a father-daughter viral video together, which brings them new found fame! But will all that attention go to Bryce's head?
2	25	Sooth-Sadie Sadie rediscovers her magic crystal ball, which she believes always reveals the right answer. Wanting to keep Sadie's faith in the crystal ball alive, Lay Lay uses her avatar powers to make it seem that the crystal ball really is magical.
2	26	Lay Lay Goes Away-Way Lay Lay and Sadie help Bryce and Trish celebrate their anniversary by recreating their first date but when the girls accidentally destroy the CD where Bryce confesses his love to Trish, they must think fast on their feet to improvise.
2	27	Out the App 2: E-Lay Lay-tric Boogaloo With Lay Lay's app being updated, Lay Lay is now sucked back into the phone. Sadie and Marky have to try and get her back into the real world before Lay Lay gets stuck there forever, and all before their parents notices she's gone.
2	28	Granny Fae Fae’s Back to Play Play Principal Willingham plans a grandparents' event for Granny Fae Fae; now Sadie and Lay Lay have to try and keep the secret that she is Granny Fae Fae. Not only from Willingham, but from Sadie's grandma as well.
2	29	School of Rap Lay Lay writes a song to help herself study and ends up inspiring the whole class. But when their teacher accuses them of cheating, all because they got the same answer wrong, Lay Lay and Sadie must prove that the entire class didn't cheat.
2	30	One Mo Bo Lay Lay and Sadie get assigned a school project with Cobo. The girls finally get to go over to his house and learn more about him, only for the girls to discover Cobo has a sister, who is even better at being Cobo, than Cobo is.
2	31	Adventures in Parent-Sitting Lay Lay wants to come clean to Trish and Bryce about being an avatar who came out of Sadie's phone. But, when the parents don't believe her, Lay Lay tries to use her powers to prove to them that she's telling the truth.
2	32	Powers to the People Now that the Alexander family knows about her secret, Lay Lay and Sadie are using Lay Lay's powers nonstop. But their parents want Lay Lay to slow down with the powers, and just when Lay Lay thinks she has it under control, her powers start to glitch.
2	33	oothaches & CHOFMA Breaks While Trish helps Lay Lay deal with her fears of the dentist. Lay Lay first time does self dense mode when the dentist tries get a tool near her mouth. Coming back next day, Lay Lay literally floats when they use laughing gas. Meanwhile, Sadie and Marky battle over who will take the blame for their parents' broken award trophy.

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