"Ocean Girl" Was Better Than "H2O: Just Add Water" And I Will Die On This Hill

    Ocean Girl walked so H20: Just Add Water could run.

    Clare Aston
    by Clare Aston

    BuzzFeed Staff

    H2O: Just Add Water was an Aussie TV Show that first aired in 2006. And since then it's had some sort of cult-like success — spawning memes, TikToks and general hilarity.

    In case you didn't know, H2O is about three girls who, after being trapped on an island under a full moon, get magic powers that turn them into mermaids whenever they touch water.

    Three girls with mermaid tails sitting on a beach and smiling
    Network 10

    Plus, they all have a certain power over water — one can freeze it, one can manipulate it and one can boil it.

    But, I am here to tell you that there is another Aussie TV show worthy of your devotion — Ocean Girl.

    A girl in tattered clothing eats food with two boys by a river
    Network 10

    If you remember the show, you'll understand why Ocean Girl is an absolute diamond lacking in recognition, but if you've never seen it — let me clue you in.

    Released in 1994, Ocean Girl is set a little way aways in the future. Its main character is Neri — who lives alone on an island. That is until an underwater research facility is built and she befriends Jason and Brett Bates.

    Network 10

    Now, I know what you're thinking: "That doesn't sound better than H2O", but WAIT! There's more!

    David L. Wolper Productions

    First off, Neri can communicate with whales, including her humpback friend, Charlie.

    Neri in the water holding on to her humpback whale friend
    Network 10

    She also can swim long distances, has superior lung capacity and nailed that mermaid swim long before the H2O girls walked onto the scene.

    Network 10

    Seriously, these are exactly the same just without the fake tail.

    Sure, she may not be able to stay underwater forever, but is this not more achievable than turning into a mermaid every time you brush your teeth?

    CBC

    She also has a couple of other powers and tricks up her sleeve.

    Plus, Brett and Jason live in an underwater facility called ORCA, while their mum studies whales, which is just too cool IMO.

    A underwater establishment, built of stacked circular buildings
    Network 10

    Yes please, I do believe life is better under the sea — let me live there.

    The whole plot of Ocean Girl is, essentially, to find out who Neri is and where her family have gone, why she's living on an island all alone and to keep her and her whale-communicating powers a secret from the adults on ORCA.

    Neri swimming under water hanging onto a reef
    Network 10

    Stay away from that petty bullshit of H2O — this show has real scientific ~drama~!

    And let me tell you — when you find out where Neri's from and what she is, you will be gobsmacked!

    HBO

    🚨Spoilers ahead: Do not keep reading if you don't want to know what Neri is!!🚨

    🚨Spoiler warning (again): Just in case you didn't see my other one.🚨

    So, it turns out Neri is an alien! And her and some of her family have been sent to Earth to help save our oceans, because why the hell not?

    Neri with a furrowed brow staring out over the ocean
    Network 10

    I mean, love that for an Aussie kids' TV show. So out there, so wild — it's a great time.

    Look, I too, love H2O: Just Add Water — both shows have their merits. But, I just think Ocean Girl deserves a little bit more recognition, because it was 100% before its time and it had me swimming around in the pool like a mermaid, long before H2O did.

    Network 10

    So, for those of you Aussies who still remember the fond days of Ocean Girl airing on TV, do you agree with me? Is Ocean Girl better than H2O? Let me know in the comments!