Haters Back Off
Haters Back Off is an American comedy web television series created by Colleen Ballinger and her brother Christopher Ballinger, based on the popular YouTube character Miranda Sings originated by Colleen Ballinger in 2008.[1][2] The series premiered on Netflix on October 14, 2016, and consists of two seasons totaling 16 episodes, with the second and final season released on October 20, 2017.[3][2] It centers on the dysfunctional family dynamics and misguided pursuit of fame by Miranda Sings, portrayed by Ballinger as a confident yet utterly talentless aspiring singer, dancer, and performer who remains oblivious to her lack of skill.[1][3] The show features an ensemble cast including Angela Kinsey as Miranda's mother Bethany, Francesca Reale as her sister Emily, Erik Stocklin as her brother-in-law Patrick, and Steve Little as her uncle Jim, all of whom enable and complicate Miranda's delusions of grandeur.[1][2] Produced by Netflix, Brightlight Pictures, and others, the series draws directly from Ballinger's viral YouTube videos, where Miranda's offbeat persona amassed millions of views through satirical takes on internet fame and self-absorption.[2] Episodes typically revolve around Miranda's absurd schemes to achieve celebrity status, such as auditioning for talent shows or navigating family interventions, blending cringe comedy with heartfelt moments about ambition and acceptance.[3][1] Upon release, Haters Back Off received mixed critical reception, earning a 50% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes based on Season 1 reviews, while audiences rated it higher at 69%, praising Ballinger's committed performance and the show's quirky humor.[3] On IMDb, it holds a 5.8 out of 10 rating from over 8,000 users, reflecting its polarizing style that appeals to fans of the original YouTube content but divides others due to its exaggerated tone.[2] The series marked Ballinger's transition from online influencer to scripted television lead, highlighting the growing influence of digital creators in mainstream entertainment.[3][2]Background
Miranda Sings
Miranda Sings is a satirical YouTube character created by comedian Colleen Ballinger in 2008, parodying untalented yet overconfident aspiring performers who seek viral fame through online videos.[4] Inspired by early YouTube content and negative feedback from peers, Ballinger developed the persona to mock the delusions of grandeur common among amateur singers posting subpar performances.[5] Ballinger performs as Miranda in all content, embodying the character's oblivious arrogance and technical shortcomings to highlight the absurdities of internet stardom.[4] The character's signature style includes deliberately off-key and shrill singing, delivered with unwavering self-assurance, alongside a distinctive visual aesthetic: thickly applied red lipstick smeared around the mouth, a side ponytail secured with bobby pins, high-waisted pants pulled up to the chest, and often a striped shirt paired with a collared button-up.[6] Miranda's catchphrase, "Haters back off," serves as both a defiant mantra against online critics and a core element of her humor, emphasizing her rejection of constructive feedback in favor of delusional positivity.[7] These traits collectively satirize the culture of unchecked ego and superficial talent displays prevalent on social media platforms during the late 2000s.[8] By October 2016, the Miranda Sings YouTube channel had amassed over 7 million subscribers and billions of total views, fueled by viral parody videos that resonated with audiences through their cringeworthy authenticity.[8] Ballinger expanded the character's reach beyond digital content with sold-out live tours, where she performed as Miranda in theaters worldwide, and a line of merchandise including apparel and accessories that capitalized on the persona's quirky appeal.[9] This growth underscored Miranda's role in critiquing the parasocial dynamics of online fame, where criticism from "haters" only amplified the character's mock resilience and cultural commentary.[4] The success of the character later inspired its adaptation into a Netflix series, extending Miranda's universe to scripted television.[10] In June 2023, Ballinger faced significant backlash following allegations from former fans of inappropriate online interactions, including sending sexually explicit material to minors and maintaining secretive group chats with young fans. Ballinger denied grooming but admitted to poor judgment in a ukulele apology video that drew further criticism for its tone. The controversies led to the deletion of years of content from her channels and a temporary hiatus. As of November 2025, the Miranda Sings channel has approximately 10.4 million subscribers, though the scandals have polarized her fanbase and prompted ongoing discussions about accountability in online influencer culture. Recent appearances, such as a November 2024 podcast interview, have reignited debates.[11][12][13][14]Premise
Haters Back Off is a comedy series that follows Miranda Sings, a highly confident yet utterly untalented aspiring YouTube star who lives in a suburban home and embarks on a misguided quest for online fame, undeterred by her repeated failures and lack of self-awareness.[15] The narrative centers on her deluded pursuit of viral success through awkward video uploads and performative antics, often amplifying the ridiculousness of social media celebrity culture.[1] The show's core revolves around Miranda's dysfunctional family environment, which both enables and complicates her ambitions. Her mother, Bethany, provides unwavering but misguided support, treating Miranda's pursuits as destined for greatness despite evident shortcomings.[16] Miranda's awkward sister, Emily, acts as the family's reluctant voice of reason, frequently clashing with the chaos caused by Miranda's ego. The absent father figure further strains the household dynamics, while key relatives like the opportunistic uncle Jim and Miranda's boyfriend Patrick introduce additional layers of enmeshment and conflict as the story progresses.[15] Thematically, the series satirizes the absurdity of chasing digital fame, underscoring how family codependency fuels personal delusions and the hazy boundary between authentic life and online performance. Miranda's journey unfolds through escalating comedic obstacles, including disastrous auditions and accidental viral blunders, illustrating the often futile and humorous nature of her stardom aspirations.[17]Development
Haters Back Off was co-created by Colleen Ballinger and her brother Christopher Ballinger, building on the success of Ballinger's YouTube character Miranda Sings, which had amassed millions of subscribers since its debut in 2008.[5] The siblings initially envisioned the project as a feature film around six to seven years prior to the series' launch but shifted focus to television after pitching the concept to various networks.[5] Netflix greenlit the series in January 2016 with a straight-to-series order for eight episodes in the first season, marking it as one of the earliest scripted television projects led by a YouTube personality.[18][15] The development emphasized expanding Miranda's eccentric persona into a broader family-oriented comedy, incorporating elements from Ballinger's own upbringing in a suburban setting to ground the narrative.[5] Ballinger, along with her brother, collaborated with writers Perry Rein and Gigi McCreery to adapt the material for television.[18] The series was produced by Brightlight Pictures, a Canadian production company, which handled the transition from digital content to traditional scripted format.[19] Adapting the vlog-style, improvisational YouTube videos to structured narrative episodes presented significant challenges, particularly for Ballinger, who was accustomed to solo creation.[5] She described the shift to working with a full team of writers, showrunners, and producers as "daunting" and "terrifying," requiring her to relinquish some creative control while preserving the character's authentic quirks within a collaborative environment.[5] This process ultimately enriched the series by integrating family dynamics and episodic storytelling, distinguishing it from Miranda's standalone online sketches.[5]Cast
Main
The main cast of Haters Back Off features a core ensemble that centers on the dysfunctional Potter family and Miranda's immediate circle, driving the series' comedic exploration of fame, delusion, and familial bonds through their interconnected arcs across both seasons.[8] Colleen Ballinger portrays Miranda Sings, the egotistical and talentless protagonist whose obsessive pursuit of internet fame forms the heart of the narrative; depicted as a socially maladjusted, abrasive teen with delusions of stardom, Miranda's whiny confidence and failed schemes propel the family's chaotic escapades.[8][20] Angela Kinsey plays Bethany Potter, Miranda's overly supportive and delusional mother who enables her daughter's pursuits with unwavering encouragement; as a placid, deferential figure often exasperated yet soothing, Bethany highlights the enabling dynamics that sustain Miranda's ego while underscoring the emotional toll on the household.[8][20][19] Francesca Reale stars as Emily Potter, Miranda's shy teenage sister who struggles with family pressure and seeks her own path amid the chaos; portrayed as the relatively normal and patient sibling critical of Miranda's antics, Emily provides contrast and emotional depth, representing the grounded perspective overshadowed by her sister's ambitions.[8][20] Steve Little embodies Uncle Jim, Miranda's eccentric uncle who moves into the family home and injects unpredictable energy into their lives; as a laid-back supporter who acts as her promoter and manager, Jim's calm yet chaotic involvement threatens the family's stability while aiding Miranda's misguided ventures.[19][20] Erik Stocklin depicts Patrick, Miranda's awkward boyfriend introduced in the first season as her adoring neighbor; embodying lovelorn geekdom with an awkward personality, Patrick represents an external romantic interest that complicates Miranda's self-centered world and adds layers to her relational dynamics.[20][6][21]Recurring
In the series, several supporting characters recur across multiple episodes to enhance subplots outside the central family, often introducing external conflicts or humorous side stories. One prominent recurring role is Miranda's estranged father, portrayed by comedian Matt Besser, who is introduced in season 2 as a distant figure whose reappearance complicates family dynamics and explores Jim's backstory through revelations about past decisions. Besser appears in multiple episodes of the season, providing comic relief through awkward interactions that highlight the family's dysfunction while advancing emotional undercurrents in the narrative.[22] Among minor family acquaintances, Keith, played by Chaz Lamar Shepherd, serves as Bethany's ex-boyfriend and recurs in four episodes of season 1, injecting plot complications such as romantic tensions and financial schemes that indirectly affect Miranda's pursuit of fame. His presence adds layers of comic relief, particularly in scenes involving failed interventions or opportunistic schemes that underscore the family's precarious situation. Similarly, Owen, portrayed by Dylan Playfair, appears in three episodes as a charismatic church choir member and Miranda's fleeting crush, contributing to lighthearted romantic subplots that offer brief respites from the main action while poking fun at Miranda's misguided affections.[23] School-related subplots involving Emily are supported by recurring friends like Kleigh, Emily's best friend enacted by Lindsay Navarro, who features in two episodes of season 1 to illustrate Emily's social life and frustrations amid her sister's chaos. Kleigh's interactions provide comic relief through typical teenage dynamics, such as gossip or school event planning, while complicating Emily's attempts to maintain normalcy and pursue her artistic interests. Choir members like April, played by Rachelle Gillis and appearing in two episodes, further expand community-based subplots by representing rivals or peers in Miranda's performative endeavors, often leading to humorous rivalries or group mishaps that tie into broader themes of rejection and persistence. These characters collectively span 2-4 episodes per season, emphasizing peripheral tensions that interact with the main cast to propel family-driven storylines without overshadowing core arcs.[24]Guest stars
The Netflix series Haters Back Off incorporated several prominent guest appearances by celebrities and internet personalities in single episodes, leveraging their real-life fame to heighten the show's parody of aspiring stardom and online celebrity dynamics. These cameos often positioned the guests as exaggerated versions of themselves or satirical figures within Miranda's chaotic pursuit of recognition, drawing from creator Colleen Ballinger's YouTube network for authentic crossover appeal. In Season 1, Episode 3 ("Netwerking at the Nursing Home"), Ben Stiller made a brief cameo as himself, encountering Miranda during her misguided networking attempt at a nursing home and reacting with bemused disbelief to her over-the-top audition pitch, which amplified the episode's mockery of desperate Hollywood connections.[25] Season 1 also featured comedian John Early as Maureen the Mattress Queen in Episode 7 ("Starr Off the Parade"), where his flamboyant character served as a parade judge whose snarky critique of Miranda's performance underscored the show's theme of unqualified critics in the entertainment industry.[26] In Season 2, YouTube star Joey Graceffa appeared as himself in Episode 5 ("my 1rst bae"), collaborating with Miranda on a video project that satirized influencer partnerships and the superficiality of digital fame, highlighting the absurdity of mismatched online collaborations through his enthusiastic yet exasperated involvement.[27]Production and promotion
Production
The production of Haters Back Off took place primarily in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, serving as a stand-in for the series' fictional setting of Tacoma, Washington. Season 1 filmed from April 18 to June 3, 2016, in locations including Port Coquitlam and surrounding areas of Metro Vancouver.[28][29] Season 2 production followed a similar schedule, running from April to June 2017, again utilizing various Metro Vancouver sites to capture the show's quirky family dynamics.[30][31] The creative team was led by siblings Colleen Ballinger and Christopher Ballinger, who co-created the series alongside writers Gigi McCreery and Perry M. Rein.[2] Multiple directors helmed individual episodes, including Andrew Gaynord and Brian Dannelly, contributing to the show's consistent visual tone.[2] The writing emphasized the Ballinger family's input, drawing from Colleen's YouTube persona to infuse authentic, offbeat humor into the scripts. Stylistically, the series adopted a single-camera comedy format that blended traditional sitcom elements with handheld camerawork and vlog-like sequences, evoking the raw aesthetics of online videos while structuring narratives around Miranda's delusional pursuit of fame.[32] As a Netflix original, Haters Back Off operated on a relatively modest budget typical of early digital-first comedies, prioritizing character-driven scenes over elaborate sets or effects in its single-camera setup. This approach allowed for agile filming in practical locations, enhancing the grounded, eccentric feel of the Sings household. The series concluded after two seasons when Netflix announced its cancellation on December 1, 2017, opting not to renew despite the show's initial debut and return.[33][34]Promotion
Netflix initiated pre-release hype for Haters Back Off with the release of first-look photos on September 1, 2016, featuring lead actress Colleen Ballinger as Miranda Sings alongside key cast members and production sets.[35] This was followed by a teaser trailer on September 21, 2016, highlighting Miranda's signature catchphrase "Haters back off" and her quirky pursuit of fame, which was shared across Netflix's platforms.[36] An official trailer debuted on October 3, 2016, further teasing the series' offbeat family comedy elements, and these materials were cross-promoted on Ballinger's YouTube channel to engage her established digital audience.[37][5] Tie-in campaigns extended the promotion through social media integrations, where Ballinger actively shared behind-the-scenes content and calls-to-action on her Instagram and Twitter accounts, encouraging fans to stream the series upon its October 14, 2016, launch.[5] Merchandise efforts included official apparel such as "Haters Back Off" T-shirts and accessories available through Ballinger's branded store, designed to appeal to Miranda Sings enthusiasts.[38] Additionally, live events tied into Miranda's ongoing tours, where Ballinger incorporated show references and screenings into performances to blend the character's stage presence with the series' narrative.[4] These initiatives capitalized on Miranda Sings' existing YouTube fanbase to drive cross-platform interest. For season 2, Netflix announced the renewal on December 15, 2016, via official channels, with Ballinger amplifying the news on her social media platforms to sustain momentum.[39][40] The push emphasized the expansion of the Sings family storyline, introducing deeper explorations of sibling and parental dynamics in promotional materials. A season 2 trailer released on October 10, 2017, spotlighted these elements ahead of the October 20 premiere.[1] Cross-platform efforts focused on collaborations with YouTube influencers, leveraging Ballinger's network to bridge digital content creators and Netflix's streaming model, including joint videos and shoutouts that introduced the series to broader online communities.[5] This strategy helped transition fans from short-form YouTube videos to the bingeable format of the show, fostering a seamless audience migration.[4]Episodes
Series overview
Haters Back Off is an American comedy television series consisting of 16 half-hour episodes divided across two seasons, released exclusively on Netflix in full batches for on-demand viewing.[3][2] Season 1, with 8 episodes, premiered on October 14, 2016, followed by Season 2, also 8 episodes, on October 20, 2017.[41][42][43] Each episode blends scripted narrative scenes with vlog-style interludes presented by the central character Miranda Sings, typically running 22-30 minutes in length.[1] As a Netflix original, the series received no traditional television airing and remained available for streaming subscribers.[1] The overall arc centers on Miranda's pursuit of fame, with Season 1 emphasizing her initial local recognition efforts encouraged by her family, and Season 2 expanding to wider ambitions and obstacles.[44] Main characters, including Miranda and her eccentric family members, drive the comedic dynamics throughout both seasons.[3]Season 1 (2016)
The first season of Haters Back Off!, consisting of eight episodes, introduces the eccentric Sings family and Miranda's misguided pursuit of internet fame, emphasizing her unshakeable confidence despite repeated setbacks.[1] The narrative establishes core family dynamics, including the overbearing influence of Uncle Jim, the supportive yet exasperated mother Bethany, the aspiring musician Owen, and the awkward neighbor Patrick, all while showcasing Miranda's debut interactions with them as she navigates her first forays into performing and social media.[2] This season sets up the overarching theme of failure as a path to notoriety, with Miranda's initial YouTube attempts and local gigs highlighting her talentless yet optimistic approach to stardom.[1] All episodes premiered simultaneously on Netflix on October 14, 2016, and were primarily directed by Andrew Gaynord, who helmed six of the eight installments, with the remaining two directed by Todd Rohal.[45] Runtimes range from 29 to 36 minutes, focusing on comedic scenarios that debut the main cast's interplay, such as Miranda's clashes with family over her ambitions and Patrick's budding crush.[46] Below is a list of episodes with brief synopses:| Episode | Title | Directed by | Runtime | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uploding my Fist Video | Andrew Gaynord | 31m | Miranda launches her path to fame by posting her first YouTube video, only to be discouraged by a critical comment from a viewer.[1] |
| 2 | Preeching 2 the Chior | Andrew Gaynord | 32m | Discouraged by online negativity, Miranda abandons YouTube to join a church choir, where Uncle Jim imparts a lesson from his own past experiences.[1] |
| 3 | Netwerking at the Nursing Home | Andrew Gaynord | 29m | A visit to a nursing home turns into a potential audition opportunity for Miranda, while Patrick deals with jealousy toward Owen.[1] |
| 4 | Rod Trip With My Uncle | Andrew Gaynord | 34m | Miranda secures a performance slot, prompting Uncle Jim to push for a larger opportunity in Seattle during their road trip together.[1] |
| 5 | Staring in a Musicall | Todd Rohal | 30m | Bethany organizes a family production of Annie, but Uncle Jim's takeover leads to chaos in the homemade musical.[1] |
| 6 | Becuming a Magichin | Andrew Gaynord | 31m | Miranda teams up with Patrick to learn magic tricks for a performance, encountering an unexpected hurdle just before showtime.[1] |
| 7 | Starr off the Parade | Todd Rohal | 31m | Miranda and Uncle Jim compete for a spot in a local parade against a rival performer, as Patrick makes a bold move and Bethany receives concerning news.[1] |
| 8 | i'm famous | Andrew Gaynord | 36m | As Patrick gears up for a date with Miranda, Owen's CD release party brings family tensions to a head.[1] |
Season 2 (2017)
The second and final season of Haters Back Off consists of eight episodes, all released simultaneously on Netflix on October 20, 2017.[47] Building on the family separation from the previous season, it explores deeper conflicts within the household, particularly with the unexpected return of Miranda's estranged father, Kelly, who re-enters their lives as an opportunistic figure seeking to capitalize on her rising fame.[48] Miranda takes greater risks in her pursuit of stardom, including ambitious ventures like merchandise lines and a personal theme park, while new dynamics emerge, such as a budding romance between Bethany and Uncle Jim, heightening the awkwardness and tensions in the family unit.[48] The season progresses toward resolution by addressing Miranda's romantic reconciliation with Patrick and providing closure to several core threads, such as family reconciliation and her career setbacks, though it ends on an open note hinting at future possibilities.[48] Episodes in this season typically run 24–28 minutes each and feature no major guest stars beyond the recurring cast, focusing instead on the core ensemble's evolving relationships.[47] The narrative emphasizes Miranda's increasing independence and the fallout from her father's involvement, culminating in high-stakes events like the opening of "Miranda World" and a Broadway opportunity that tests the family's unity.[48]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 1 | im gunnna be an legend | Brian Dannelly | Colleen Ballinger & Chris Ballinger | October 20, 2017 | 28 min |
| 10 | 2 | Getting Condomsated 4 My Ad | Brian Dannelly | Justin Varava | October 20, 2017 | 24 min |
| 11 | 3 | Exposing My Impostr | Steven Tsuchida | Gigi McCreery & Perry Rein | October 20, 2017 | 25 min |
| 12 | 4 | Modelling at the Hospital | Steven Tsuchida | Gigi McCreery & Perry Rein | October 20, 2017 | 26 min |
| 13 | 5 | my 1rst bae | Benjamin Berman | Colleen Ballinger & Chris Ballinger | October 20, 2017 | 25 min |
| 14 | 6 | makeen the news | Benjamin Berman | Justin Varava | October 20, 2017 | 27 min |
| 15 | 7 | my theem park | Steven Tsuchida | Gigi McCreery & Perry Rein | October 20, 2017 | 28 min |
| 16 | 8 | broadway or buts | Steven Tsuchida | Colleen Ballinger & Chris Ballinger | October 20, 2017 | 29 min |