Tools for this page
Print

Privileged

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Status-driven teen drama is surprisingly positive.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The show's intelligent, well-educated protagonist starts out with high ideals but ultimately grapples with temptation. Can she stay true to herself and still reap the rewards of a privileged lifestyle? Her teen charges are equally complex: They lost both of their parents in a tragic accident and have tried to fill the void with material things.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Some kissing, and sex is mentioned a few times but never shown in graphic detail. There's also some higher-level sexual innuendo, such as the fact that the main character's college thesis topic dealt with phallic imagery.
  • Language:

    "Bitch" (and variations like "bitchy") is used a good bit, along with other descriptive put-downs like "douche bag," "slutty ho bag," and "hooker." The word "vajayjay" is also used.
  • Consumerism:

    A few high-end brands (like Versace) are mentioned. The Bakers' world is full of fancy, high-end products and luxuries.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adult characters drink in social settings; in at least one scene, teens are also shown drinking champagne and what appear to be mixed drinks at a society gathering. The drinks are quietly taken from them, but there are no serious consequences.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Privileged was written by Kari Croop

Parents need to know that this is dramedy is actually a decent choice for older teens because it thoughtfully explores a world of privilege that's often glorified in today's popular culture. Still, there's a good bit of blunt language to contend with (think "vajayjay" and "douche bag") and some instances of underage drinking (which don't appear to have serious consequences). And, context or no, teens who watch will see a fair number of high-end brands and get an eyeful of a generally luxurious, unattainable lifestyle.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about how this show compares to other series about teens who live in mansions and live lives of luxury? Does it seem more or less realistic? Why? How do this show's messages compare to those of other teen series? Families can also discuss whether the two privileged sisters in Megan's care resemble any of the "society celebs" you read about in the tabloids. Does it surprise you to see that someone who's living the "good life" isn't truly happy? Do you think Megan made the right choice in taking -- and keeping -- her job as the twins' tutor? Would you have made the same decision? Why or why not?
Did this review help you decide?

Will your kids tune in?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on Privileged

What’s the Story?

When Yale-educated writer-on-the-rise Megan Smith (Joanna Garcia) loses her job at a New York City tabloid, it opens the door for a whole new career in Palm Beach: playing tutor to a pair of privileged teens (Lucy Hale and Ashley Newbrough) whose parents were killed in a tragic accident and now live with their cosmetics mogul grandmother, Laurel Limoges (Anne Archer). If Megan can get the errant high schoolers into Duke University, the girls' grandmother will pay off Megan's pile of student loans. But for Megan, pulling it off might mean sidestepping a few of her noble ideals. After all, Laurel doesn't care how Megan gets the girls into Duke -- as long as she makes it happen.

Is It Any Good?

Armed with a hummable soundtrack of pop hits and an intensely likeable protagonist, PRIVILEGED is more appealing than "just another teen soap." Teens will love the characters, the romantic subplots, and the glamour of a fashionable world in which girls routinely "puke outfits cuter than yours." But parents will be happy to know that the overall message is more good than bad. Sure, there are a few plot points that require a serious suspension of disbelief (like the fact that Megan could land this gig in the first place). But the best part of the show is that it doesn't blindly idolize the lives of society kids -- instead, it reveals a bit of tarnish on all that bling they're wearing.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about Privileged?

or

to post a review

See 2 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

    Fave show!!!

    This show is about a 20 year old out of collage that is comming to be Rose and Sage's tutor. She helps the twins with teenage stuff and she goes through romantic drama herself i think this show is fine for anyone that is 13 and up :)

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0

    okay

    alright, seriously people. by the time a kid is ten years old they've heard and seen stuff way worse than this. i really sont know why it says ages fourteen and up on here but it is a really good show- parents, megan is a good roll model -from a thirteen year old

More Great Stuff for Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    Justin Bieber Fever

    Justin Bieber Fever

    Is your kid burnin' for Beiber?

  • Advice for Parents

    Facebook for Parents

    Facebook for Parents

    Get info and facts to keep your kids safe and smart on Facebook.

  • Book of the Week

    One Crazy Summer

    One Crazy Summer

    A gem, with strong girl characters, '60s black history.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Download This

    "It's On" (CD single)

    "It's On" (CD single)

    Squeaky-clean pop single features Jonas Bros, Demi Lovato.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name