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10 Things I Hate About You

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    High school-set comedy raises important issues for teens.

Themes in this show include:   dating/crushes, family relationships, peer pressure

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

The good stuff

  • Role models:

    While Bianca admits it’s worth giving up her dignity for social acceptance, Kat sticks to her personal code and has unwavering self-esteem (even though her strong will makes her stand-offish). The girls’ over-protective father is a sympathetic character whose concern for his daughters is understandable in light of his affection for them. But teachers are cast as weak and, in at least one case, willing to give in to Chastity’s demands because of her father’s standing on the school board.

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The series has a strong focus on high school social structure, and many characters are preoccupied with popularity and how to achieve it (though others apparently couldn't care less). Still, although characters like "mean girl" Chastity use popularity as an excuse to be cruel, others stand up for themselves, and there's a strong father-daughter relationship at the heart of the series.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Many references to sex. Teens have romantic relationships, and there's a good bit of passionate kissing and even some mild groping. Kat and Bianca’s dad often warns them of boys’ not-so-innocent intentions with warnings like “boys want to put a baby in you.” Teens toss around terms like “getting laid” and discuss girls’ appearances and cup sizes. Bianca alludes to Kat’s previous sexual experience. 
  • Language:

    Occasional use of words like “ass” and “bitch." 
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Teen drinking is implied at parties, but nothing is shown, and the drink is said to be non-alcoholic beer. 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of 10 Things I Hate About You was written by Emily Ashby

Parents need to know that this teen-targeted series based on the same-named 1999 film includes frequent references to sex -- including comments about girls’ bodies, use of terms like “get laid,” passionate kissing, and mention of teens’ sexual experience. Popularity is a key concern, and one central character uses her social status to terrorize all but her closest friends, and her behavior goes unchecked by her peers and adults. Expect some intermittent strong language (“bitch,” “ass,” and the like) and references to teen drinking (though nothing is shown). Kat and Bianca’s father -- who never wavers in his protection of them,  even when they defy him -- is the show's strongest positive role model.

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 social pressure. Teens: How have your experiences compared to those of the show's characters? What pressures have you faced? How did you respond to them?
  • You can also discuss how the show portrays teen sexuality. How does seeing and hearing about sex on TV impact real teens' behavior?
  • How does the series compare to the movie? How have the issues that teens face changed since it came out? Do you think this series offers an accurate, realistic view of current teen life?
Did this review help you decide?

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More on 10 Things I Hate About You

What’s the Story?

Inspired by the 1999 film of the same name, 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU chronicles the struggles of the Stratford sisters, Bianca (Meaghan Jette Martin) and Kat (Lindsey Shaw), as they adapt to a new school. Socialite Bianca longs only for acceptance into Padua High’s popularity nucleus, but when her sharp-tongued, feminist sister butts heads with the school’s self-appointed diva, Chastity (Dana Davis), Bianca knows she has an uphill battle ahead. On the romantic front, Kat’s unruliness turns the head of mysterious Patrick (Ethan Peck), and Bianca is being heavily pursued by resident nice guy Cameron (Nicholas Braun). The only thing the sisters can count on is the persistence of their protective father, Walter (Larry Miller), who will do anything to ensure that they stay safe -- and untouched by the opposite sex.

Is It Any Good?

This series probably isn’t what Shakespeare had in mind when he wrote The Taming of the Shrew. It’s peppered with bold sexual references and innuendo, many of which come from the teens’ father (though he's otherwise an admirable role model). What’s more, Chastity’s nasty behavior toward her social inferiors raises issues related to tolerance and fairness, and Bianca’s willingness to forego her dignity for social standing sends some iffy messages to tween and teen girls. Add to that the occasional strong language and casual references to teen drinking, and it’s clear that this show (like the movie before it) isn't meant for tweens.

On a positive note, while Kat takes defiance to a new level and is frequently (and unabashedly) rude, her self-assuredness and strength in the face of social pressure are good examples for teens. Cameron, too, displays positive qualities like sincerity and integrity, and his attraction to Bianca is more than just physical. Bottom line? The content is too mature for tweens, but teens are likely to enjoy it -- just be sure to follow up with a discussion about the issues that arise if yours do tune in.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    amazing showw, teaches teens what they need to know.

    by 13 which i am your child most likely knows what everything is . and you cant blame tv. their friends are some what the blame. in my opinion this show just teaches you how to deal with it. im 13 a teen i need to know what to do when im not ready for a relationship and what to tell a guy when im not trying to hurt him. or how to talk to my parents about things. by the way ever heard of pg13 . yes well this hsow is basically pg13 and i think teens starting at 13 should be allowed to whatch it . by the way my mother whatches it with me . every new episodee . she loves it!!

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message

    A funny teen show!

    This is a fun show for teens 13 and up. Bianca is a social butterfly and will do anything to be popular. Kat, her older and strongminded older sister is very different. She has very strong opinions, and is strong minded. The show features some swears, b----,a--,crap,sucks but the language is better in the show than the movie. Also, some kissing, but most of the content is high school humor and sexually. They also talk about sex. The girls father is very overprotective which can be good or bad. Overall, 10 things I hate about you is a funny show for teens 13-14 and up.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 3.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Good for tweens and up, not for younger childeren

    I think I've seen a clip of it where Kat was drunk, I don't think that's very good, the sexual stuff seems ok, girls get pregnant, (it was their choice to do that), and people kiss all the time.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Depends.

    I like the show. They do have somethings that aren't okay for younger kids to hear but that depeneds on the kids watching the show and how they can handle it. They do show how to handle some problems well and how growing up really is now a days.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Great Teen Show

    Kat isn't afraid to be herself, no matter what others say.

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