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90210

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Famous ZIP code gets an edgy, entitled remake.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Lots of lying, backstabbing, break ups, and hook ups. Many (but not all) of the characters are wealthy and materialistic, with huge houses, fancy cars, elaborate parties, and the ability to jet off to another city for dinner. Although overall it's an unrealistic, glamorized portrayal of teens, it also presents some real issues that teenagers deal with, including drug addiction, racism, teen pregnancy, academic cheating, and peer pressure. Principal Wilson holds students accountable for their actions, but not all parents do the same. Taylor is a single mother. Dixon is adopted. Navid has a Middle Eastern background; Dixon is African-American.
  • Violence:

    Students sometimes lose their tempers and begin shoving, pushing, wrestling, and slapping each other. Images from violent video games.
  • Sex:

    Some strong sexual innuendo, including strong visual references to teens performing oral sex. Frequent scenes of teens kissing/making out. Some storylines include cheating and dealing with an unexpected pregnancy. Navid's father is a major porn film producer (no graphic footage is shown).
  • Language:

    Language includes words like "ass" and "bitch."
  • Consumerism:

    Brands like Chanel and Mercedes-Benz are prominently visible. Products like Dr. Pepper also get obvious placement. The series features music from various up-and-coming bands, like Tilly and the Wall. Some tie-in products (nail polish, etc.) are available.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Lots of underage drinking visible, at bars and at home. Grandmother Tabitha appears to be an alcoholic. One character has a drug problem and is shown buying pills and engaging in some negative behavior as a result of her addiction.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of 90210 was written by Melissa Camacho

Parents need to know that this remake/spin-off of '90s teen sensation Beverly Hills, 90210 is edgier than the original series -- but just as soapy and unrealistic. Along with over-the-top opulent lifestyles, rampant materialism, and constant relationship issues, it prominently features behavior like underage drinking and substance abuse. There's also some strong sexual innuendo (including visual references to teens performing oral sex) and language ("bitch," "ass").

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 the messages that this show sends to teens. Are these characters -- both teens and adults -- realistic? Do they face relatable issues and deal with them in believable ways? What would the real-life consequences of their behavior be? Parents, watch with your kids and make this show a teachable moment about issues like materialism and underage drinking and sex. Families can also discuss how this show compares to other recent teen soaps, as well as to the original series. Can a spin-off be true to the original show while still offering something new for viewers?
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More on 90210

What’s the Story?

Almost 20 years after Brenda and Brandon Walsh first arrived in Southern California in Beverly Hills, 90210, a new generation of Midwest transplants is following in their footsteps. The Wilson family -- teens Annie (Shenae Grimes) and Dixon Wilson (Tristan Wilds) and parents Harry (Rob Estes) and Debbie (Lori Loughlin) -- head west from Kansas to move in with Harry's aging mother, boozy former actress Tabitha (Jessica Walter). Adjusting to their trendy new ZIP code is both exciting and challenging for Annie and Dixon as they build friendships and gain enemies among their good-looking, privileged classmates at West Beverly High -- including spoiled Naomi Clark (AnnaLynne McCord), popular lacrosse player Ethan Ward (Dustin Milligan), aspiring journalist Navid Shirazi (Michael Steger), and the rebellious blogger known to all as Silver (Jessica Stroup). Adding to the Wilson kids' awkwardness is the fact that their dad is West Beverly's tough new principal.

Is It Any Good?

While edgier than the original series, 90210 still features the signature soapy drama that made the original show famous. Characters cope with the ups and downs of friendships, romance, and other, more sensitive issues, including drug addiction and adoption. And while they do receive guidance from Principal Wilson and hip teachers like Ryan Matthews (Ryan Eggold), these teens seem to operate within their own private universe. Adding to the drama is the reintroduction of former characters like Silver's older sister Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth) and visiting drama teacher Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty).

Teens will probably be drawn in by the over-the-top plotlines and idealistic images of posh teen lifestyles. And occasional visits to the erstwhile Peach Pit (now just The Pit) and subtle references to original series' stories make watching the show a fun, nostalgic experience for older viewers, too. But, as in shows like Gossip Girl, a lot of 90210's material is edgy and unrealistic. These kids talk about (and have) sex, drink, do drugs, and drop hundreds of dollars on party dresses. Sure, it's a guilty pleasure, but it's not a guilt-free one.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    hole

    (p*rn,, s*xy, a*****)

  2. I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 0.0

  3. I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    90210 doesn't influence our behavior or actions unless we want it to

    I started watching this show when I was 11 years old and I love it! Parents need to understand that kids can't be protected from everything. They forget what it was like to be our age. I know better than to do any of the bad stuff that they do in 90210. Parents think that kids are immature and that we will think of these people as role models but that's not true. My parents don't control what I watch on TV because they trust me to have common sense. I've grown up watching these kinds of shows and I'm not on drugs or getting pregnant. I happen to be a smart, kind, and responsible 13 year old girl that just likes the drama of 90210. PARENTS: If you're smart, you will raise your children like my mom and dad raised me.

  4. I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    90210 doesn't influence our behavior or actions unless we want it to

    I started watching this show when I was 11 years old and I love it! Parents need to understand that kids can't be protected from everything. They forget what it was like to be our age. I know better than to do any of the bad stuff that they do in 90210. Parents think that kids are immature and that we will think of these people as role models but that's not true. My parents don't control what I watch on TV because they trust me to have common sense. I've grown up watching these kinds of shows and I'm not on drugs or getting pregnant. I happen to be a smart, kind, and responsible 13 year old girl that just likes the drama of 90210. PARENTS: If you're smart, you will raise your children like my mom and dad raised me.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Perfect for older teens, not for younger kids.

    I like 90210, I also loved the original Beverly Hills 90210, which is tamer than the remake. There is some inappropriate language- b----,a--,d---,crap, sucks. In the first season, one character is pregnant and a drug user. There is also some sexual elements. Some Characters have sex, also, some intense kissing. I like 90210 but it does have some moments that aren't the best. Also, prepare for lots of drama.

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