Tools for this page
Print

90210

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Jennie Garth, Jessica Stroup, Shenae Grimes, Where to watch: CW, DVD, Online)

  • 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 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

About 90210

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").

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
Tools and tips that can help

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

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about 90210?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 8 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    justLoviNickJona ...
    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.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    greenactress
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative role models

    I might not even be old enough to be watching this!

    I love this show, my mom's not crazy about it. But i think it's very entertaining but kind of inapropiate. From drugs to sex this is a more mature teen show. Nothing to be able to handle, but if your parents let you watch it or not. There is langauge, some violense, and bad role models. The very first episode i felt so bad for ethan, and now after tha part one i feel bad for Annie, even though i hate that actress. Good show, young kids, NO!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Parent Reviewer
    cabbe
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 4.0

    My Daughter Loves It!

    My sixteen year old daughter absolutely loves this show! The two times I've watched it with her the episodes were okay. Both the episodes were about the girl who does drug and is pregnant. I find the show just like Secret Life!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    GhostHunter11
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0

    "This is a really good show for boys and girls, boy tweens & or girl tween's"

    90210 is a great show about the lives of the teenager's of 90210! It isn't inappropriate and ok for tweens 11 and up. It's funny,sometimes sad, and has some drama.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    drama_1414
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

    My Favorite TV show

    This show is about teens that live in beverly Hills. Its about how the principal daughter and son move to beverly hills. I think it is age approprite for kids the 13 and up because I watch it and my friends do :)

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 9+
    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Book of the Week

    Age 10+
    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    Age 10+
    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

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
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.