Message

Social Behavior:

Lots of lying, backstabbing, break ups, and hook ups. 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.

Consumerism:

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. Brands like Chanel and Mercedes-Benz are prominently visible. The series features music from various up-and-coming bands, like Tilly and the Wall. Some tie-in products (nail polish, etc.) are available.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

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.

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."