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The Best Years

(Rated TV-PG, Drama, Starring Brandon Jay McLaren, Athena Karkanis, Charity Shea, Where to watch: TeenNick, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    A look at college life, Degrassi style.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Overall these teen characters aren't the best models for responsible behavior -- though much of what they do probably isn't that far off of what goes in on real-life colleges. They sleep around (some with professors), drink a lot, don't appreciate their friendships, and often manipulate others' emotions.
  • Violence:

    In one scene, a drunk teen dies after falling from a rooftop. There's no blood, but his lifeless body is shown.
  • Sex:

    Various states of undress -- like the rear view of a woman in a bra. Storylines include allusions to sexual relationships -- for example, a girl makes a provocative tape of herself to spark a guy's interest, and a student sleeps with his professor. College dorms have co-ed bathrooms.
  • Language:

    Occasional use of words like "ass," "bitch," "hell," and "damn."
  • Consumerism:

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

    The teen college students go to bars and drink alcohol (many are of legal drinking age in Canada, where the series is made). In one scene, drunkenness leads one character to fall to his death from a rooftop.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Best Years

Parents need to know that this college drama from the former head writer of teen favorite Degrassi: The Next Generation tackles just as many issues as that show -- albeit in a somewhat soap-operaish way. Romantic relationships among students (and in one case, between a student and his married professor) include sex; sometimes the girls use their bodies to gain guys' interest. Expect some mild language ("bitch," "damn," etc.) and lots of underage drinking -- though the latter sometimes comes with consequences: In one episode, a drunk teen falls to his death from a rooftop. (It's worth noting that many of the characters would be of age in Canada, where the series is made -- though it takes place in the United States.)

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the issues the show raises. What are the dangers of drinking too much? What risks come along with casual sex? What messages does the show send to teens about responsible behavior? Do the characters suffer consequences from their actions? Why is that important? Teens: What impression does this show give of college life? Do you think it's realistic? What aspects, if any, seem exaggerated?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

    The best show EVER

    I seriously am in love with devin. Sam was stupid to dump him. Lol. This is a good show for any teen from 12-15 or higher. I love all the shows on the-n, and even have an account on the-n.com

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    The Best Show.

    I have always been a fan of all the shows the-n has put out, but this has by-far surpassed them all. At first I thought this show would be a repeat of 'Whistler' (which was terrible, in my opinion). But, I decided to give it a try. This is the best show ever, honestly. I love the original drama, the plots, the ups and downs, the relationships, and the real feel of this show. I would recommend this for anyone looking for an addicting series - anyone aged over 14 ofcourse. While this show is very good, it also has some very mature themes. The very first episode included sneaking around, getting drunk, and someone dying. While this hooked me, I wouldn't imagine my point of view or feelings about the show would be the same if I was even just a year or so younger. So, it all just depends on how mature you are, and the kind of entertainment you enjoy. I love it (as stated many times before). You'll never know unless you try. =]

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    Reaches out

    From what I see, most users of this site are preteen/teenageers. I first watched the Best years over the summer after my freshman year in College. From the very first episode I was suprised that it is featured on "TheN". I love this show, the cast and characters are awsome. But, I do feel that it is aimed for an older, post highschool audience. This show contains Sex, dancing girls willing to show their bodies (episode where Sam and Kathryn try to win a trip to Cabbo). As long as a Lot of alcohol and drug abuse. I simply feel that younger audiences of... say uner 14 may get the wrong ideas or impressions from a show such as this. The Best Years has completley won me over, and as a college student, it is one of the few shows that can actually relate to young adults of my generation. I cannot wait untill season 2 gets underway, and we get to see what happens w/ Sam and her friends, as well as her newfound "family".

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    it the best show ever

    you have to watch it before you give it a bad review

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

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