College Hill: Interns - TV-PG

Biz lessons can't compete with reality-show drama.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: BET Cast: Ian Smith Genre: Reality TV
Available on: Download

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that while this reality series about college-student interns focuses on leadership and professionalism -- the interns are expected to work hard and develop skills designed to help them succeed -- these lessons are often overshadowed by the drinking, arguing, and sexual activity that takes place in the Real World-esque house they all live in. There's also strong language (words like "s--t" and "f--k" are bleeped, bur present) and pretty explicit sex talk (including discussion of virginity, positions, and anal sex).

Families can talk about what it means to be "professional." How are people generally expected to behave at work? How do those expectations change depending on what kind of company you work for? Is it important to fit into the culture of your workplace? Why or why not? Families can also discuss the transition from college life to the workforce. What are some of the challenges? How do internships help students prepare for that transition?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

COLLEGE HILL: INTERNS follows 10 college students as they spend a summer interning in Chicago. Top students from all over the country, they plan to take the Windy City by storm -- but they soon discover that they still have a lot to find out about what it takes to work for a Fortune 500 company.

During their five-week internships at companies like Toyota and McDonald's, the students must transform from a group of crazy college co-eds into mature adults who know how to dress, think and behave like professionals. Luckily, they have a high-profile advisor -- author and medical correspondent Dr. Ian Smith -- to guide them. But nothing seems to stop them from enjoying the city's nightlife and indulging in some wild times at their swanky house.

This rather unoriginal show is a spin-off of the popular BET series College Hill. It combines Real World-like drama (though it's not quite as raunchy as that reality mainstay) with some of the competitiveness featured on The Apprentice. The interns participate in a variety of challenges and try not to get fired after their mid-term evaluation. Meanwhile, tensions flair as the group learns to live together amidst constant bickering, drinking, romantic liaisons, and casual sexual encounters.

The show does focus a fair amount on the importance of leadership and professionalism, stressing the idea that success only comes to those who work hard for it. But despite these important lessons, the show's strong sexual content, rough language, and frequent drinking make it a less-than-outstanding viewing choice for kids and young teens.

For more workplace/career-based reality TV, try The Apprentice and Project Runway.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Flirting, hugging, kissing, strong sexual innuendo, and some casual hookups. Some sexually explicit dialogue, including discussions about sexual positions and anal sex. Ivy's virginity is discussed openly. Marc shares a room with three of the women. Nights on the town feature some provocative dancing. Some camera shots zero in on some female cast members' low-cut blouses (showing cleavage) and other revealing attire.
Violence Lots of yelling during heated arguments between the interns/roommates. Some shoving, pushing, and hitting. The interns refer to "killing" and "murdering" each other, but it's in the context of beating each other at various challenges.
Language Strong language; words like "damn" and "ass" are audible, while "s--t" and "f--k" are bleeped.
Message
	Social Behavior The interns often exhibit iffy behavior both on the job and at home, though they do get some limited guidance from Ian Smith. The cast members, all of whom are African American, come from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Five of the interns are female; one is a lesbian.
	Commercialism Some of the interns work for big-name companies like Toyota, McDonald's, etc. The Toyota Yaris is featured, as are brands like Yoplait and Cover Girl are clearly visible. Chicago clubs, restaurants, and attractions are also seen.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Lots of drinking, including beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Smoking occasionally visible.