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Hidden Palms

(Rated TV-PG, Drama, Starring Michael Cassidy, Taylor Handley, Amber Heard, Where to watch: CW)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Poor little rich boy stumbles on town secrets.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Some definite bad behavior, though the main character is a reformed bad boy. Other characters are mysterious -- possibly cruel, vain, promiscuous, deceitful. One mother gets a lot of plastic surgery. Teens scoff at wealth but gladly enjoy its bounty.
  • Violence:

    Off-screen cruelty to animals. Mystery surrounding a teen's death. One very brief, very shocking scene involving a shooting suicide.
  • Sex:

    Sexualized teen characters wear tight/revealing clothing. One teen girl dances beneath sprinklers in a low-cut dress and then straddles teen boy. Heavy flirting, some kissing, sexual innuendo. Discussion of sex and virginity.
  • Language:

    Some expletives like "bitch" and "screw."
  • Consumerism:

    The show is set in ultra-rich Palm Springs, so there's some discussion of class and wealth. Brands like Mercedes and Olympus are visible.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The main character is in AA (and his father was an alcoholic). Other teen characters drink alcohol. Social drinking by adults.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Hidden Palms

Parents need to know that this teen drama has mature themes involving sexuality and alcohol use, as well as some violence. Teen boys and girls dress in tight, revealing outfits and skimpy bathing suits and spend a lot of time flirting suggestively (one teen girl squeezes her clothed breasts while primping in front of the mirror, another cavorts in sprinklers and straddles a teen boy, etc.). The main character is a recovering addict who attends AA meetings, while his teen friend drinks frequently. There is, however, some subtle if uneven condemnation of superficiality. There is also some violence -- in one episode, a character shoots himself, and viewers briefly see blood spray on the wall.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how accurately -- or not -- this show depicts the teen experience. Teens: Are the experiences the characters go through at all accurate or relatable? Are the characters realistic reflections of other teens you know? If not, can you think of any shows that feel more authentic? Why do TV teens tend to lead such heightened, drama-filled lives? Families can also discuss wealth. Do the rich kids in this show seem happy? Do you think you'd be happy if you were as wealthy as they are? What are the downsides of being extremely rich? What responsibilities do wealthy people have to their communities and the world at large?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    awesome show!!!

    I love to watch this show, but I now have to wait for the 2nd season to be on!! lol. This show is about this like 17 year old boy named Johnny, who moves to Palm Springs, CA, after his dad committed suicide. Johnny now lives with his mom and step-dad in a big house in the heat. He meets a girl who is now his girlfriend, Gretta, has his neighbor Cliff as a good friend and also Liza. Johnny tries to figure out who killed the boy, Eddie, who lived in his room previously... and that's the whole mystery, along with some other shaddy characters, sex, making-out, and some pretty juicy secrets!!!

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

    i love it the first time i watch it

    this show has everything you want it in it have love romance mysteries everyting. good actors you will love it if you watch it

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Great Pilot

    Off to a good start, did good at introducing the players, and had you guessing about a few things already.

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