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Kyle XY

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Matt Dallas, Marguerite MacIntyre, April Matson, Where to watch: ABC Family, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Teen savant tackles the mysteries of his past.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Although many characters initially label the main character "retarded" because he's so unresponsive, as they begin to understand his issues, they respect him for the brilliant -- albeit different -- person he is. The psychologist mom often seems oblivious to her kids' issues and doesn't make much of an effort to effectively communicate with them.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Occasional brief fistfights.
  • Sex:

    The opening scene shows a nude teenage boy lying in the woods. There are party scenes with couples making out, and teens tell friends things like "he put his hand down my pants." Masturbation and loss of virginity are dealt with; a character is obviously aroused in one scene/episode, and other characters notice (one even teaches him how to "deal with it").
  • Language:

    "Ass," "bitch," "damn," "hell," "slut," and the like, but it's not a constant part of the show.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Encouraged by friends and with little consequence, teens drink lots of beer at parties. One girl escapes being arrested but suffers a horrible hangover the next day.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Kyle XY

Parents need to know that this show is riddled with questionable teenage behavior, including underage drinking, sexual exploration, and blatant disobedience. Most of this behavior from the two main teen characters goes without any repercussion, as the dad seems to ignore it and the psychologist mom is too engrossed in her patients' issues to notice those of her kids. But the series does provide an insightful view of social disorders and highlights how society often misinterprets a variety of disorders as mental incapacities.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how people respond to those with mental and social disorders. When you encounter someone who's delayed, how do you react? Do you try to communicate with them, or do you simply walk away, frustrated that you don't know how? Parents also can discuss discipline with their teens. What can parents do to enforce their rules without hurting their relationships with their kids?

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Our Members Say

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See all 22 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

    KYLE HAS NOT BEEN FULLY EXPOUNDED

    It is understood this series is in its final episodes. Why except for possibly budget? The characters Kyle and Jesse alone have not been given broader view from their creator Adam created from Einstein's genetics and, this could be connected to OTHER WORLD influence the 1930's is known for in secret programs some science was doing then. The producers have this terrific chance to take Kyle/Jesse to greater heights NOT so far seen and like the ABC Lost series, take the audience into major intrigue how far back the Kyle idea goes to. Would you dare the likes of Fox tv Fringe series I religiously endeavor as is Lost? Need it be said, tv shows are only limited to the scripts used? Knight Rider was approached with this same to get away from lame writing/directing many productions seem to show no problem gambling budgets in audience loss. I always share a critique for those who see this using greater wisdom to save intelligent writing, thanks

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

    Interesting

    This show is really interesting. Sometimes Kyle is to dramatic and I think he isn't completely connected with the real world. He is super smart, but yet he isn't the greatest with common sense. I still love him though! and Josh and Andy make me so jealous..their so cute together. They make me smile!

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0

    I LOVE THIS

    When I was eight I started watching this. It used to go over my head and was hard to follow but now I get it! This show is great and I am very sad that they are taking this off.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title off for age 13 and give it 3.0

    Not a family show!

    It may appear as a great family show from the previews, its not. Many issues are discussed that parents won't want there kids to see. The 8 o'clock time slot should be moved to 9 o'clock or maybe even 10!

  5. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    WHY DID THEY TAKE IT OFF OF ABC???

    I'm really angry because they took this show off of abc and put it only on abc family channel. So, now I can't watch it because I don't have cable or anything. :( I did watch it every single week that it was on, and it is easily one of my favourite TV shows. It's interesting and you actually want to know what is going on in the characters' lives, even with a couple of cheesy lines and awkward acting moments every episode.

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