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Melrose Place

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Heather Locklear, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Andrew Shue, Where to watch: SOAPnet, 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 99; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Campy Spelling soap is a grown-up guilty pleasure.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The series features a wide array of bad behavior typical of adult soap operas, including attempted murder, revenge, illicit affairs, and using sex as a weapon. Most of the characters want to be wealthy and powerful in some capacity. Social class is sometimes discussed. There are few characters of color. Many professional women are featured in a variety of positions, although they're not always the most empowered female representations. A gay character is fired from a job because of his sexual orientation. Gay relationships are quietly featured throughout later episodes of the series.

  • Violence:

    Some pushing, shoving, and punching. Some of the plotlines feature murders and other violent acts (car crashes, explosions, etc.).

  • Sex:

    Frequent kissing and "make-out" scenes and lots of discussions of love affairs and sexual liaisons. Several characters (particularly Amanda) use sex as a way to get what they want. Sexual addiction is discussed during the third season. Plenty of skimpy skirts (again, Amanda is to blame).

  • Language:

    "Bitch," "ass," etc.

  • Consumerism:

    Material wealth is a goal for most of the characters on the show.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Frequent consumption of alcohol. Alison is a recovering alcoholic.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Melrose Place

Parents need to know that this popular, Aaron Spelling-produced 1990s soap opera features sensational plotlines that involve sex, violence, and revenge (as well as more serious issues like sexual abuse, alcoholism, and sexuality). While the way those topics are dealt with may seem tame compared to some of what's on television today, that doesn't change the fact that virtually all of the characters either sleep with, marry, or try to kill everyone else in the cast at some point. Obviously, it's not intended for younger viewers -- but it's still likely to be popular among teens (assuming they can get past the dated clothes and hairstyles).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the differences between traditional TV dramas and soap operas. How can the two kinds of programs be distinguished from each other? Are there any storylines in either type of show that you consider too shocking? When are shocking storylines too much? How do you draw the boundaries? Families can also discuss how TV shows can launch or revitalize actors' careers over time. Why do some forgotten actors or actresses get really popular after appearing on a TV show?
Tools and tips that can help

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