• 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 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

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