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Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Where to watch: MTV, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Laguna spin-off doesn't break new ground.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Presents an artificial, idealized upper-class teen world. The principle teen cast members are all Caucasian, and all sport "perfect" body types. Their parents are portrayed as being either overprotective or too indulgent. Chrissy often lies to her father when he calls to find out where she is or what she's doing. Jealousy and petty behavior among friends isn't uncommon.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Some scenes include kissing and making out. The female teen cast members (as well as other women seen on the show) are often dressed in bikinis or other sexy/revealing outfits. Plenty of crushes, flirting, and relationship drama.

  • Language:

    Fairly mild: "damn," "bitch," etc.

  • Consumerism:

    Cast members live a very privileged lifestyle. Trendy restaurants are featured, including Mikado and Tommy Bahama. There's talk of celebrities, and the series showcases songs from artists including Avril Lavigne and Imogene Heap.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The teen cast likes to hang out and party; drinking is sometimes implied.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County

Parents need to know that this reality series is a spin-off of MTV's popular Laguna Beach -- and it's pretty much the same show, just with new faces and a slightly different coastline. The privileged teenage cast members live in an upscale Southern California community, and their lives revolve around the social dynamics of their friendships and dating relationships. Keep an eye out for behavior like back-stabbing, jealousy, and lying, as well as possible implied drinking and other "partying." Parents are portrayed as either indulgent or overprotective to the point of being overbearing.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about American teenage life. How accurate do you think TV portrayals of teens and their lives are? Which parts of the "TV teen" lifestyle are appealing, and which ones aren't? Families can also discuss relationships between parents and teens. Should parents know everything about their teens at all times? When are parents being too overprotective? Lastly, families can talk about what's important in their lives vs. what seems to be important to the teens on the show. What do these kids value? Why?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    softballchick12
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I love this show

    I'm the biggest Newport Harbor fan there is lol but anyways ya!! -softballchick#12-

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Dman
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Meh...

    I didn't watch Laguna Beach, but I find this show appealing enough to watch online if not on TV...

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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