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October Road

(Rated TV-PG, Drama, Starring Tom Berenger, Bryan Greenberg, Laura Prepon, Where to watch: ABC, 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 18; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Prodigal son drama walks quirky, uneven path.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The main characters are generally moral, though flawed. One character is having an affair with his friend's wife. Some jokes based on weight, intelligence, etc. The cast is exclusively white.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Fistfight in a bar.
  • Sex:

    18-year-olds are seen in bed post-sex. Plot thread about extramarital affair.
  • Language:

    Occasional "ass," "hell," etc.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Plenty of drinking, sometimes to drunkenness. Reference to marijuana smoking in a joking manner.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About October Road

Parents need to know that this sentimental drama deals with mature topics like extramarital sex, unknown parentage, drug and alcohol use, and career and family insecurities, making it somewhat iffy (and, frankly, probably unappealing) for younger viewers. Some scenes are set in a bar, where lots of drinking -- and at least one drunken fistfight -- takes place. Another scene shows 18-year-olds who have just had sex and includes some sexual discussion. Jokes about weight, intelligence, small towns, and more pepper the dialogue in a generally clever, ironic tone, but some viewers may be offended.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how accurately TV reflects reality, in this case and in general. Are dramas based on this kind of premise believable? How about the dialogue? Do you know people who talk like the characters on this show? Do any TV shows use truly realistic dialogue? Which ones? Families can also talk about hometowns. Do parents still live in the same area where they were raised? Why? Will younger viewers stay put after school, or move somewhere else? Why? What's it like to return to a place that you've been away from for a long time?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about October Road?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Mexico
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Intended for older audiences

    As with other television shows, there are at least some commendable values depicted within the shows, but not all the content in a television program such as October Road is commendable, especially in Season 2 with episode 5 entitled Once Around the Block where a scene depicts Nick Garrett or Nicholson "Nick" Garrett (portrayed by Bryan Greenberg) engaging in sexual intercourse in bed with Aubrey Diaz (portrayed by Odette Yustman). All television programs, movies, video games, novels, audiobooks, and other media repeat a similar style following some kind of folklore such as Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith being akin to the story of Oedipus Rex. Another repeated trend in media such as movies and television shows such as Toy Story 2is the psychological concept of egocentrism by which a character maintains confidence by "believing in themselves."

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    great show

    great show, very easy to get hooked, i dont know y everyones saying its sooooooooooo bad though. u have to pay attencion though, but its still a great show it is a appropiet however for 12 and up u should be mature though

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

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 4.0

    A must for those who love the 80s

    The soundtrack is awesome! Lots of 80s hits. Hubby & I found ourselves singing along with the music. This show has a strong cast that can hold it's own. I feel this show has the potential to last several seasons. Storyline is pretty good. Definitely will set the dvr to record this show on a regular basis. However, it will not be one we'll watch with the kids.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 4.0

    Keep what should be... where it belongs.

    I feel that this program initiates & responds to common ADULT issues. I enjoyed the program myself, but will have to see where some situations go before deciding if I will introduce my 16 year old daughter to it. Probably not. The characters in this program are adults that will be dealing in adult issues. My daughter is still a teen. She will be an adult soon enough. What my children watch is based on their own ages. If it is older than they are... it is older than they are. If I have to explain the "meaning" of the show... it is beyond them & they don't watch it. I am the teacher in my home, not the tv. I wish there were a rating between tv14 & MA.

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