 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Awkward.
Common Sense Media says
Stellar teen comedy has sex, language, and mature themes.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that steamy simulated sex, innuendo, euphemisms ("riding his joystick," for example), body-related slang ("hooters," "cooch," and "p---y"), and strong language ("s--t" and "f--k" are censored; "ass," "bitch," and "damn" are audible) are common fare in this brilliant comedy series about the tribulations of the teen years. Teens engage in casual physical encounters (expect to see everything but full-on genital nudity), but rather than simply glorifying the sexy content, the show explores the emotional consequences of these encounters. Viewers will see some pretty snarky meanness from social divas who use social media (and, in at least one case, sexting) to torment their peers, as well as a cast of mostly ineffective and out-of-touch adult role models. This show's mature content isn't appropriate for young teens, and it's a good idea to watch this with your older ones so you can discuss the show's messages about relationships and other coming-of-age themes.
What's the story?
Jenna Hamilton (Ashley Rickards) has always struggled to fit into a social group at her school, so when an innocent accident is misconstrued as a suicide attempt and lands her overnight (albeit unwelcome) notoriety among her peers, she's determined to make the most of the new visibility and change her life. What follows is a series of relationships, first with her longtime crush, Matty (Beau Mirchoff), then with his friend Jake (Brett Davern), during which Matty attempts to win her back and Jenna tries to sort out her feelings for both guys. Meanwhile she's still a frequent target for her social nemesis, Sadie (Molly Tarlov) -- who lives to make her life miserable -- and her relationship with her mom suffers a blow because of a long-kept secret.
Is it any good?
AWKWARD. is at times irreverent, comical, and poignant, analyzing the uncertainties of high-school life from the point of view of an insightful teen who evolves as the show progresses. Jenna moves from the proverbial social fringe into the mainstream, falling victim to temptations and mistakes along the way, but she never loses her identity or her ideals. Instead of seeking popularity for the sake of status, Jenna envisions it as a gateway to a relationship with the guy of her dreams and the chance to befriend classmates who have never given her a second glance. Her family might not always be a solid foundation, but she's got two reliable friends who are in her camp through thick and thin. In a media world of Barbie types and bickering housewives, these qualities make for a quality female model for teens.
And Jenna's not the only one who changes as the show develops. Awkward.'s superb writing enables sharp character development, revealing layer after layer of each personality and giving viewers a glimpse of the complicated dynamics that exist within this peer group. Because the show doesn't shy away from touchy subjects like teen sex, drinking, and racial stereotypes, choosing instead to explore them in a realistic light, you'll find plenty of inspiration for follow-up talks with your teen.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about relationships. Do you think this series depicts teen relationships realistically? Is sex a big issue? What are your feelings about teen sex? Is it possible to be in a committed relationship without that factor?
Teens: How is social class established among your peers? Is it difficult to relate to people whose interests aren't the same as your own? Do you see bullying among your classmates? Why is that such a hot-button issue?
Teens: Do you use social networking to stay in touch with friends? What are the benefits of this technology? What are the risks/dangers? What steps do you and your family take to ensure that you're safe online?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Teen, 16 years old
July 29, 2011
AGE
Awkward. is a great new comedy, but only for 14+
Awkward. is a funny, realistic look into a teenage girl's world. Although the sex scene at the beginnig of the pilot was somewhat explicit (it should still be appropriate for fourteen year olds), most of the other references are innuendo or wittily worded so that if you're not mature enough to get the joke, you'll write it off as slang or an inside joke, but if you do get it, then it's hilarious. I think that the TV-14 rating on the show is very appropriate, because teenagers really aren't as affected by the media as some may think, so therefore teens watching this will be entertained, but not turned into sex-crazed maniacs. As for the alcohol and drugs, it's mostly all talk, and most kids know better, although that's not the message portrayed in the show. The language and social situations are mostly better or the same as what they'd see at school (although some scenes are somewhat exaggerated), so it's nothing to really worry about. Now, under all that "bad stuff," the main character has good intentions and she's a very nice, understanding person. She just doesn't think things through. And all the adults have good intentions, too; they're just very quirky for comedic effect.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Adult
August 31, 2011
AGE
People need to stop reviewing shows they don't actually watch!
People that have never seen the show need to stop writing reviews! Its an excellent show with lots of positive messages and if you didn't know that, then you obviously didn't see any other episode than the first. For example, She has the bullies weight journal, but decides to return it because she learned to be the better person. and BTW teenagers that were raised properly actually listen to you if you are on their level! I have seen shows and movies with sex, drugs and violence since I was 10, and I am not a rebellious teen! I don't drink, have sex with random strangers, or do any other activity that you would call bad.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 17 years old
August 16, 2011
AGE
A girl can wish....
I hate shows like this. I want a show about teenagers that is either
A) Not drama filled
B) Not all about 'human reproduction' >.<
C) That doesn't make teenagers seem like idiots, tramps, rebelious, and emotional roller coasters.
This show is another reason I don't watch MTV anymore....
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent
September 14, 2011
AGE
Stop hatin if you aren't watchin'!
Awkward has recived bad reviews.People say its crude and weird.DUH!TS CALLED AWKWARD.!I enjoy the show.Its great for kids who are bllied.They feel like they are not alone.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 14 years old
October 2, 2011
AGE
Watch it before you review it.
Too many people are judging this show by other reviews. I have watched this programme so here is my review; Awkward is one of the best teenage tv shows i have ever watched, the first series has recently ended and it has been AMAZING and i cannot wait for series 2, being 14, i don't relate to it that much but i can understand what she's going through. After receiving a mean 'carefrontation letter, Jenna tries to change the way she is to get a boy It's pretty accurate.
Sex: There is quite a lot of it but when there is you only see the peoples faces and they groan a little but that's it! NOTHING is shown.
Drinking/Drugs: There is absolutely nothing shown, in one recent episode, Jenna (the main character) throws a party because she's been told that she needs to grow up. Obviously there is drinking but the only parts that are shown are when she's a little drunk and she's talking to the guy she likes and another guy that likes her.. but it's all flashbacks.
Violence:NONE!
Language:All bad language is bleeped out.
Getting tired of people judging this show from false reviews..Hope mine helped!
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
August 17, 2011
AGE
Awkward. is just that
I'm 13 and know I absolutely shouldn't watch this show but I do. When you get around the sexual content, it's actually extremely appropriate. It teaches things like don't have sex before you know someone, being an outcast isn't totally terrible, letting lose a little isn't bad, taking chances can be good, that kind of thing. I just think TV needs more of shows like this. Not sexual and all, but where they provide us with subtly put lessons instead of full out like Disney or overly dramatic like Degrassi. We need more balance. I think Awkward. is basically just a little over the top with it's sexy-ness. Besides that, it's fine.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
September 7, 2011
AGE
Humorous approach on Teenage struggles.
im 13 and know that i should not be watching this but it puts a humorous approach on a teenagers struggles to fit in which i can relate and most people can. Ovioulsy would not recommend this show to kids under 12 but those who can grasp the concept understand and for the most part laugh.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 16 years old
August 23, 2011
AGE
Shameful
MTV should be ashamed of themselves. It's disgusting--not edgy or original. The plot was a real turn off and it's horribly acted (like all MTV shows). I haven't been this disappointed since the American Skins debuted.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Adult
October 2, 2011
AGE
Being 'Awkward' is Endearing.
Awkward is an awesome, witty, humorous, and poignant show. High school is long gone for me, but I wish I had this show around when I was a high school student. The positive message it has for insecure teenagers is amazing, and really brings to light the sometimes inane feelings young adults possess in certain situations.
Who hasn't wanted to "off" themselves when they were a teenager due to the multiple anxieties of work, school, family, friends, boyfriends/girlfriends? There's a lot of pressure to be a certain way in high school, and I think the show accurately portrays that.
Of course, I wouldn't recommend this show as a "family" show. I think it's geared towards tweens (14+) and adults (18+). There is cursing (though it's censored), sex (though you never actually see anyone nekkid), and drinking (though it's in the cliched red cups). But the show doesn't necessarily promote any of those ideas onto their viewers.
If you're ever having a bad day, watch this show. You won't regret it - unless you don't have a heart. ;)
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 17 years old
September 7, 2011
AGE
extremely funny and for once not too childish
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | great girl role models, high school, misfits and underdogs |
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | MTV |
| Cast: | Ashley Rickards, Beau Mirchoff, Molly Tarlov |
| Genre: | Comedy |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
