 | 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
Funny comedy plays up teen sex, language, stereotypes.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that simulated sex, innuendo, euphemisms ("riding his joystick," for example), and body-related slang like "hooters," "cooch," and "p---y" are common fare in this comedy series, and teens are tolerant of casual sexual encounters and, in at least one case, even view it as a stepping stone toward starting a relationship with a crush. A girl's attempts to improve her social standing by impressing the school's popular kids puts her in some awkward situations with her peers; a group of mean girls retaliates in ways that include sexting. Expect a fair dose of strong language ("s--t," "ass," "p---y," and "f" in place of "f--k") and more negative and ineffective adult role models than positive ones. The exception is the main character, who doesn't let her social troubles affect her high ideals and even empathizes with the school bullies when they're subjected to the same cruelty they've inflicted on others. This show's humor makes it entertaining -- especially for those who can sympathize with the main character's plight -- but its messages and sexual content make it iffy for younger teens.
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 botched suicide attempt and lands her overnight (albeit unwelcome) notoriety among her peers, she's determined to make the most of the sudden visibility and change her life. Unfortunately, no one seems to believe that she's not just a bottle of pills away from the next attempt, and her idealized relationship with the school hottie, Matty (Beau Mirchoff), is far from what she imagined. Not to mention that Jenna's nemesis, Sadie (Molly Tarlov), still has her in her crosshairs and will stop at nothing to make sure that Jenna stays at the bottom of the social food chain.
Is it any good?
AWKWARD. takes an irreverent look at the uncertainties of teen life, from pining for an untouchable love interest to weathering a storm of bullying from the school's mean girl. The show's first-person narrative style gives viewers an intimate glimpse of Jenna's struggles and underscores the emotional turmoil that accompanies living on the social fringe. There's enough humor to lighten the tone overall, but the truth remains that issues like casual teen sex (which is presented here as the norm and is simulated onscreen), bullying, sexting, and stereotypes comprise a large portion of the show's content, and strong language is a valid concern for parents.
Still, the show does offer a mildly admirable heroine in Jenna, whose social ambitions aren't entirely misguided. She's not looking for popularity for the sake of status; instead, she envisions it as a gateway to a deep connection with the guy of her dreams and the chance to befriend classmates who have never given her a second glance. Her ideals remain high even as she encounters bumps along the way, and she refuses to use her new status to inflict the trauma on others that's been inflicted on her. All points in the show's favor, to be sure, but its other messages are still fairly iffy, so the show is definitely one to check out before giving teens the all-clear.
What families can talk about
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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....
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AGE
Awareness raising, sparks discussions,
The teenage life, how they wish it would be perfect. And how they think that would be there whole life, when it's really just those few awkward years. Teenagers go through everything, bullying, sexting, and peer pressure. Like shown on this show. There is some sex and a little language issues. Some teen partying.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. ;)
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | MTV |
| Cast: | Ashley Rickards, Beau Mirchoff, Molly Tarlov |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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