 | 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. |
Back on Campus
- ABC Family
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Funny concept, mildly successful -- teens and up.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this series portrays real college students and their parents drinking alcohol, often excessively. (Students are told that underage drinking isn't allowed, and most are over 21.) Some students are sexually active, though their exploits don't appear on camera. Overall, the show focuses on dorm shenanigans and parties more than classes and homework, giving a warped view of what college is all about.
What's the story?
In BACK ON CAMPUS four college students who share a four-bedroom dormitory suite find themselves each sharing a room and attend classes with their parents for a semester. For the students, this arrangement presents some problems. For the parents, who have to follow in their kids' footsteps -- taking classes, getting part-time jobs, and attending keggers -- the challenge is to keep up with their offspring.
Is it any good?
Back on Campus begins with an interesting concept, for a reality show. One scene that really captures the essence of the series' concept occurs when the parents come home early from a party and complain about the lack of food at the event. The kids could care less about food as long as the booze doesn't run out, but the parents have learned from experience that it takes more than drinking to make a good party. Unfortunately, moments like that are rare, and but most of the show's characters aren't compelling enough to get viewers to watch what ends up being a rather dull experience focused primarily on partying.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the college experience. What was college like for parents? What do teens imagine their own experience will be like? Is this glimpse of the future exciting or scary? What do you think of the way the girl who chooses not to party is treated? Did you realize that peer pressure extended into college? How do you think you'd deal with it?
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | ABC Family |
| Cast: | Susan Seborg |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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