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The City

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Whitney Port, Olivia Palermo, Erin Lucas, Where to watch: MTV, 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

    Hills star moves to the Big Apple for more "reality."

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    While Whitney appears professional and hardworking at her job, the series' primary focus is on her personal relationships -- which often cross over into her work life. Many of the show's conflicts are based on love triangles and some cast members' inappropriate behavior. Gossip and catty remarks are frequent. Olivia and some of her friends consider themselves members of New York's social elite; the cast seems to live a comfortable lifestyle that includes lots of socializing in trendy restaurants and clubs. Not much cast diversity.

  • Violence:

    Some arguing between friends and couples. Threats of violence are made as men compete for Whitney's affections.

  • Sex:

    Some strong sexual innuendo. Lots of flirting between cast members; jealous moments and alleged love triangles are a frequent subject of discussion. Infidelity is a problem among some of the male cast members. Hugging and kissing are often visible, but no other sexual activity is really shown. One female cast member dances provocatively at a night club.

  • Language:

    Audible language includes words like "hell" and "damn." Stronger words like "f--k" and "s--t" are bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Fashion icons/labels like Diane von Furstenberg and Manolo Blahnik are very prominently featured. Big-name stores like Bergdorf-Goodman are also visible. Throughout the series, music from various bands -- including Paper Route and Automata -- is heard; their music is available for purchase on MTV's Web site.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The cast is often shown drinking beer, wine, champagne, and cocktails at meals and at parties, bars, and nightclubs.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The City

Parents need to know that this spin-off of hit MTV series The Hills follows former cast member Whitney Port as she starts a new life and job in New York City. While there's some discussion of career goals and professionalism, the show's primary focus is on Port's friendships and romantic interests/conflicts, which sometimes leads to some innuendo and other risque siuations. Whitney's job in the fashion industry also prompts lots of talk about fashion and fashion labels, including Diane von Furstenberg and Manolo Blahnik. Discussions about New York's upper crust (referred to as "socials") are frequent. The cast is often seen drinking; language includes words like "hell" (stronger terms are bleeped).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what makes Whitney an appealing (or unappealing) subject for a reality show. Do you think her success in the fashion world is due, in part, to the publicity she's received as a reality star? Or do you think being on a reality show has hurt her career? Teens: Do you consider Whitney a role model? Why or why not? Families can also discuss what it takes to work in the fashion industry. What kinds of skills do you need to work in a fashion design house?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    alpha1014
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Flag as inappropriate

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