 | 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. |
Greek
- ABC Family
- Genre: Drama
Common Sense Media says
College dramedy rushes to show sex, drinking.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this college-set comedic drama features lots of drinking, a large portion of it underage. College students frequently do shots (in one scene, a guy does a body shot off a girl's exposed belly and bites a lime out of her mouth). There are several scenes of intense making out and semi-nudity (down to bras and underwear), plenty of discussions about sex (often euphemistically), and regular use of sexually oriented insults like "slut," "whore," and "bitch." Violence is generally limited to the fist fight variety, but there's lots of nasty competitiveness and shallowness -- though viewers are supposed to know that this isn't exemplary behavior.
What's the story?
When freshman Rusty (Jacob Zachar) gets to college, he's looking forward to the fun of parties and girls. But even as he tries to join a fraternity, he can't leave his geeky ways behind. His sweetly uncool manner gets him noticed, for better and worse, and soon, Rusty's a GREEK. Serving as the show's moral center amid the depravity that the college Greek system is widely (and somewhat stereotypically) known for, Rusty stands up for himself and his shallow, mean sister, Casey (Spencer Grammer, Kelsey's daughter), and even tolerates his strange roommate, all while studying in a world-class engineering program.
Is it any good?
With several appealing characters, this comedic drama series is engaging -- and it actually presents a rather balanced take on the Greek system. But the show suffers from cheesiness, heavy-handedness, and a sort of cheap-production-value appearance.
And Greek's lessons aren't always clear-cut. Other than Rusty, who's simply angelic, the show's characters are simultaneously debauched and down-to-earth, shallow and sincere, macho and tender, friendly and secretive. This makes for fun viewing but poor role models. Cheating, blackmail, backstabbing, underage drinking, promiscuity, and other iffy behavior are constantly on display. Kind of makes you wonder why it's on ABC Family.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the issues the show raises. What are the dangers of drinking too much? What risks come along with hook ups and casual sex? What messages does the show send to teens about responsible behavior? And how much of what happens in the show is meant to be taken seriously? Teens: What impression does this show give of college life? Do you think it's realistic? What aspects, if any, seem exaggerated? Families can also discuss the Greek system. What do you think of fraternities and sororities? What influenced your opinion? Does the show offer any surprises about the Greek system, or do you think it perpetuates stereotypes?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Fun collage show.
After downloading the first eppisode from iTunes (it is free) I watched a bit of it with my sister. It is not exactly a comedy, but has its moments. There is a lot of sexual humor in this, but if you are in middle school, it is nothing new. Not many actual swears, which was supprising. This is a good show, even if the parts of collage it focuses on is a bit stereotyped.
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AGE
...
Greek is one of my favorite shows!! The characters in the show are so diversed which is great! Its awesome that they actually portray someone who is gay. You never see that in television shows, so its really refreshing. Also the main character Casey has such role model qualities. She admits to her sororitys faults, when the president doesnt even admit to the mistakes, and Casey takes all consequences for her sisters actions (but luckily they turn out good).
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AGE
I tuned into this once and 5 minutes into it two men were passionately kissing. Mature themes all around.
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AGE
Love this show!
I really like this show, although I am quite surprised that it's on ABCFamily. I think it's fun, and showed fraternities in a more positive light than a lot of other shows. I like all of the characters.
However, I am not sure I would let young kids watch it. I think the rating is appropriate and parents should definitely either watch with their teens or prescreen it. It isn't for kids under 14, that is certain.
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AGE
Great show; but there is Sex, Drinking, and Fights.
One of my fave shows; yes there IS drinking and a lot about sex. but its realistic for the college Greek system. There are some great role models such as Rusty; Even though he was different he didn't change and still got a spot in the Greek system, he is honest, loyal, and always ends up doing to right thing. Casey; Although she makes some bad choices, she does or tries to do the right thing in the end. Ashleigh is caring and treats everyone well. Etc. The show can be dramatic but great to pass the time. and has some pretty good morals behind the drinking, sex, and college stuff.
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AGE
I love it, it's funny but you also learn things about people who could be you and me :)
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AGE
Greek is the best!
I love this show! Wish they hadn't canceled it!
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AGE
Great show, lots of good messages
Greek is a realistic portrayal of college life and its messages are positive and insightful. As a non-Greek college student, I can still relate to its depictions of the realities of college life. There are many great role models, such as Rusty and Casey, who fearlessly try to do the right thing, Ashleigh, who is just plain nice, Cappie, who is loyal and supportive, Rebecca, who sticks to her principles, and even Evan, who eventually realizes that money isn't anything. I really applaud the character of Calvin who I think is the most complex and realistic portrayal of a gay person there is on TV. Unlike other shows, such as Glee, which perpetuate stereotypes of homosexuality, Calvin's character emphasizes the fact that a person's sexual orientation is not always the most important thing about them. Homosexuality is not all about sex, and gay people are not all about being gay. Based on the amount of ignorance and homophobia on this page already, this is something that a lot of people don't understand. I would definitely recommend this show. Also, its super funny!!
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | ABC Family |
| Cast: | Jacob Zachar, Jake McDorman, Spencer Grammer |
| Genre: | Drama |
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