Greek (ABC Family)

common sense media says

College dramedy rushes to show sex, drinking.


parents & educators say

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.

Positive messages: The message is mixed: The main character is the show's moral center and makes mostly good choices, while other characters balance between good and bad. Some ancillary characters are completely bad -- they cheat, backstab, blackmail, and are just extremely shallow. Decent cast diversity. One gay character is in the closet.
Violence: Occasional fist fights, without blood.
Sex: Lots of talk about sex, though usually euphemistically. Making-out scenes are common; some feature more passionate embraces with clothes coming off, baring bras and underwear. Some allusions to homosexual sex. Scenes in a sorority house show all the girls in their undergarments.
Language: Fair amount of profanity like "ass," "bitch," "slut," etc.
Consumerism: Names of high-end brands like Prada are mentioned.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Lots of drinking, much of it underage and often without consequences.

More on Greek

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: ABC Family
Cast: Jacob Zachar, Jake McDorman, Spencer Grammer
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: ABC Family

This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

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What parents & educators say

13

Most useful reviews by all members

lordmax
teen, 17 years old
 
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.

My-life_is_My- ...
teen, 14 years old
 
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.

Merrie
parent of 11 and 13 year old
 
I tuned into this once and 5 minutes into it two men were passionately kissing. Mature themes all around.

Bruu
adult
 
I love it, it's funny but you also learn things about people who could be you and me :)

great152ball
kid, 12 years old
 

strawbry_blondy
teen, 17 years old
 
...
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).

lucylulupark
teen, 16 years old
 
Greek is the best!
I love this show! Wish they hadn't canceled it!

 
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!!

SilverSnake
teen, 15 years old
 
It's too da*n typical.. (sorry)
Why the hell do they call it ABC 'Family' for. Like Marrie said, when I first saw it, it wasnt long until I saw some men kissing. Dude, I'm not agents being gay, infact, I really dont care, I dont want to see males or females or both kissing period. There's no reason for showing this crap. I'm not trying to offend any that like this show, but I've seen it, and I'm francly sick of how society and Hollywood is turning out. Younger kids switch through channels all of the time, and they will see this. How pathetic and sad that this would be consittered intertanment. Like when I was little, I was switching through channels and I landed on Cartoon Network, and there was a cartoon on, but it wasnt kid approperate. I watched it, but none of it made sense (it still doesnt) You know what, they should just push all of this porn/love/sex/unrealistic drama/crap to one spesific channel for its easier for adults to block. I'm not saying to NEVER let your kid to see stuff like this, they have to know about this crud eventually, but at least you can control how OLD they are. And guys, dont chew me out, because I'm sure you hate things too, and I hate this stuff. (This little rant wasn't to offend anyone)

RhythmofLove1997
teen, 14 years old
 
one of my favorite shows

bookbeliever
teen, 16 years old
 
love it :) great for 11+
I really love this show. I've been reading it since the first episode. The characters are so great. There is so much juicy stuff its amazing!! I know some parents may think its too sexual, well it is for people who are younger. But for jr high and high school students its not. we hear wayy more stuff than they talk about on the show at school

zipzipzap
teen, 15 years old
 
perfect for older kids
thsi is a very funny shows but may not be good for little kids

 
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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