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Harlem Heights

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Where to watch: BET, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Reality series falls into voyeurism trap. Lots of drinking.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–17

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    While there's plenty of discussion about community pride and assistance, a lot of the show's focus is on the castmates' personal relationships, and lots of gossipy and competitive behavior is captured. The cast is African American; prominent African-American community leaders and business owners are featured and/or discussed.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Arguing between castmates. Some references to street violence. Jason wants to start a nonprofit for children of incarcerated parents.

  • Sex:

    Some relatively mild sexual innuendo, including references to people looking "hot" and "sexy." One scene shows a man placing his hand on a woman's thigh while sitting at a bar. Occasionally the castmates are seen in their underwear, but there's no outright nudity.

  • Language:

    Audible language includes words like "hell" and "damn." Occasional stronger choices like "s--t" are bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Businesses like Victoria's Secret Pink are mentioned, and various Harlem restaurants and business are visible. The series also serves as a promotional vehicle for Christian's magazine, DIME.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    No one is falling down drunk, and they're all of age -- but there's lots of drinking. The cast regularly discusses things over wine and cocktails and are frequently shown drinking in bars and nightclubs. Ashlie is a bartender. Jason is shown smoking cigarettes.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Harlem Heights

Parents need to know that while this reality series about a diverse group of twentysomething professionals living in Harlem includes some positive messages around community pride and service, like most reality shows, it skews more toward voyeuristic moments filled with gossiping, flirting, arguing, and drinking (lots of drinking). Expect occasional strong language ("s--t") and some screen time for well-known companies like Victoria's Secret and Dime magazine, as well as local Harlem businesses.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about life after college. What are some of the challenges of transitioning into "real" life? Should helping the community be a factor in the choices that young people make when thinking about a career? How does this series compare to reality shows like The Real World? What message do you think it's trying to send to viewers?
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