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High School Reunion (TV Land)

common sense media says

Drinking, sex, tension crash classmates' party.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality series emphasizes animosities, love triangles, and other issues among a select group of former high school classmates. The participants are branded by high school stereotypes like "jock," "rebel," and "spoiled girl," and many are forced to confront peers who have done them emotional harm in the past, leading to lots of heated moments. The series also plays up budding romances among the former classmates, showing several passionate make-out sessions and encouraging them to test the waters with different people. Drinking is central to nearly every scene, and photos often show the classmates drinking and smoking when they were teens.

Positive messages: The former classmates often talk about one another's attractiveness and seem to base their romantic interest on who's the most physically appealing. Classmates are able to select a partner for romantic excursions, which often get physical. Throughout the series, the subjects are referred to by stereotypes ("the geek," "the popular girl," and "the lesbian," for example). There are plenty of heated exchanges among some (a divorced couple, a bully and his high school victim, etc.).
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Lots of kissing, hand holding, and flirtatious exchanges. Women often don skimpy swimsuits and other revealing outfits and in some scenarios (a nude massage, for instance) are completely naked -- though the pertinent areas are covered or blurred. In at least one scene, a man's exposed groin must be blurred. Men and women go on secluded dates. Frank discussions include mention of homosexuality and bisexuality.
Language: "Hell" and the like are used occasionally.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Almost every scene involves adults drinking (beer, wine, mixed drinks), and film footage and photos show the subjects drinking during their underage days as well.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

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What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why the former classmates drink so frequently. Is it just social, or could there be deeper reasons? Keep in mind that, based on the photos shown from when they were teens, many of them have been drinking and smoking together for decades. What message does the show send about alcohol to teenagers who might be watching now? Families can also discuss what draws viewers to shows like this. Are the participants' situations relatable? How much of the content do you think is true, and how much is dramatized or edited for impact?

What's the story?

What's the story?
When 14 former classmates from JJ Pearce High School in Texas converge at a luxurious Hawaiian estate for their 20-year reunion, rest and relaxation aren't the only things on the agenda. For some, including bully Jason and his erstwhile victim, Glenn, there are hurt feelings to sort out. Others, like class hottie Deanna, are hoping to discover that they overlooked a soul mate two decades ago. HIGH SCHOOL REUNION follows the classmates as they reconnect with their peers and re-evaluate who they were in high school -- and who they are now.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The series is produced by the team behind The Bachelor, and it suffers from many of the same issues that plague its popular counterpart. Controversy among the participants is dramatized and lingered over -- whether it's the geek who's seeking an apology from his teen nemesis or the woman trying to smooth things over between her ex-husband and his ex-friend (her ex-lover), every heated moment within the group is played up for entertainment. The show also has a lot of sexual content, practically encouraging hook ups among the peers and focusing on their romantic encounters.

The series has a definite hook for adults, since they probably can relate to at least one of the classmates and appreciate their reflections on how time can change a person's perspective. For mature viewers, there's little harm -- and a fair amount of guilty pleasure -- to be had in watching. But the show's reliance on stereotypes, sexual content, and constant drinking (someone's sipping or chugging something in nearly every scene) make it pretty iffy choice for teens, who are likely to get a skewed impression of responsible adult behavior.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: TV Land
Cast: Mike Richards
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: TV Land
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Dancer4life
teen, 16 years old
 
This made my mouth drop!!!
So I turn the channel and this is the title. At first I thought that it was a movie or something, but it wasn't. This show has major emotions and flirting running throughout the entire show and I could have lived my entire life without watching it! Kids don't waste your eyes on this show and never do what they do. There is even a lesbian on there. I know that they are people to but they can keep it to themselves! This show is for a total perv.
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kid, 12 years old
8
 
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens or preteens or youngest teens
My Conversation: I do not know why My Play Auntie named Regina Robinson thinks that Daycare was 0-2, Preschool is 3-4, Elementary is 5-10, Middle School is 11-13, High School 14-17 and College 18 and/or older without grades...Weird, Regina is Not my mom's sister and she's not my dad's sister eithor.
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teen, 14 years old
8
 
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens or preteens or youngest teens
My Conversation: I do not know why My Play Auntie named Regina Robinson thinks that Daycare was 0-2, Preschool is 3-4, Elementary is 5-10, Middle School is 11-13, High School 14-17 and College 18 and/or older without grades...Weird, Regina is Not my mom's sister and she's not my dad's sister eithor.
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kid, 11 years old
8
 
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens or preteens or youngest teens
My Conversation: I do not know why My Play Auntie named Regina Robinson thinks that Daycare was 0-2, Preschool is 3-4, Elementary is 5-10, Middle School is 11-13, High School 14-17 and College 18 and/or older without grades...Weird, Regina is Not my mom's sister and she's not my dad's sister eithor.
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justin toomey ...
kid, 12 years old
16
 
WHAT I THOUGHT THIS WAS A HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL REVIEW
WHAT THE HECK I THOUGHT THIS WAS A HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL REVIEW NOT THIS GROSS s** SHOW ARE THE BEER DRINKING PS I HATE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL I JUST WANTED TO SAY IT WAS THE WORST SHOW EVER IN THE HISTORY OH DISNEY CHANNEL
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zhp7654
teen, 15 years old
12
 
I watch this with my mother. It's good
I think it is fine to watch. I usually watch it with my mother either in her bed or in the family room. Age appropriate for 12 and up.
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Amandaline
adult
 
Boring , unoriginal and yet full of Sex, Violence and Voyerism
The show is the most boring show. It is full of voyerism, sex, violence and alcohol and would probably appeal to party animals types. It thrives on stereo typing of cliques in High Schools at a middle school level metality. Next to the Bachelor, it is without a doubt the worst thing I have ever seen on television in at least forty five years. It is nothing more than voyerism on video tape.
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