Parents' Guide to

Jane the Virgin

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Quirky telenovela-style dramedy gets steamy.

TV CW Drama 2014
Jane the Virgin Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 12+

Based on 47 parent reviews

MiaB87
MiaB87 Adult
June 22, 2021
age 18+

Begins sweet, then becomes extremely sexual

(Please read to the end.) The first couple seasons of this show is sweet, dramatic, and diverse. Jane is raised by her Catholic grandmother to understand that she and her virginity are special and valuable. This actually leaves the viewer with a rarely found moralistic message that is not often found in modern mainstream media. Though Jane's mother has drastically lower moral standards, she also experiences the consequences of those. Not to mentioned the entire premise is incredibly wholesome in Jane's decision to keep the baby, despite the challenges it will add to her life. However, mid-way through the third season, the viewer will start noticing common themes of casual sex, lack of consequences, and a painfully blatant pro-abortion stance. Leading up to Chapter Sixty-Two, Jane's mom is PUSHING and PUSHING Jane to have casual sex with a guy she has known for a week, despite this not being what he wants. I found this absolutely appalling that a mother would relentlessly sexualize her daughter like this. Not to mention, the show tries to leave the viewer with the conclusion that valuing one's virginity until marriage is harmful. I am not Catholic myself, but I do believe that a woman should value her body and who she shares it with. Of course TV programs have the right to make any type of content. But the messages portrayed become EXTREMELY provocative and completely inappropriate for children.

This title has:

Too much sex
6 people found this helpful.
Caribcat
Caribcat Adult
January 14, 2020
age 14+

Finally pulled the plug at season 4

Whats started off as a decent show with strong role models has slowly slipped to the point I've stoped my two girls watching it. It's a shame as they were really enjoying it. Tame sex scenes were getting more regular which began to change my thoughts on the show. Last episode there was a scene with Jane in bondage gear whipping a bloke dressed as a gimp which I hoped went over their heads. I finally spat out my dummy when I walked past the telly to see Jane in a sex shop arguing with an assistant about buying a vibrator. One step too far.
2 people found this helpful.
See all 47 parent reviews

What's the Story?

From the moment her grandmother used a crumpled flower to impress upon her the importance of purity when she was 13, Jane Villanueva (Gina Rodriguez) has stuck to her guns on the issue of sex. Now in a committed two-year relationship with her boyfriend, Michael (Brett Dier), Jane is thinking that the end of her celibacy run might be on the horizon with an impending marriage proposal. But a twist of fate threatens her carefully laid plans when a mix-up at the doctor's office leads to her being artificially inseminated, and, despite the odds, she winds up pregnant. As Jane wrestles with the biggest decision of her life, she learns that the biological father of her child is none other than her boss, Rafael (Justin Baldoni), with whom she shared a heartfelt moment years ago and whose chances of having another child were dashed by a recent struggle with cancer. Rafael's self-centered wife, Petra (Yael Grobglas), had hoped getting pregnant would force Rafael to stay with her long enough to secure a big divorce payout, but a personal crisis distracted the attention of the doctor -- who just happens to be Rafael's sister -- just long enough for a mistake to throw a wrench into everyone's plans.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (47):
Kids say (243):

If you think JANE THE VIRGIN sounds like the stuff of a titillating soap opera, then its creators have done their job well. The somewhat far-fetched premise is partially based on -- and arguably intended to poke a little fun at -- the Latin American telenovela, which makes it an unusual find on mainstream American TV. With plot twists and complicated character relationships (some in the open, and some hiding in the shadows), plus plenty of deceit and manipulation, this often-heartwarming dramedy is an intriguing find in primetime TV dominated by crime shows and reality contests.

That said, there's a lot to consider in gauging whether or not it's right for your teens. The content is laden with sexual themes even if there is a relative lack of visible skin. There's the accidental pregnancy, of course, and all the ethical issues that raises, as well as extramarital affairs among both heterosexual and homosexual couples. Then there's Jane's lifelong virginity, which is cast in a mostly positive light as far as values go but still causes issues in her relationship with her boyfriend, sending somewhat mixed messages to impressionable teens. Ultimately, though, Jane herself stands out as a beacon of goodness and morality in spite of what goes on around her. The bottom line? If your teens are ready for the implications of these mature themes, then this offbeat series will be a fun one for you to watch together.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about sexuality. How is celibacy portrayed in this series? Is it mocked, or does Jane come across as a positive model of its value? Is it a viable lifestyle choice for teens today? Why, or why not?

  • What messages do your teens get from TV shows, movies, and advertisements about sex? Does it ever feel as if "everyone's doing it"? Do their experiences with peers support or discredit that assumption?

  • This series raises the issues of abortion and reproductive rights without actually exploring them, but you can do so with your teens. What are your views on the subjects? What rights do you believe biological parents should have? How about surrogates? Do the current laws reflect your beliefs?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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