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Kaya
Common Sense Media says
Young musician copes with the rock-star life.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this drama -- which follows a young rock singer as she struggles under the pressure of the competitive, exploitative music industry -- highlights behavior typical to the "rock 'n' roll" lifestyle, including drinking (sometimes to excess) and other "partying." Materialism and strong sexual innuendo are also issues, and there's some strong language. Kaya's father/business manager isn't an effective parental role model, and Kaya engages in some self-destructive behavior as a result of his lack of guidance.
What's the story?
Danielle Savre stars as 21-year-old Kaya, the lead singer of Crossing Coldwater. Touted as an overnight success after their first album went platinum, she and bandmates Taylor (Justin Wilczynski), Manny (Joe MacLeod), and ex-boyfriend Gunner (Cory Monteith) have signed with the music industry's biggest record label. But Kaya soon discovers that staying true to her music is hard when she's faced with the constant pressure to keep selling albums -- a goal that her business manager/father Don (Mike Dopud) and label exec Rossi (Robert Moloney) won't let her forget. Sure, being rich and famous has its perks, but fast cars, fast men, and endless nights hitting the clubs take their toll. Finding true friends isn't easy either, so Kaya relies on her band and her best friend/personal assistant Natalee (Jessica Parker Kennedy) to keep her going. And she still has to deal with her subconscious -- which begins appearing to her in the form of a young musician who crumbled under similar pressures.
Is it any good?
KAYA -- which is notable for being MTV's first scripted series -- features the kind of behavior you might expect from a rock band, including drinking, wild partying, and sexual activity. But looking at it in the context of today's young and seemingly out-of-control celebs, Kaya is an honest look at the overwhelming industry pressures placed on young musicians trying to build a successful music career. It also reminds viewers how easy it is for young people to get lost in the trappings of a celebrity lifestyle when they don't have any real mentorship or guidance.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how success can change someone's life. Is becoming rich and famous the same as being successful? Is there really such a thing as an overnight success? Can anyone become too successful? For celebrities, what is the effect of the media attention that comes along with success? Families can also discuss what it's like to work in the music industry. What kind of pressure does the industry put on artists? What effects does that pressure have?
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | MTV |
| Cast: | Cory Monteith, Danielle Savre, Justin Wilczynski |
| Genre: | Drama |
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