Melrose Place (2009)

Review

Common Sense Media says

Steamy '90s soap update still a grown-up guilty pleasure.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this update of the popular 1990s primetime soap is even edgier than its predecessor. Themes include adultery, murder, addiction, and prostitution -- just to name a few. There's lots of sexual content (groping, couples in bed, same-sex kissing) and drinking, and characters frequently talk about alcohol/drug addiction. Many of the characters are wealthy and drive expensive cars and high-end clothing labels, so expect product placement from the likes of Mercedes and Prada.

  • Positive messages0
    Not surprisingly for a steamy nighttime soap, there's lots of plotting and manipulation, not to mention crime. Characters are shown making lots of bad choices, ranging from drinking too much and stealing to engaging in illicit affairs, etc.
  • Positive role models0
    Every character seems to have a "dark side," and they're all willing to compromise what ideals they may started out with. Plenty of iffy behavior, from lying to boyfriend stealing to outright murder. Some characters are wealthy, while others are struggling for money (and resort to desperate ways to get it). Not a lot of diversity among the cast.
  • Violence3
    Murder is a running theme in the show; images of a bloody dead body and bloody clothes are visible.
  • Sex4
    Plenty of steamy sexual content, ranging from people wearing sexy outfits and string bikinis to couples kissing, groping each other (over their clothes), and taking their clothes on and off (but no sensitive body parts are shown). One character is bisexual; women are shown kissing.
  • Language2
    Audible language includes words like “hell" and "bitch."
  • Consumerism3
    Many of the characters wear expensive clothing brands, like Prada. Some also drive expensive high-end cars like Mercedes-Benz. References to Twitter.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking4
    Plenty of drinking (wine, champagne, cocktails, mixed drinks), in both public and private settings. Alcohol, prescription pill, and cocaine addiction are discussed. Some of the characters are recovering addicts, and Alcoholics Anonymous is sometimes mentioned.
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What's the story?

An updated version of the popular 1990s series, MELROSE PLACE features plenty of the steamy drama that's become synonymous with the trendy West Hollywood apartment complex. A new generation of twentysomethings now resides at 4616 Melrose -- including handsome but troubled David Breck (Shaun Sipos), high-powered publicist Ella Simms (Katie Cassidy), sous chef Auggie Kirkpatrick (Colin Egglesfield), struggling med student Lauren Yung (Stephanie Jacobsen), aspiring filmmaker Jonah Miller (Michael Rady), his girlfriend Riley Richond (Jessica Lucas), and new arrival Violet Foster (Ashlee Simpson-Wentz). Alson along for the ride are former tenant/current landlord Sydney Andrews (Laura Leighton) and David’s father, Dr. Michael Mancini (Thomas Calabro). Life is never dull as each character reveals her/his dark past and future ambitions amid the chaos of romance, illicit relationships, revenge, and murder that makes up their daily lives.

Is it any good?

 

This edgy series has everything that made the original show (in)famous, including an interesting group of characters and intertwining storylines. The rebooted series also incorporates original plotlines, which bring together former and current cast members. Trendy clothes, expensive cars, and endless cocktail-filled evenings also add to the "fun."

But while the show is definitely a guilty pleasure for those enough old enough to handle it, the content is too mature for young viewers. Bottom line? It won't disappoint original MP fans and is likely to create a whole new Melrose generation.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the show's "shock" value. Is it meant to be over the top? Does it go too far? How do you draw the boundaries?

  • What would the real-life consequences of the behavior on this show -- drinking too much, casual sex -- be?

  • What's the difference between an updated TV show and a remake? Is it possible to successfully remake or update a show that was not popular back in its day? Can you think of any examples?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Adult
February 4, 2011
AGE
13
 
for teens
Love it not for. Kids for teens and adults the show shows lots of consequences
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Adult
September 19, 2009
AGE
14
 
Kids will love it just like we did when we were younger. Definitely seems more edgier than the original. I can still remember all of the Melrose & 90210 parties. Alot of fun!
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Teen, 16 years old
September 19, 2009
AGE
13
 
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't know what the other person is talking about, i love this show. Yes it's not for younger veiwers, no one under 13 i'd say, but it's very good. There is violence and sexual stuff and drinking/drugs but its still a very good show!!
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Kid, 12 years old
September 7, 2009
AGE
17
 
Should be TV-MA
Wow So Offesive in Canada it's rated 18. Got to be 3O TO Watch
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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:CW
Cast:Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Colin Egglesfield, Katie Cassidy
Genre:Drama
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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