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Melrose Place (2009)

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Katie Cassidy, Colin Egglesfield, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Where to watch: CW, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Steamy '90s soap update still a grown-up guilty pleasure.

Themes in this show include:   dating/crushes, gender issues, materialism, revenge, substance abuse

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    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.
  • Role models:

    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.
  • Violence:

    Murder is a running theme in the show; images of a bloody dead body and bloody clothes are visible.
  • Sex:

    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.
  • Language:

    Audible language includes words like “hell" and "bitch."
  • Consumerism:

    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, & smoking:

    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.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Melrose Place (2009)

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.

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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?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    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!!

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    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!

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Should be TV-MA

    Wow So Offesive in Canada it's rated 18. Got to be 3O TO Watch

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