 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
My So-Called Life
Common Sense Media says
Mature teen angst at its best.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this classic teen series tackles mature topics including casual sex, homosexuality (including a teen who struggles with coming out), drinking, drugs, child abuse, young love, infidelity, divorce, death, homelessness, and manipulation. Each storyline is handled in detail, delicately, and often with parental involvement.
What's the story?
Only 19 episodes ever aired of the 1994 cult favorite MY SO-CALLED LIFE, but those same 19 episodes are still airing in reruns, entrancing a whole new generation of teenagers with their realism and intensity. For teens Angela Chase (Claire Danes), Jordan Catalano (Jared Leto), Rickie Vasquez (Wilson Cruz), Brian Krakow (Devon Gummersall), Sharon Cherski (Devon Odessa), and Rayanne Graff (A.J. Langer), life in high school is, like, hard -- or whatever. Angela's story follows the true transition of a suburban girl from a middle-class family as she breaks off from her best friend from junior high (Sharon) and the geek next door (Brian) and begins to discover herself in high school. Angela dyes her hair, befriends the school tramp (Rayanne) and her gay best friend (Rickie), and falls for the epitome of the dumb, hot upperclassman, Jordan Catalano (his first name is rarely spoken without his last name following).
Is it any good?
My So-Called Life handles standard high school woes with delicate insight, covering everything from zits, a gun at school, and the cool kid who can't read to censorship in the classroom, best friends' betrayal, a teen boy's struggle to come out, and other situations that run the sexual gamut.
My So-Called Life made TV history by being the first show to include "like" and "ya know" in its teen characters' dialogue. Unfortunate as that may be, it is relatable for the average American high school student -- My So-Called Life is a show that actually speaks their language. Also, the series' topics (and the maturity with which they were handled) put My So-Called Life ahead of its mid-'90s time -- which ultimately may have been part of the reason for its quick demise. But it has rarely left the airwaves since, airing over and over in repeats, a fact that speaks to its lasting quality and ability to deliver both entertainment and conversation for teens and their parents.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about a wide range of issues, including fitting in at school, divorce, first crushes, homosexuality, drugs, parties, drinking, and dating. Each episode presents an opportunity to have a dialogue with your teen. Does making new friends mean losing your old ones? What are some unexpected things your teen has experienced in high school? Parents might use the series as an entry point to set some ground rules about curfew, sneaking out, and dating.
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AGE
Great Show, Am Going To Miss It
Such an amazing show. I'm so upset it was canceled as early as it was. To be honest, I was on the fence about watching it, until my mom eventually convinced me it was worth watching. Now all my friends and I have major marathons of this show and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where we stay up all weekend watching nothing bu the two shows.
My point here is that this is a show that is something you won't be forgetting any time soon. I can relate to almost any character, and much less racey than Freaks and Geeks, which is also an awesome show, but touches on more mature issues.
Watch this show. You won't be disappointed.
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AGE
Oh, how I long for the 90's.
A show from the 90's. I was only little then and none of this concerned me. However, when I watch it now, I'd say that it's very real. Reality is lacking from television these days, so this is a good show.
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AGE
When this show came out, I was well beyond my teens, but I always thought it was one of the more realistic shows for teens.
Also, I love Claire Danes. I will probably suggest it for my daughter when she is older (she is 12 now.)
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AGE
Her So-Called Life
My mom gave me this show to watch when I turned thirteen. I've enjoyed every moment of it greatly- Angela reminds me of myself. I relate to her in so many ways. She, and all of the other colorful characters, are so easy to fall in love with. I rooted for them the entire time. The themes are heavy and intense, but easy to enjoy. The characters are introspective and interesting to listen to. I love it- and I will probably hold its messages close for the rest of my life.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | TeenNick |
| Cast: | Claire Danes, Devon Odessa, Jared Leto |
| Genre: | Drama |
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