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Private (Online)

common sense media says

Online boarding school drama has some violence, sex.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this online series based on the popular boarding school novel by Kate Brian includes a main character being hazed and ridiculed. There are frequent references to death and suicide -- a student is shown falling to her death from a rooftop (there's no blood). Also expect some iffy language and sexual content, including making out and female students shown getting undressed and standing in their lacy underwear.

Positive messages: Easton Academy is full of rich students with entitled attitudes -- who don't really suffer too many consequences for said attitudes.
Positive role models: Lots of the kids engage in iinappropriate behavior, from hazing/ridicule to rule breaking. Adults don't always appear to be aware of what's going on with the teens.
Violence: Frequent discussions about death and suicide. Images of a student falling to her death from the top of Billings House (no visible blood).
Sex: Lots of sexual innuendo, ranging from co-ed flirting to kissing and making out. Girls are shown undressing and standing in their lacy underwear.
Language: Words like “damn it” are audible.
Consumerism: The wealthy Easton Academy girls wear uniforms but carry Yves St. Laurent, Prada, and other brand name purses. Other references to brand-name clothing and other items.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Possibility for underage drinking/smoking.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Private

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the behavior portrayed in teen soaps like this. Parents, try to put your two cents in about what's realistic and what isn't. Ask your kids how the issues and conflicts on the show are similar to and different from those in real teens' lives.
  • Who are the "good" characters, and what makes them different from the "bad" ones?
  • What's the appeal of shows about cliques and "mean girls"? Are they just an escape, or do they promote problematic values? Do they impact the way girls treat one another -- or themselves?
  • What do you think it's like to go to a private boarding school? What would be some of the advantages and disadvantages?

What's the story?

What's the story?
PRIVATE, an online series based on the novel by Kate Brian, follows  sophomore scholarship recipient Reed Brennan (Kelsey Sanders) as she tries to fit in to her new life at upscale Easton Academy. She endures frequent hazing in order to fit in with her Billings House housemates -- including roommate Taylor (Tristin Mays), class president Ariana (Natalie Floyd), and ring leader Noelle (Samantha Cope). And she also catches the eye of Thomas Pearson (Brant Daugherty), a popular student with a dark side. As Reed navigates her way through her new world, She discovers that Billings holds a frightening mystery -- and some of her clasmates aren’t who they seem to be.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Like many other online series, Private mixes teen conflict and romance with mystery. While these themes are hardly original, they're probably enough to attract teens (particularly those on the younger side). The fact that these young characters live in a rather autonomous world will also be appealing.

Although it’s definitely milder than some online shows out there, Private still has enough mature story material, sexual innuendo, and violence to make it iffy for tweens. But teens, especially those who are fans of the book, will likely be anxious to check it out.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: NR
Network: Online
Cast: Brant Daugherty, Kelsey Sanders, Samantha Cope
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: Online
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

RachiiBbzXx
teen, 15 years old
14
 
Absoloutly COMPLETELY RUBBISH AND DIFFERENT COMPARED TO BOOKS
Rubbish compared to books, completely different story line from book and doesnt do book any justice at all. I watched it all and the whole time i was thinking, its so much better in the book, the tv show does not do anything right compared to the books, I advise reading the books, and not the show - the show is complete nonsence and COMPLETELY and i mean 90% of the characters werent in it, 90% of the settings and places were different, 90% was completely different stories and 90% of the things that happened in the book didnt happen in the film
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mambobird
teen, 15 years old
14
 
love this!
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CommonSenseParent
parent
11
 
Excellent show for ages 11 (6th grade) and up
Private is an excellent show for ages 11 (6th grade) and up. Kids will enjoy the fun details of the wealthy and privileged. Your children should be smart enough to realize that this is guilty pleasure TV and should not be taken seriously. A+
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NeverShoutDesi
teen, 16 years old
14
 
I love this series, you dont want to put it down (; I finich it in a day that's how good it was(: But i kid under the age of 13 shouldnt read it is more for13 and up
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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