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Privileged (CW)

common sense media says

Status-driven teen drama is surprisingly positive.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is dramedy is actually a decent choice for older teens because it thoughtfully explores a world of privilege that's often glorified in today's popular culture. Still, there's a good bit of blunt language to contend with (think "vajayjay" and "douche bag") and some instances of underage drinking (which don't appear to have serious consequences). And, context or no, teens who watch will see a fair number of high-end brands and get an eyeful of a generally luxurious, unattainable lifestyle.

Positive messages: The show's intelligent, well-educated protagonist starts out with high ideals but ultimately grapples with temptation. Can she stay true to herself and still reap the rewards of a privileged lifestyle? Her teen charges are equally complex: They lost both of their parents in a tragic accident and have tried to fill the void with material things.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Some kissing, and sex is mentioned a few times but never shown in graphic detail. There's also some higher-level sexual innuendo, such as the fact that the main character's college thesis topic dealt with phallic imagery.
Language: "Bitch" (and variations like "bitchy") is used a good bit, along with other descriptive put-downs like "douche bag," "slutty ho bag," and "hooker." The word "vajayjay" is also used.
Consumerism: A few high-end brands (like Versace) are mentioned. The Bakers' world is full of fancy, high-end products and luxuries.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adult characters drink in social settings; in at least one scene, teens are also shown drinking champagne and what appear to be mixed drinks at a society gathering. The drinks are quietly taken from them, but there are no serious consequences.
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What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how this show compares to other series about teens who live in mansions and live lives of luxury? Does it seem more or less realistic? Why? How do this show's messages compare to those of other teen series? Families can also discuss whether the two privileged sisters in Megan's care resemble any of the "society celebs" you read about in the tabloids. Does it surprise you to see that someone who's living the "good life" isn't truly happy? Do you think Megan made the right choice in taking -- and keeping -- her job as the twins' tutor? Would you have made the same decision? Why or why not?

What's the story?

What's the story?
When Yale-educated writer-on-the-rise Megan Smith (Joanna Garcia) loses her job at a New York City tabloid, it opens the door for a whole new career in Palm Beach: playing tutor to a pair of privileged teens (Lucy Hale and Ashley Newbrough) whose parents were killed in a tragic accident and now live with their cosmetics mogul grandmother, Laurel Limoges (Anne Archer). If Megan can get the errant high schoolers into Duke University, the girls' grandmother will pay off Megan's pile of student loans. But for Megan, pulling it off might mean sidestepping a few of her noble ideals. After all, Laurel doesn't care how Megan gets the girls into Duke -- as long as she makes it happen.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Armed with a hummable soundtrack of pop hits and an intensely likeable protagonist, PRIVILEGED is more appealing than "just another teen soap." Teens will love the characters, the romantic subplots, and the glamour of a fashionable world in which girls routinely "puke outfits cuter than yours." But parents will be happy to know that the overall message is more good than bad. Sure, there are a few plot points that require a serious suspension of disbelief (like the fact that Megan could land this gig in the first place). But the best part of the show is that it doesn't blindly idolize the lives of society kids -- instead, it reveals a bit of tarnish on all that bling they're wearing.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: CW
Cast: Ashley Newbrough, Joanna Garcia, Lucy Hale
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: CW
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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fromakid
teen, 16 years old
9
 
okay
alright, seriously people. by the time a kid is ten years old they've heard and seen stuff way worse than this. i really sont know why it says ages fourteen and up on here but it is a really good show- parents, megan is a good roll model -from a thirteen year old
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drama_1414
teen, 18 years old
12
 
Fave show!!!
This show is about a 20 year old out of collage that is comming to be Rose and Sage's tutor. She helps the twins with teenage stuff and she goes through romantic drama herself i think this show is fine for anyone that is 13 and up :)
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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