 | 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. |
Rockville, CA
Common Sense Media says
Online soap from Gossip Girl creator has iffy stuff.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that because this soapy drama from Gossip Girl/The O.C. creator Josh Schwartz airs online instead of via broadcast TV, it has fewer content restrictions than most primetime shows. Language is strong ("s--t," "f--k," etc.) and uncensored, and there's plenty of drinking, as well as some drug use. There's also some sexual innuendo (including references to being "slutty") and lots of relationship drama. The show, the characters, and the featured bands (which get lots of promotion on the show) all have an extended online presence on sites like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and/or YouTube.
What's the story?
Online Web soap ROCKVILLE, CA centers on the romantic highs and lows of a group of twentysomething music lovers who regularly hang out at Club Rockville, a fictitious L.A. showcase for cool indie bands. Deb (Alexandra Chando) is a new talent scout for Wall-to-Wall Records who hangs out at the club looking for rising stars to sign; while working, she finds herself spending time with some of the club regulars, including sarcastic Hunter (Andrew J. West), flamboyant club co-owner Chambers (Ryan Hansen), waitress Callie (Jelly Howie), bassist Syd King (Matt Cohen), and Shawn (Bonnie Burroughs), the club's aging primary owner/matriarch. But music isn't the only thing in the air, and soon Deb and the rest of the gang find themselves pursuing a variety of love interests that lead to broken hearts -- and meaningful relationships.
Is it any good?
Like any typical soap opera, Rockville features endless conversations about the romantic entanglements among the diverse cast of characters. But what makes this series unique is the fact that it uses actual bands' performances as the backdrop for these stories. That means it also serves as a clear promotional vehicle for these bands, who surely don't mind the opportunity to increase their fan base and online presence.
It's an interesting concept, but (not surprisingly) the show's focus on the edgy independent music scene leads to iffy behavior, including lots of drinking and occasional marijuana use. Some of the conversations and song lyrics contain profanity. And while the series doesn't feature anything particularly explicit, there's plenty of sexual innuendo. Older teens should be able to handle it, but it's not a great choice for tweens and iffy at best for younger teens.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the similarities and differences between online shows and "regular" TV shows. What are some of the things that shows "aired" online can show or do that regular TV shows can't? Is one type of show "better" than the other? Why or why not? Families can also discuss the changes taking place in the music industry. Why must bands now heavily rely on the Internet to promote their music? What are some of the benefits of this kind of promotion? Drawbacks?
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| TV rating: | NR |
| Network: | Online |
| Cast: | Alexandra Chando, Andrew J. West, Bonnie Burroughs |
| Genre: | Drama |
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