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Wildfire (ABC Family)

common sense media says

Horsey teen soap with life lessons.

parents & educators say
See all 8 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this teen drama's themes revolve around adhering to personal values in the face of temptation, threats, and adversity. Some adults occasionally behave inappropriately and even illegally, but others are involved parents who think deeply about what people need to reach their best potential. The music from each episode is marketed at the end of the show and via the show's Web site. This could be a draw for many teens, but it might give some parents pause.

Positive messages: Many characters are overcoming checkered pasts and learning to make responsible choices.
Violence: Threats by thugs are all verbal; main characters have car theft, battery, arson in their pasts.
Sex: Smooching and melodramatic relationships; nothing graphic.
Language: Occasional use of words like "bitch," "hell," and "damn."
Consumerism: Music is marketed during the end credits and is for sale via the show's Web site.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some characters own a nightclub, some drink socially.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Wildfire

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about redemption and how people overcome their pasts. How do people learn from their own mistakes and the mistakes of others? How would a person know that someone is a candidate for friendship (even if he or she has been in serious trouble in the past)? What's at risk for Kris? Why does she work so hard to get ahead when so much has been stacked against her? What behaviors show us that a person deserves our loyalty? Also, what makes a family? Is Kris part of Jean's family? Is Pablo? How does the way Dani's father treats her compare to the way Jean treats her family? What kinds of futures are all these characters building for themselves and each other?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In WILDFIRE, racehorse Wildfire and 18-year-old Kris Fuillo (Genevieve Cortese) are on the same path -- each of them has a troubled past, and now they're both reaching for the best in themselves. Kris' story started in juvenile hall, where she was doing time for stealing cars, until her talent with horses, especially the problematic Wildfire, got Kris placed with the Ritters, a family steeped in the world of Thoroughbred racing. Kris becomes Wildfire's jockey, and Wildfire turns out to be the Ritter family's best chance at saving the family-run ranch. Kris is so diligent about reaching for integrity and acting responsibly, but when she's confused, she turns to Jean Ritter (Nana Visitor), the stalwart single mom at the head of the Ritter family. Matt (Micah Alberti) and Todd (Andrew Hoeft) are Jean's sons; Pablo Betart (Greg Serano) trains the family's stable of racehorses. Kris' arch foe in love and horse racing is Dani (Nicole Tubiola), whose villainy is often tinged with her own struggle to be a better person.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Unlike in The O.C., the melodramatic relationships and frequent smooching in Wildfire are tied together by a storyline that includes many lessons for teens. The themes here -- that everyone desrves another chance, that risk can have reward, that we are not defined by our pasts, and that family and friends pulling together can make a great difference -- definitely make Wildfire worth watching.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: ABC Family
Cast: Genevieve Cortese, Greg Serano, Micah Alberti, Nana Visitor, Nicole Tubiola
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: ABC Family
This review was written by Brenda Kienan
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

silly_samsters
teen, 17 years old
8
 
awsome
I love this show! I wish ABC Family would still let them make some more! Sure this show had some bad things but otherwise it was appropiate for anyone to watch. But it is one of those shows if you miss one episode you are going to be lost for a long time!
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Heart_d
adult
 
The Best
I love this show! It is the best. If anything about it there is some drinking in it and kissing but not to much more. I think it is okay for people my age. Also it teaches you good life lessons and is a great show for horse lovers! :~)
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Docter14
 
some episodes have great life lessons.
I have watched wildfire, some episodes have great life lessons. Great drama I think its the perfect drama for teens to watch if they wish.
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mom4Christ
adult
 
Do we want our kids acting this way?
My family are lovers of horses. When my kids were young we all read "Pony Pals" When this show first aired, we were all excited, however it became apparent that this was not a show for teenagers. What with all the sex between two boys and one girl, the crude language, and the blatant disrespect of adult supervision, this is not something I want my children to be exposed to. How long will America put up with shows that are not wholesome. Even a few foul words are not ok, we can send a message out there to not let the network pick this show up for another season, and each season, the characters get a little more racier.
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missmissy
adult
 
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HappilyEverAfter
teen, 18 years old
 
And I thought this was about horses?
I was surprised when this so-called horse television show because so much like a soap opera that I stopped watching it. Two guys are always fighting over the main character and the drama never ends! It's not a horrible show but I don't recommend it.
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eagle_wings2000
adult
 
Cool Show
I like the show but Kris really needs to stay with Junior, it works, they have that couple spark, but Kris and Matt don't.
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Blasterbolt95
teen, 17 years old
10
 
Pretty Good!
I don't especially like horses and I don't like regular dramas. But this is done very well. I ended up watching this 1 because my sister had the remote and 2 it has one of the actors from Star Trek ds9. I sat down to watch it- it was really good! The only problem with it is some mild profanity. Good if you like horses, dramas, or just want a good show.
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melissanne
adult
 
ive watched every episode for 3 seasons.. its GREAT!
Wildfire is a great show it gets you hooked! im kinda mad the third season just ended i want it to go on forever! this is a must see show!!
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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