Tools for this page
Print
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 11.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Network hub has full episodes with mature themes.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–13

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The shows cover a wide range of social behaviors from adultery to being who you are.
  • Violence:

    There's some blood, violence, guns, and fighting in shows (Lost, for example).
  • Sex:

    Many of the primetime shows are loaded with sexual banter, sexual situations, partial nudity, homosexual activity, etc.
  • Language:

    Occasional language that's allowed on air: "damn," "bitch," "hell," etc.
  • Consumerism:

    Commercials appear before videos and ads mostly flaunt shows and show merchandise. The ABC store sells stuff related to the shows.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Episodes often show characters drinking and smoking. Some prescription and harder drugs are featured, too.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of ABC was written by Maria Dinoia

Parents need to know that the online companion to one of America's most watched networks allows you to view entire episodes of almost every one of their primetime shows including those with adult situations. So if you don't let them watch it on the tube, you wouldn't want them to watch it here. However, you can also view episodes of family favorites like Dancing with the Stars and Ugly Betty. The message boards mostly stay on topic and are fine, but there's no filter so any inappropriate content that does get through only gets taken down if it's flagged or if someone happens to see it.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about which TV shows are appropriate for kids to watch and which ones aren't? What themes make a show good for all ages? What storylines should be reserved only for older teens and adults?
Did this review help you decide?

Will you let your kids log in?

Use this website? Review It!

More on ABC

What’s the Story?

From the ABC.COM home page you can link to the network's primetime shows, daytime shows, news, ESPN sports, the ABC store, and stuff for your cell phone (ringtones, wallpaper and games). And, except for the characters bios, shows' music information, and message boards, there's not a lot of "extras" -- it's pretty much if you see it on TV, you'll find it here. You can also request tickets online to shows like The View, Jimmy Kimmel, and Dancing with the Stars and become a member of their studio audience. And if you can't miss even a minute of what's happening at ABC, you can become a registered member and sign up for one of their newsletters.

Is It Any Good?

While ABC.com has a ton of links and clicks, it's easy to navigate and well-organized and fans can find anything they want about their favorite shows (think McDreamy and the ladies of Wisteria Lane) with minimally invasive advertising.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Use this Website? Review It!

What did you think about ABC?

or

to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

    More Great Stuff For Your Kids

    • New in Theaters

      The Princess and the Frog

      The Princess and the Frog

      First African-American Disney princess is a good role model.

    • Tech Tip

      Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

      Learn the basics with our latest video.

    • Must See TV

      Life Unexpected

      Life Unexpected

      Teen-themed family drama is edgy but earnest.

    • Pick of the Week

      Bestselling Books

      Bestselling Books

      Popular new reads kids are buying today.

    • Download This

      Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

      Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

      Fantastic folk favorites perfect for family road trips.

    Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
    • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
    • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
    • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
    A screen name protects your privacy
    To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

    Set-up your account
    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

    Choose a screen name
    It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
    A screen name protects your privacy

    Tell us your children's ages
    You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
    We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
    is
    until
    (optional)
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    Add another child

    We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

    Set-up your account
    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

    Tell us your children's ages
    You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
    Why we ask for this
    We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    Add another child

    Choose a screen name
    It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
    A screen name protects your privacy
    Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
    I'm already a Common Sense member.
    Kids under 13 must use a screen name