Parents' Guide to

10 Things I Hate About You

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

High school-set comedy raises important issues for teens.

TV Freeform Comedy 2009
10 Things I Hate About You Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 3 parent reviews

ravereviews
ravereviews Parent of 11-year-old
August 3, 2010
age 14+

good for teens, not for kids!

Not a bad show, but it is definitely not for young kids! Only kids over the age of 14 should be allowed to watch for sexual references and other thematic elements. It is based off the Heath Ledger movie with the same name, which is an adaptation of shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. It is humorous, and can be used to teach teens about how to make good/bad decisions about dating/parties/drinking, etc.

This title has:

Too much sex
dadoftwo
dadoftwo Parent of 14 and 16-year-old
May 20, 2010
age 16+

Used to watch it, but just gave it up May 2010

My family with a 16 year old boy and 14 year old girl watched this show regularly. It was a little edgy sometimes, but we decided that it would provide a positive opportunity to discuss the bad choices that some characters were making. But the episode we just watched actually had one of the main characters going to a clinic with her soon to be partner to test for STDs before they had sex. They discussed the number of partners they had already had, and made it seem like the more the better. While they end up arguing just before consummating the relationship, it was still shocking to see them planning this up to the point of laying in the back of a van half dressed. In the same episode, they have a boy announce that he is gay.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Inspired by the 1999 film of the same name, 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU chronicles the struggles of the Stratford sisters, Bianca (Meaghan Jette Martin) and Kat (Lindsey Shaw), as they adapt to a new school. Socialite Bianca longs only for acceptance into Padua High's popularity nucleus, but when her sharp-tongued, feminist sister butts heads with the school's self-appointed diva, Chastity (Dana Davis), Bianca knows she has an uphill battle ahead. On the romantic front, Kat's unruliness turns the head of mysterious Patrick (Ethan Peck), and Bianca is being heavily pursued by resident nice guy Cameron (Nicholas Braun). The only thing the sisters can count on is the persistence of their protective father, Walter (Larry Miller), who will do anything to ensure that they stay safe -- and untouched by the opposite sex.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (18 ):

This series probably isn't what Shakespeare had in mind when he wrote The Taming of the Shrew. It's peppered with bold sexual references and innuendo, many of which come from the teens' father (though he's otherwise an admirable role model). What's more, Chastity's nasty behavior toward her social inferiors raises issues related to tolerance and fairness, and Bianca's willingness to forego her dignity for social standing sends some iffy messages to tween and teen girls. Add to that the occasional strong language and casual references to teen drinking, and it's clear that this show (like the movie before it) isn't meant for tweens.

On a positive note, while Kat takes defiance to a new level and is frequently (and unabashedly) rude, her self-assuredness and strength in the face of social pressure are good examples for teens. Cameron, too, displays positive qualities like sincerity and integrity, and his attraction to Bianca is more than just physical. Bottom line? The content is too mature for tweens, but teens are likely to enjoy it -- just be sure to follow up with a discussion about the issues that arise if yours do tune in.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about social pressure. Teens: How have your experiences compared to those of the show's characters? What pressures have you faced? How did you respond to them?

  • You can also discuss how the show portrays teen sexuality. How does seeing and hearing about sex on TV impact real teens' behavior?

  • How does the series compare to the movie? How have the issues that teens face changed since it came out? Do you think this series offers an accurate, realistic view of current teen life?

TV Details

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