Preteen girl looking at a cell phone with her parents

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Parents' Guide to

Awkward.

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Stellar teen comedy has sex, language, and mature themes.

TV MTV Comedy 2011
Awkward. Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you willβ€”and won'tβ€”find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

age 16+

Based on 14 parent reviews

age 18+

Just Like WWE NXT Fast and Furious

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age 18+

It To The Fast and Furious

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Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (14 ):
Kids say (40 ):

AWKWARD. is at times irreverent, comical, and poignant, analyzing the uncertainties of high-school life from the point of view of an insightful teen who evolves as the show progresses. Jenna moves from the proverbial social fringe into the mainstream, falling victim to temptations and mistakes along the way, but she never loses her identity or her ideals. Instead of seeking popularity for the sake of status, Jenna envisions it as a gateway to a relationship with the guy of her dreams and the chance to befriend classmates who have never given her a second glance. Her family might not always be a solid foundation, but she's got two reliable friends who are in her camp through thick and thin. In a media world of Barbie types and bickering housewives, these qualities make for a quality female model for teens.

And Jenna's not the only one who changes as the show develops. Awkward.'s superb writing enables sharp character development, revealing layer after layer of each personality and giving viewers a glimpse of the complicated dynamics that exist within this peer group. Because the show doesn't shy away from touchy subjects like teen sex, drinking, and racial stereotypes, choosing instead to explore them in a realistic light, you'll find plenty of inspiration for follow-up talks with your teen.

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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