Parents' Guide to

Backstage

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

So-so Fame-esque kids' show raises relevant issues.

Backstage Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 10+

Based on 17 parent reviews

age 11+

I've a 9 year old daughter who loves this

The downside is that she mimics it. Its full of false drama and over the top tantrums. I actively eeked out how to block this on netflix.
age 8+

Great show

This is a great show for kids. There are lots of lessons about friendship. I enjoyed watching this show with my kids!!!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (17 ):
Kids say (63 ):

This scripted series doesn't really break new ground with a premise that smacks of Fame -- movie, remake, and TV series. The drama is palpable in scenes that show high-achieving teens competing in performance as well as socially, and you'll pick out the kids you want to root for (and a few you'd kind of like to see stumble) pretty quickly. By adding individual confessionals to the content, the show offers viewers insight into the characters' thoughts and feelings while attempting to bridge the gap between drama and pseudo-reality series, but it's disruptive to the flow of the story.

On the other hand, Backstage does touch on many issues that are worthwhile for kids, provided they're fully explored by parents with them. The show illustrates both the positive and the negative effects of competition, from coming out on top to coping with disappointment. Many of the characters -- especially Carly and Vanessa, who arrive at the school as friends -- must deal with the polarizing emotions of those same circumstances when they affect relationships. In other cases, just persevering is a significant victory, as Alya discovers. While not all of the characters' actions impress all of the time, there is something to be learned from every circumstance they face, and that's a good thing.

TV Details

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