Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so Fame-esque kids' show raises relevant issues.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Backstage
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Based on 63 kid reviews
Kids say that this show is engaging and relatable, particularly for tweens and teens, as it addresses realistic struggles in a creative arts school setting. However, it may not appeal to younger children due to its mature themes and serious drama, with many reviewers noting that it's not the typical Disney fare but rather a more nuanced drama.
- engaging drama
- relatable characters
- not suitable for young kids
- mature themes
- not typical disney
- creativity in storytelling
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
BACKSTAGE follows the ups and downs of life in the Keaton School of the Arts, an elite high school populated by students with a passion for music and dance. From aspiring producers to prima ballerinas in the making, Keaton's halls are filled with talent and competition, and these teens must balance their drive to outshine their classmates with their desire to befriend them. That's easier for some than it is for others, and the process is a new one each day. For Carly (Alyssa Trask), Vanessa (Devyn Nekoda), Miles (Josh Bogert), Alya (Aviva Mongillo), Jax (Matthew Isen), Kit (Romy Weltman), and the rest of the Keaton students, Keaton is more than a place to hone their skills; it's a venue for building their character.
Is It Any Good?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Backstage suggests about what it means to be successful. Is there always a measure for a person's success, or can it be determined individually? How does it feel to fall short of goals you've set for yourself? Why is it important to learn from failures and persevere through the challenges? Why is perseverance an important character strength?
Do any of the characters stand out as role models to you? If so, which ones, and why? Do the teachers' vastly different approaches to inspiring students make one more effective than the other, or do both have success? Which one would best inspire you?
Kids: Can you relate to the characters' struggles to get along with all their classmates? Is it realistic to assume you can befriend everyone you encounter? How do people's life experiences shape their personalities?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 18, 2016
- Cast : Alyssa Trask , Devyn Nekoda , Josh Bogert
- Network : Disney Channel
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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