Parents' Guide to Breaking In

TV Fox Comedy 2011
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Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

High-tech workplace comedy has lots of sexual humor.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 13+

Based on 2 kid reviews

What's the Story?

BREAKING IN stars Bret Harrison as Cameron Price, a college student/computer hacker who's manipulated into joining a madcap high-tech security team. When the Contra Security firm leader known as "Oz" (Christian Slater) pays Price a surprise visit, he suddenly finds himself working alongside a group of off-the-wall geniuses -- including sexy safe cracker Melanie (Odette Yustman), logistic strategist Cash (Alphonso McAuley), and undercover intelligence expert Josh (Trevor Moore) -- as they crack potential clients' security systems in order to sell them protective services. But Price soon discovers that these jobs are easy compared to dealing with his co-workers' endless pranks, jealousy issues, and, in the case of office assistant Carol (Jennifer Irwin), overall wackiness.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say ( 2 ):

The high-tech exploits featured here are unconventional, but the series has most of the traditional antics of a modern sitcom -- including lots of fast talk, quick timing, and slapstick-like pranks. Slater's deadpan humor also adds to the fun.

The show has some funny moments, but a lot of the jokes contain some strong (and at times crude) sexual humor. Most of the team's activities aren't very ethical, either. The messages are questionable, but for viewers mature enough to understand the show's irony, there's something mildly entertaining here.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about comedies. What makes a comedy funny?

  • Should things like sex and alcohol be sources of humor? Is it irresponsible for TV and films to portray illegal activities as positive and/or funny -- or is it OK?

  • Do you consider these characters role models? Do their goals justify the means they use to achieve them?

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

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What to Watch Next

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