Chesapeake Shores
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Book-based drama series offers feel-good content.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Chesapeake Shores
Community Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Good and wholesome apart from sweeping stereotypes about Irish/English people based on 1920’s movies
Report this review
Good but lack diversity
Report this review
What's the Story?
When overworked divorcée and single mom Abby's (Meghan Ory) younger sister, Jess (Laci J. Mailey), asks her to come home to CHESAPEAKE SHORES to help with her recent business endeavor, she reluctantly agrees to a short trip with her two young daughters. But being back in her sleepy childhood town brings back some sad memories and unfinished business of her own, especially when she comes face-to-face with her first love, Trace (Jesse Metcalfe), who's searching for a new direction after years away himself. As she reconciles with Trace and with her tough-love dad, Mick (Treat Williams), and faces new challenges with her ex-husband, Abby begins to wonder if Chesapeake Shores should be more than just a weekend getaway for her and her girls.
Is It Any Good?
This multigenerational drama series is poignant and heartfelt (sometimes to the point of sappiness) in its presentation of life's ups and downs and themes of reconciliation and forgiveness. Even as the saying warns you can never go home again, Abby discovers that returning home still can have a significant impact on you and that those who love you can help you find your way when you're lost. As she wrestles with her past and future, she finds renewed strength in family, friends, and especially her children -- a nice turn of events that reminds us of the value of not taking those closest to us for granted.
Chesepeake Shores is wholesome, inspiring entertainment appropriate for the whole family, but its subject matter probably won't resonate with kids and tweens. Its feel-good messages about facing your past, forgiving and being forgiven, and embracing change are most relevant to adults, and there is some value in them for teens if they will watch. This heartwarming show is an uplifting addition to prime-ime drama offerings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about making amends. How is forgiveness portrayed in Chesapeake Shores? Is it difficult to ask for forgiveness when you've wronged someone else? How does the passage of time affect your willingness to do so?
Does Abby really know what she wants in life? Is it always easy to determine that for yourself? How do your priorities change as you get older? Teens: Do you like feeling settled, or are you inspired by adventure?
This story puts nearly all its characters on an even playing field with regard to learning lessons. Is that similar to your experiences? When have you been in a position to teach someone else? To learn from someone younger than you? How do different perspectives help you shape your own reality?
How do the characters in Chesapeake Shores demonstrate compassion and gratitude? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date: August 14, 2016
- Cast: Jesse Metcalfe, Treat Williams, Meghan Ory
- Network: Hallmark Channel
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Book Characters, Brothers and Sisters, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Gratitude
- TV rating: NR
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: February 3, 2023
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.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate