Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Edgy teen drama balances real issues with responsibility.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
EDGEMONT chronicles the lives of a group of high school students living in a suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia. In the beginning, the series focuses on a budding love triangle between easygoing Mark (Dominic Zamprogna), his loyal girlfriend Jennifer (Sarah Lind), and new arrival Laurel (Kristin Kreuk). But as the seasons go on, other characters take center stage with their own trials and tribulations.
Is It Any Good?
Much like the similarly themed Degrassi High series (both the Old School and Next Generation editions), Edgemont tackles tough issues that real teens face every day, including premarital sex, abortion, underage drinking, sexual identity, bullying, and homophobia. But Edgemont keeps things focused on a much smaller group of characters, which also narrows the pool of teen perspectives. That means that if you're not particularly interested in the characters at hand, there's not a whole lot going on elsewhere to attract your attention.
Another curious difference is Edgemont's seemingly deliberate deletion of any adult characters. In the halls of McKinley High School, we only see and hear from students; there are no teachers, principals or even parents to be found who can serve as positive adult role models. But since the show deals with heavy topics in a frank and realistic way -- and negative actions usually, but not always, bring negative consequences -- it's a good idea for viewers' parents to be available for a reality check.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether there's a difference between a teen show set in Canada and shows set in the United States. Do you relate to the things these characters are going through? Is the casting more or less realistic than other popular shows about teens -- for example, Gossip Girl?
How does the show tackle the topic of teen sex? Is it "normal" for teens to want to have sex? What are some of the consequences of teens having sex before they're ready?
What's your take on the show's spectrum of characters? Do you think there's enough diversity? Do you see any stereotypes that bother you?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 16, 2000
- Cast : Dominic Zamprogna , Grace Park , Kristin Kreuk
- Network : CW
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 2, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
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