Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Over-the-top teen soap mixes backstabbing with sex & drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gossip Girl
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 60 parent reviews
Parents say the show is entertaining but heavily leans into teenager drama, making it unsuitable for younger audiences due to its portrayal of partying and complex relationships. While some parents find it acceptable for those of mature age 13 and up, others strongly advise against it for underage viewers, citing concerns over the show's glorification of shallow lifestyles and questionable decisions.
- entertaining but shallow
- mature themes
- not for younger viewers
- problematic role models
- age-appropriate discussions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 249 kid reviews
Kids say the show offers an engaging, drama-filled experience with glamorous settings and complex characters, appealing to older teens for its entertainment value. However, numerous reviews highlight inappropriate themes, including significant depictions of drugs, sex, and toxic relationships, suggesting that it is best suited for viewers aged 14 and up due to the mature content.
- mature content
- recommend 14+
- engaging drama
- not family friendly
- viewer discretion advised
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
GOSSIP GIRL, based on Cecily von Ziegesar's bestselling book series of the same name, follows the exploits of privileged young people from Manhattan's wealthy Upper East Side as they hook up, party, and play out adult-sized dramas. At the heart of the action are best friends Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) and Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester). These two beautiful rich girls rule the social scene, though they sometimes end up scheming against each other. Serena and Blair's friends, largely fellow students from the elite private high school they attended in the early seasons of the show, include Dan (Penn Badgley) and Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen), siblings with a more middle-class background; the extremely wealthy Chuck (Ed Westwick); and Nate (Chace Crawford), whose well-to-do family has fallen on hard times. The series is narrated by the titular Gossip Girl, an anonymous blogger who keeps track of all the popular kids' actions (secrets travel fast when delivered by mass text messages).
Is It Any Good?
This addictive adolescent drama is filled with kids, and grown-ups, gone bad. The sophisticated, label-savvy characters of Gossip Girl have no problem getting served martinis at fancy hotels or smoking marijuana during walks in the park. Their parents are rarely good influences, either, since many are self-centered and focused on their own problems. The mothers seem particularly jealous of their young daughters: One even tells her teen that she'll never be as beautiful or as thin as she is now, so she should make the most of this time.
It's all very titillating and addictive, but teens will surely get confusing messages from the show. Back-stabbing is portrayed as a social sport; characters spend money like crazy, drinking, smoking, and doing drugs in limos and clubs, and generally having a great time with few repercussions. It's not the real world, but it sure looks alluring. Were it presented with a wink and a laugh, it would be far more interesting; as it is, this campy, soapy drama takes itself a little too seriously.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the behavior portrayed in teen soaps like Gossip Girl. Parents, watch with your teens, and ask them whether their friends are doing what these kids are.
Talk about safe sex and the consequences of drinking and hurting other people. Your conversations could lead to real revelations about your kids' lives or expectations.
Try to put your two cents in about what's realistic and what isn't. Ask your kids how the issues and conflicts on the show are similar to and different from those in real teens' lives. Who are the "good" characters, and what makes them different from the "bad" ones?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 19, 2007
- Cast : Blake Lively , Leighton Meester , Penn Badgley , Ed Westwick
- Network : CW
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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