Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
College dramedy rushes to show sex, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say the show provides an entertaining glimpse into college life, mixing humor with themes of relationships, drinking, and personal growth, but it’s deemed inappropriate for younger viewers due to its mature content. While many appreciate the realistic portrayals and character developments, concerns about sexual themes and substance use overshadow some opinions, reflecting mixed feelings about its suitability for audiences aged 12 and under.
- entertaining glimpse
- mixed opinions
- mature content
- unrealistic drama
- character development
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When freshman Rusty (Jacob Zachar) gets to college, he's looking forward to the fun of parties and girls. But even as he tries to join a fraternity, he can't leave his geeky ways behind. His sweetly uncool manner gets him noticed, for better and worse, and soon, Rusty's a GREEK. Serving as the show's moral center amid the depravity that the college Greek system is widely (and somewhat stereotypically) known for, Rusty stands up for himself and his shallow, mean sister, Casey (Spencer Grammer, Kelsey's daughter), and even tolerates his strange roommate, all while studying in a world-class engineering program.
Is It Any Good?
With several appealing characters, this comedic drama series is engaging -- and it actually presents a rather balanced take on the Greek system. But the show suffers from cheesiness, heavy-handedness, and a sort of cheap-production-value appearance.
And Greek's lessons aren't always clear-cut. Other than Rusty, who's simply angelic, the show's characters are simultaneously debauched and down-to-earth, shallow and sincere, macho and tender, friendly and secretive. This makes for fun viewing but poor role models. Cheating, blackmail, backstabbing, underage drinking, promiscuity, and other iffy behavior are constantly on display. Kind of makes you wonder why it's on ABC Family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the issues the show raises. What are the dangers of drinking too much? What risks come along with hook ups and casual sex? What messages does the show send to teens about responsible behavior? And how much of what happens in the show is meant to be taken seriously? Teens: What impression does this show give of college life? Do you think it's realistic? What aspects, if any, seem exaggerated? Families can also discuss the Greek system. What do you think of fraternities and sororities? What influenced your opinion? Does the show offer any surprises about the Greek system, or do you think it perpetuates stereotypes?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 9, 2007
- Cast : Jacob Zachar , Jake McDorman , Spencer Grammer
- Network : Freeform
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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
Suggest an Update
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