Greek

TV review by Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media
Greek Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

College dramedy rushes to show sex, drinking.

Freeform Drama 2007
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 15 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this college-set comedic drama features lots of drinking, a large portion of it underage. College students frequently do shots (in one scene, a guy does a body shot off a girl's exposed belly and bites a lime out of her mouth). There are several scenes of intense making out and semi-nudity (down to bras and underwear), plenty of discussions about sex (often euphemistically), and regular use of sexually oriented insults like "slut," "whore," and "bitch." Violence is generally limited to the fist fight variety, but there's lots of nasty competitiveness and shallowness -- though viewers are supposed to know that this isn't exemplary behavior.

Community Reviews

Critical Consumer
Critical Consumer Adult
September 1, 2010
age 12+

Great show, lots of good messages

Greek is a realistic portrayal of college life and its messages are positive and insightful. As a non-Greek college student, I can still relate to its depictions of the realities of college life. There are many great role models, such as Rusty and Casey, who fearlessly try to do the right thing, Ashleigh, who is just plain nice, Cappie, who is loyal and supportive, Rebecca, who sticks to her principles, and even Evan, who eventually realizes that money isn't anything. I really applaud the character of Calvin who I think is the most complex and realistic portrayal of a gay person there is on TV. Unlike other shows, such as Glee, which perpetuate stereotypes of homosexuality, Calvin's character emphasizes the fact that a person's sexual orientation is not always the most important thing about them. Homosexuality is not all about sex, and gay people are not all about being gay. Based on the amount of ignorance and homophobia on this page already, this is something that a lot of people don't understand. I would definitely recommend this show. Also, its super funny!!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Merrie
Merrie Adult
March 13, 2010
age 13+
I tuned into this once and 5 minutes into it two men were passionately kissing. Mature themes all around.

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 3 parent reviews

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?

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