Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Angsty teen drama based on musicians' memoir has drugs, sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
High School
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
HIGH SCHOOL shares the story of a pair of teenage girls, Sara and Tegan Quin (played by newcomers Railey and Seazynn Gilliland), who would one day become a famous indie pop duo. The show tells the Canadian identical twins' early story from the 1990s, as they attempt to navigate the complexities and heartbreaks of teenage life. After the divorce of their parents (Cobie Smulders and Kyle Bornheimer), Sara and Tegan are forced to transfer to a new high school. Both want to create individual identities, and the show captures their different points of view as they make new paths for themselves. Each sister struggles to make new friends, succeed academically, and make the right decisions. Their exploration of friendship, love, alcohol, and drugs is highlighted. As each sister grapples with her life choices, often alone, they find that one thing has the power to bring them together: their shared love for music. High School shows the duo's emergence as creative songwriters, as they use music to express themselves and find unity.
Is It Any Good?
This show is an instant winner for all fans of Sara and Tegan Quin. High School tells the origin story of two women who would go on to become famous acclaimed indie pop singers and LGBTQ+ role models. Their raw and honest struggles are on full display and serve as lessons for a teen and young adult audience. While twins are often seen as being a cohesive unit, High School challenges that thought -- viewers see the often opposing accounts of life events, from each sister's point of view. Those who enjoy watching the show, even those who have no prior knowledge of the Quin sisters, will likely want to read their autobiography or stream their music.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in High School, the main characters, Sara and Tegan, are twins who struggle to have their own identities. Do you struggle to create your own identity outside of your sibling(s) or family? How does that make you feel, and what do you do to overcome it? If you don't have this experience, what do you think about how Sara and Tegan choose to differentiate themselves from each other?
The show is set in the 1990s, a time known for grunge, raves, and beepers. What's the most interesting thing you observed about this time period in the show?
Does making new friends mean losing your old ones? What would it feel like to transfer to a new school?
Parents and caregivers may wish to speak to their teens about themes seen in the show, including fitting in at school, divorce, sexual identity, dating, drug use, partying, and underage drinking.
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 14, 2022
- Cast : Railey Gilliland , Seazynn Gilliland , Cobie Smulders , Amanda Fix , Kyle Bornheimer
- Network : Freevee
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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