Parents' Guide to

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Faux-docu is a fun new take on the now-classic musical.

TV Disney+ Comedy 2019
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 11+

Based on 20 parent reviews

ellianaj
ellianaj Adult
July 26, 2021
age 10+

Awesome show!!!

This show is so great I have children ages 12, 12, 8, and 2 and so far I only let my twins watch this just because I don't think my 8 year old will enjoy this. Great messages: This show teaches that no matter your race, sexuality, religion etc. everyone belongs! I love the LGBTQ+ representation and parents just because your kid watches something with a lgbtq+ character doesn't mean she/he will become gay and if they do, so what? Violence: There isn't really any violence, there are a couple of verbal fights but nothing big. The only physical part is EJ getting a basketball thrown at his face. Language: There are small curse words such as, hell and crap and a bleeped out sh*t which isn't bad if you don't want your kid to curse then tell them that hearing cursing can't do anything to them. And I don't know why people are saying that there is the f-word I watched the entire series and there was no f-word! Sex: Minor kisses nothing major remember this is disney. Consumerism: Well this is based off HSM so there are mentions of it. Overall, I suggest this to any teen/preteen as long as they are mature enough!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
4 people found this helpful.
Grace W.
Grace W. Parent of 10, 14 and 17-year-old
August 27, 2022
age 5+

I love seeing real teenagers playing teenagers.

Pretty Good show; a little too much drama for kids but for teens, it's super relatable.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
2 people found this helpful.
See all 20 parent reviews

What's the Story?

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE MUSICAL: THE SERIES, a spin-off of the popular High School Musical franchise, follows the East High drama club as they put on their school's first ever production of High School Musical for the fall show. It's the beginning of the semester, and after asking for a summer break in their relationship, Ricky (Joshua Bassett) returns from his time off to find girlfriend Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) back from theater camp dating fellow camper E.J. (Matt Cornett). To win Nini back, Ricky auditions for the musical, with his loyal friend Big Red (Larry Saperstein) in tow. He manages to impress Miss Jenn (Kate Reinders), the new drama teacher, and Carlos (Frankie A. Rodriguez), the student choreographer. He soon finds himself working with Nini, E.J., and other eclectic theater types, including Nini's best friend Kourtney (Dara Reneé), E.J.'s cousin Ashlyn (Julia Lester), and transfer student Gina (Sofia Wylie). As they rehearse, they must learn to find ways to constructively work together in order to put on a great show. Miss Jenn is enthusiastic, but straight-laced STEM teacher Mr. Mazzara (Mark St. Cyr) doesn't think high school musical theater is worth their time or efforts.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (20 ):
Kids say (107 ):

This musical comedy offers an edgier, documentary-style series that's inspired by the original movie, and which just happens to take place at the same high school where the film took place 13 years ago. The result is a show that's nostalgic but makes room for a quirkier, contemporary story world that's full of lots of on- and offstage theatrical drama, ranging from new friendships, budding romance, and, of course, some strong rivalries. But in between these antics is an obvious statement that strongly supports the performing arts at a time when art initiatives are losing funding and STEM is being prioritized in schools across the country. Fans of the original movies will find this venture quite different from what they remember, but High School Musical: The Musical: The Series gives a new generation of tween viewers a fun, entertaining series.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about high school theater. Parents: Did you participate in school plays or musicals when you were a teenager? Kids: Are there opportunities for you to participate in the performing arts at your school?

  • What are some of the specific ways the creators of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series are adapting the concepts and themes from the original films for today's tween viewers? Are the changes positive ones?

TV Details

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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 suggesting a diversity update.

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