Parents' Guide to

High School Reunion

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Drinking, sex, tension crash classmates' party.

TV TV Land Reality TV 2008
High School Reunion Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

When 14 former classmates from JJ Pearce High School in Texas converge at a luxurious Hawaiian estate for their 20-year reunion, rest and relaxation aren't the only things on the agenda. For some, including bully Jason and his erstwhile victim, Glenn, there are hurt feelings to sort out. Others, like class hottie Deanna, are hoping to discover that they overlooked a soul mate two decades ago. HIGH SCHOOL REUNION follows the classmates as they reconnect with their peers and re-evaluate who they were in high school -- and who they are now.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (2):

The series is produced by the team behind The Bachelor, and it suffers from many of the same issues that plague its popular counterpart. Controversy among the participants is dramatized and lingered over -- whether it's the geek who's seeking an apology from his teen nemesis or the woman trying to smooth things over between her ex-husband and his ex-friend (her ex-lover), every heated moment within the group is played up for entertainment. The show also has a lot of sexual content, practically encouraging hook ups among the peers and focusing on their romantic encounters.

The series has a definite hook for adults, since they probably can relate to at least one of the classmates and appreciate their reflections on how time can change a person's perspective. For mature viewers, there's little harm -- and a fair amount of guilty pleasure -- to be had in watching. But the show's reliance on stereotypes, sexual content, and constant drinking (someone's sipping or chugging something in nearly every scene) make it pretty iffy choice for teens, who are likely to get a skewed impression of responsible adult behavior.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why the former classmates drink so frequently. Is it just social, or could there be deeper reasons? Keep in mind that, based on the photos shown from when they were teens, many of them have been drinking and smoking together for decades. What message does the show send about alcohol to teenagers who might be watching now? Families can also discuss what draws viewers to shows like this. Are the participants' situations relatable? How much of the content do you think is true, and how much is dramatized or edited for impact?

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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