Common Sense Media Review
By Fernanda Camargo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Relatable themes, materialism in sweet tween-targeted show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
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Where to Watch
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Home Sweet Rome
What's the Story?
After her dad (Darrin Rose) marries an Italian pop star (Eleonora Facchini), Lucy (Kensington Tallman) moves to Rome, leaving behind her American life and best friend, Kyla (Ava Ro). As she struggles with the many "new"s in her life -- country, language, family, school, and friends -- she learns important lessons on what it takes to fit in, be brave, and support others.
Is It Any Good?
Starting a new life in Italy when your dad marries a superstar sounds like something out of a wish-fulfillment fantasy, but this show still manages to feel relatable. Home Sweet Rome grounds itself on the most universal aspect of that experience: dealing with change. Lucy deals with typical teenage problems the audience may face in Europe or the U.S: fitting in at school, missing a best friend, and navigating difficult family dynamics. The show is at its best when she succeeds in her efforts, either by indulging in creative music composing with her best friend -- who manages to have a huge presence in her life despite being thousands of miles away -- or accepting advice from the woman who seems a bit too civilian to be a pop star. While Home Sweet Rome may not be the most realistic portrayal of living abroad, it showcases a parent-daughter relationship that strikes a nice balance. The show has both tween appeal and enough parental presence to offer guidance young characters (and viewers) need.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the settings of Home Sweet Rome and how they compare to real life. Does it feel like a dream to bike through the streets of Rome? How realistic do you think Lucy and Kyla's bedrooms are?
Lucy has moved to a new city and everything about her life is different. What are some aspects that stay the same? What do you think are the easiest and most challenging parts of adapting to a different culture?
Lucy experiences the ups and downs of making friends at school but eventually learns that she can't be liked by everyone. Have you been through a similar situation? How did it make you feel?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 16, 2024
- Cast : Kensington Tallman , Darrin Rose , Eleonora Facchini , Ava Ro
- Network : Max
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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