Common Sense Media Review
By Liz Perle
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Shallow hormonal show about sex, sex, and sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Hormonal show LIFE AS WE KNOW IT centers on three boys -- Dino, the jock, Jonathan, the artist, and Ben the brain -- who have only one thing in common: all they think about is sex. Dino wants to take his girlfriend's virginity because "No matter what else, I will always know I was there first," while Ben sees his literature teacher's breasts, then almost kisses her, then almost swoons as she handles a stick shift in her car. The closest we get to a sympathetic character is Jonathan, who, in spite of hating to be teased, still chooses to go out with the fat girl he really likes (who is beautifully and engagingly acted by Kelly Osbourne).
Is It Any Good?
life as we know it is rated TV-14, but if your kids aren't having sex, this hardly seems like the kind of peer role modeling messages you want them to absorb. Girls talk about being sluts and buy red sexy underwear, while boys talk about how to get girls to beg them to have sex. Girls also put their feet in boys' crotches in science class, causing erections and immediate departures to the restroom. There's also a running "joke" about who the boys would rather sleep with, their mothers or their fathers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether sex has any meaning other than as achievement or trophy. Also, you might want to discuss marital infidelity and Dino's anger with his mother.
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 7, 2004
- Cast : Chris Lowell , Jon Foster , Sean Faris
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2019
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