Parents' Guide to

Lincoln Heights

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Message-heavy drama about life in the 'hood.

TV Freeform Drama 2007
Lincoln Heights Poster Image

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

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age 13+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Kyle G.
Kyle G. Adult
November 18, 2019
age 13+

Refreshing

The cast illustrates the various beauty that comes with the multitude of shades and hues we come in. The plots are not too corny, a bit contrived and overdone, but it still refreshing seeing African-Americans tackling some of these issues. I like how the family is shown as not another exaggeration of us all living in the hood trying to overcome severe poverty, skirting the lines of legality just to "survive". This show is a delicate balance of working class genuine family life. I'll keep watching...

This title has:

Great messages
1 person found this helpful.
KluvsB
KluvsB Adult
January 12, 2021
age 17+

Not well written and casting is bad

First off, who actually *goes* BACK to the hood to live once they are out? Most of us actually stay out once we have the chance. So whoever wrote this has no clue about a couple of things. Also, the characters are pretty annoying and there’s unnecessary sexual conduct. Why do we have to physically see a married couple getting frisky? Cant you be way more subtle. I had to stop after mid-season 1 when their youngest daughter somehow got kidnapped and is called a B-word multiple times. Smh. ABC family just pushes the limit on everything. This isn’t even being what they like to call “controversial” in a good way because for some odd reason in this country when TV shows take it too far it becomes something everyone wants to watch. Doesn’t make any sense. All in all, ridiculous show AND network.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

A working-class family of five gives a different kind of life a try when Los Angeles police officer Eddie Sutton (Russell Hornsby) convinces his wife, Jenn (Nicki Micheaux), to give up their tiny apartment for a chance at home ownership in a more dangerous part of town. Eddie and Jenn, a nurse, initially find their neighbors unwelcoming and the presence of gangs inhospitable. The kids -- high schooler Cassie (Erica Hubbard), athletic middle kid Lizzie (Rhyon Brown), and good-natured Tay (Mishon Ratcliff) -- all struggle in their new school, facing the challenges of making new friends, proving themselves to adults, and escaping bullies. But despite the big and small hurdles the family faces, they all find a way to overcome their initial difficulties. With immense optimism and some twinkles of hope for the future of the neighborhood, the Suttons persevere.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (3 ):

LINCOLN HEIGHTS tells a simplified but heartfelt tale about living in a gang- and drug-filled neighborhood where drama is everywhere and danger constantly lurks. Both adults and kids will find characters to relate to, especially teens interested in Cassie's possible romance with a handsome, mysterious new kid. But the violence, especially for such an otherwise wholesome show, is intense. In one scene, a teen is gunned down in a drive-by shooting as Eddie and his partner pursue him. Another scene shows a teen lying on the ground bleeding after being stabbed. The message is clear: The neighborhood is dangerous, and it will take the bravery and commitment of people like the Suttons to change things for the better.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about their own neighborhood. What's good about where you live? What's not so good? How could you and your other family members make your neighborhood better? Why are certain neighborhoods considered "better" than others? Do you think the show's take on what a "bad" neighborhood is reflects reality? How do violence, race, and crime interconnect on the show? In real life?

TV Details

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