Parents' Guide to

Make It or Break It

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Gymnastics series mixes competition and teen drama.

TV Freeform Drama 2009
Make It or Break It Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 13+

Based on 25 parent reviews

age 16+

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
age 12+

Love it

I love this show (I'm 14), I really do. I don't know why, it's just so good. However one of the girls get an eating disorder. But it's not because she thinks she's fat, she gets it because she wants to beat the best gymnast in the world. It's not an excuse but it's at least not because all the sick body ideals. She has to take the consequences of eating disorders and they tell us not to make fun of that because it's a serious issue. The girl doesn't get to continue practise for a while and gets to see what's happening if you don't eat. One of the girls has sex with her best friends boyfriend. It's not happening on screen. That's bad and that's why I don't think anyone under 12 should watch it. They don't have any sex scenes, just kissing. Some parties can occur, one time a girl gets drunk and have to take the consequences the day after (it shows us why you shouldn't drink). A girl gets pregnant but she's over 15 so she can have sex legally. I don't consider this to be explicit content at all and pretty much everyone could watch it. There's plenty of good role models and good messages. The girls (and boys) are very determinate and know what they want and how they're gonna get there. They never give up and keeps on fighting even though the circumstances. It's about never giving upp, follow your dreams, forgiving and friendship.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (25 ):
Kids say (65 ):

MAKE IT OR BREAK IT is a true underdog tale with an appealing heroine in Emily, who struggles to fulfill her dream in the competitive -- and often elitist -- world of gymnastics while she balances her family's financial struggles. It's easy to cheer for her in her rivalry with snooty Lauren, and there are some positive messages about acceptance and respect to be found in her evolving relationship with less-judgmental teammates Kaylie and Payson.

Since there's some salty language (multiple uses of "hell," "damn," and "bitch") and mild sexual content (though physical exchanges are limited to kissing) -- including a forbidden romance between teens -- the show is best suited for older tweens and teens. Though most of the content is fairly mild, the teens' behavior (particularly Lauren's) could send negative messages to young tweens about competition, sportsmanship, and relating to peers. And even if your kids are older, it's a good idea to follow up with them about any similar behavior they encounter among their own friends and acquaintances.

TV Details

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