Parents' Guide to

Melrose Place

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Campy Spelling soap is a grown-up guilty pleasure.

TV SOAPnet Drama 1992
Melrose Place Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 3 parent reviews

TuckerMC
TuckerMC Adult
March 2, 2023
age 15+

This title has:

Too much sex
Lowe's man
Lowe's man Adult
February 25, 2016
age 17+

May or may not be ok if taken into context.

I only saw this show twice in 1996, never anytime before or since. Even then, I only watched this as an assignment for adolescent psychology class in college. My memory of the show is probably fuzzy as a result of only having seen it twice. Given that, and after reading your review, this show probably isn't as bad or unwholesome as I remember it. After reading your review I saw that all different kinds of job occupations are represented here. That makes this a plus. But that doesn't change the fact that this show had sex. Taken into context it may or may not be as bad as I remember it, and it may be ok, I suppose, for older teens. But sex is sex, something you'll want to watch out for if you let young teens watch.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Created by Darren Star (Sex and the City) and produced by Hollywood powerhouse Aaron Spelling, MELROSE PLACE holds the distinction of being one of the most sensationalist adult prime-time soap operas of its time. Originally airing from 1992-1999, Melrose Place was spun off of popular teen soap Beverly Hills, 90210 when Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth) pursued unemployed carpenter Jake Hansen (Grant Show). Jake proved to be viewers' introduction to a group of twentysomethings living in a garden apartment complex in West Hollywood at 4616 Melrose Place. Among his fellow residents are young doctor Michael Mancini (Thomas Calabro) and his wife, budding fashion designer Jane Mancini (Josie Bissett); aspiring advertising exec Alison Parker (Courtney Thorne Smith); her financially strapped roommate Billy Campbell (Andrew Shue); aerobics instructor Rhonda Blair (Vanessa L. Williams); struggling actress Sandy Louise Harling (Amy Locane); and social worker Matt Fielding (Doug Savant). Their lives intertwine as they all attempt to realize their dreams in Los Angeles.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (3):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Melrose Place helped revitalize the careers of many actors, including Heather Locklear and Alyssa Milano, and launched the careers of others, including Marcia Cross and Kristin Davis. But while many of the cast members became household names, perhaps the most famous name associated with the show is that of the apartment complex itself -- Melrose Place has become a symbol of Generation X and its desire for material wealth and professional success.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the differences between traditional TV dramas and soap operas. How can the two kinds of programs be distinguished from each other? Are there any storylines in either type of show that you consider too shocking? When are shocking storylines too much? How do you draw the boundaries? Families can also discuss how TV shows can launch or revitalize actors' careers over time. Why do some forgotten actors or actresses get really popular after appearing on a TV show?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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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