Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Steamy '90s soap update still a grown-up guilty pleasure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
An updated version of the popular 1990s series, MELROSE PLACE features plenty of the steamy drama that's become synonymous with the trendy West Hollywood apartment complex. A new generation of twentysomethings now resides at 4616 Melrose -- including handsome but troubled David Breck (Shaun Sipos), high-powered publicist Ella Simms (Katie Cassidy), sous chef Auggie Kirkpatrick (Colin Egglesfield), struggling med student Lauren Yung (Stephanie Jacobsen), aspiring filmmaker Jonah Miller (Michael Rady), his girlfriend Riley Richond (Jessica Lucas), and new arrival Violet Foster (Ashlee Simpson-Wentz). Alson along for the ride are former tenant/current landlord Sydney Andrews (Laura Leighton) and David's father, Dr. Michael Mancini (Thomas Calabro). Life is never dull as each character reveals her/his dark past and future ambitions amid the chaos of romance, illicit relationships, revenge, and murder that makes up their daily lives.
Is It Any Good?
This edgy series has everything that made the original show (in)famous, including an interesting group of characters and intertwining storylines. The rebooted series also incorporates original plotlines, which bring together former and current cast members. Trendy clothes, expensive cars, and endless cocktail-filled evenings also add to the "fun."
But while the show is definitely a guilty pleasure for those enough old enough to handle it, the content is too mature for young viewers. Bottom line? It won't disappoint original MP fans and is likely to create a whole new Melrose generation.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the show's "shock" value. Is it meant to be over the top? Does it go too far? How do you draw the boundaries?
What would the real-life consequences of the behavior on this show -- drinking too much, casual sex -- be?
What's the difference between an updated TV show and a remake? Is it possible to successfully remake or update a show that was not popular back in its day? Can you think of any examples?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 8, 2009
- Cast : Ashlee Simpson-Wentz , Colin Egglesfield , Katie Cassidy
- Network : CW
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2022
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