Parents' Guide to

Scream Queens

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Actresses get sexy, scary for horror flick fame.

TV VH1 Reality TV 2008
Scream Queens Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 14+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Zoey L.
Zoey L. Parent
February 14, 2018
age 14+

Hilarious but scary show- not appropriate for children under 13 years

I did enjoy watching this series but I have to admit that I got scared from time to time. However, I am quite sensitive when it comes to "horror" movies, my 13 years old goddaughter did not have a problem with it (my own children are waayy too young to watch something like this). I will say that the violence is pretty graphic, other than that there's also bad language but nothing that your 14+ children won't know from school. There are no nude scenes. I'm sure that most (older) teens would really enjoy this show!

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
AlaineGlene876
AlaineGlene876 Adult
October 9, 2015
age 13+

Great Show.....

I have watched the first 3 episodes .and nothing worth worrying over. I thinks its a great laugh. I would say no younger than 13, but other than that amazing show.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

SCREAM QUEENS follows 10 aspiring actresses as they compete for a coveted role in Saw VI. Each week, they're trained and mentored by horror film director James Gunn, acting coach John Homa, and actress Shawnee Smith, whose role in the Saw franchise has made her scream royalty. After a series of exercises designed to teach the contestants a specific trick of the terror trade, each is screen tested to see if she's got the looks and talent for the part. Those who fail to impress risk being axed from the competition. Adding to the theatrics is the drama resulting from all the up-and-coming performers living together and trying to get along.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (6):

Scream Queens offers a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating horror films and highlights some of the production techniques used to create terrifying movie moments. It also highlights the contradictory traits that the ideal horror film actress has to portray -- from beauty and vulnerability to grittiness and a sense of empowerment -- to create the kinds of scenes that make these films cult classics.

But, like most other reality competitions, the pressure to outperform the other contestants in front of the judges leads to some catty arguing and other scary behavior. The show also has plenty of sexual innuendo, salty language, and violent imagery. It's not appropriate for tweens, but teens who can handle this sort of thing might get a kick out of watching what goes into making the ultimate horror flick.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the appeal of horror films. What makes them entertaining to some people? Are horror films the same as slasher movies? If not, what's the difference? Families can also discuss the challenges of pursuing a professional acting career. Do you think winning a competition like this can actually help aspiring actresses break into the industry, or is it just a one-shot deal? What do you think the contestants motivations are to be on this 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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