Shuga
By Jenny Nixon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Edgy, educational soap set in Africa addresses big issues.
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Shuga
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What's the Story?
MTV's SHUGA is something akin to a super-informative sex-ed class disguised as a binge-worthy soap opera, set in Africa. Earlier seasons focused on the lives and loves of college students (including a young, pre-Academy Award-winning Lupita N'yongo) and young adults in Kenya and Nigeria, and the latest season has shifted its focus to South Africa. Each season is 12 episodes long, with storylines encompassing issues such as transactional sex, HIV testing, homosexuality, condom use, and gender inequality. The script is entirely in English, with some regional slang thrown in on occasion (and subtitled). Some of the recurring characters include Femi (Emmanuel Ikubese), a club manager living with HIV; Zamo (Lerato Walaza), a social media-obsessed party girl who also happens to be a teen mom; and Reggie (Given Stuurman), a talented graffiti artist coming to terms with his homosexuality.
Is It Any Good?
With sharp writing and an attractive yet real-looking cast, this show does a terrific job of blending socially conscious themes with truly addictive storytelling. These kids are lovable, though still believably flawed, and it's hard not to get wrapped up in their problems and triumphs. Shuga isn't afraid to tackle tough situations, and, just as in real life, not every resolution is a clean and happy one. This show could easily be considered a sort of thematic cousin to the Degrassi series, which does a similarly great job of addressing difficult topics such as bullying and molestation, while keeping things engaging and entertaining for viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the complex situations young adults like the ones in Shuga face when they become sexually active. How do you deal with peer pressure? How do drugs and alcohol complicate these situations?
What can families learn from watching Shuga? Do you think the way the show portrays young peoples' lives is accurate to your own experience? How does it differ?
Several of the characters on Shuga feel they can't go to their parents for advice or don't have parents there to begin with. Where would you turn if you had a question about sex or relationships?
How do characters on this show demonstrate compassion and communication? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 8, 2009
- Cast: Given Stuurman, Mohau Cele, Emmanuel Ikubese, Lerato Walaza
- Network: MTV
- Genre: Drama
- Character Strengths: Communication, Compassion
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: March 1, 2023
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