Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Aussie teen surfing drama has positive, predictable themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Surviving Summer
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Parents express concern that while the first season of the show is relatively harmless and even enjoyable for younger audiences, the second season introduces significantly more mature themes, including underage drinking, sexual innuendo, and LGBTQ relationships, which they feel are inappropriate for children. Many reviews recommend a higher age rating and suggest that the content may not be suitable until viewers are older, with calls for more responsible marketing regarding its age appropriateness.
- inappropriate content
- age rating concerns
- enjoyable first season
- mature themes increase
- mixed family reactions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 34 kid reviews
Kids say the show has a mix of opinions, with some viewers praising the first season for its wholesome themes and relatable teen drama, while others find the second season to be excessively explicit and inappropriate for younger audiences, featuring elements like partying, underage drinking, and sexual implications. Many recommend it for mature tweens and teens, suggesting parental guidance for younger viewers due to the more risqué content introduced in the later episodes.
- mixed reviews
- explicit content
- good themes
- parental guidance
- age recommendations
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SURVIVING SUMMER, rebellious Brooklyn teen Summer Torres (Sky Katz) is sent to live with family friends in the tiny town of Shorehaven on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia. Despite her best efforts, Summer falls in love with the town, the people, and the surf. How will this trip Down Under affect her and the people she meets?
Is It Any Good?
The gorgeous setting, upbeat soundtrack, and stunning surfing shots make this a series that will immediately pull in the viewer. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of reason to stick around once the visual impact of Surviving Summer begins to fade. The coming-of-age story that involves some of the most wholesome surfers ever depicted on screen who meet a big-city rebel who gets into as much trouble as possible isn't breaking any molds. It will, however, appeal to pre-teens who are ready for slightly more grown-up thrills. Parents will appreciate the absence of sex, drugs, and alcohol, as well as the lessons the kids learn along the way. But they won't actually enjoy watching it very much. Stiff performances and a lack of chemistry, in both friendships and romantic relationships, mean the series never fully catches a wave.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to have integrity. Point out examples of characters who do, and don't, display integrity. How does it affect how others see them?
What does Ari learn about the importance of communication over the course of the season? How do you think he felt once he finally worked up the courage to talk to his parents about his anxiety?
There are some amazing surf and skating scenes in this show. Ask if your kids think the actors performed the stunts themselves. If not, how do they think the scenes were shot?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 3, 2022
- Cast : Sky Katz , Kai Lewins
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : January 4, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
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