Parents' Guide to

The Arrangement

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Underdeveloped stories of an arranged Hollywood marriage.

TV E! Drama 2017
The Arrangement Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 17+

Based on 1 parent review

sah777
sah777 Parent of 10-year-old
December 18, 2019
age 17+

WARNING: Is really 3+ Stars of Violence

WARNING: HEINOUS BLOODY SHOOTING MURDER IN EP 6. We stopped watching at that point. Has lesbians. Recommend avoiding.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

THE ARRANGEMENT is about an aspiring TV actress who gets offered an intriguing arrangement with one of Hollywood's biggest stars. Twenty-five year old Megan Morrison (Christine Evangelista) is a smart, strong, talented young actress hoping for her big break. When she auditions for a part opposite action star Kyle West (Josh Henderson), she catches the attention of best friend and self-help guru Terence Anderson (Michael Vartan), the head of the Institute of the Higher Mind. Kyle and Megan make a connection, so Kyle and his team, which includes Terence and his wife Deann (Lexa Doig) offer her a $10 million contract marriage to keep her close. Encouraged by her friend and lawyer Shaun (Carra Patterson), Megan navigates the parameters of this carefully controlled new life while hiding her own troubled past.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (1):

This stylized series presents the most dramatic side of Hollywood, characterized by whirlwind romances, guilty pleasures, and unapologetic narcissistic tendencies. Meanwhile, despite claims made by the show's producers that the show ism't based on the Church of Scientology, the dark cult-like culture of the fictional Institute seems to personify some descriptions of the real-life organization and its members.

Some folks may find the show entertaining, but the narratives often feel underdeveloped. There is some edge to it, but The Arrangement doesn't take these moments far enough either, despite the fact that it features some very mature themes. As a result, it falls somewhere between a teen drama series and an adult-oriented guilty pleasure.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about movies and TV shows that feature risky behaviors, such as The Arrangement. Does watching people make bad or risky choices make them more entertaining? Why? Are there any inappropriate behaviors that should never be shown?

  • Do the storylines in The Arrangement seem plausible? Why or why not?

TV Details

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