Common Sense Media Review
By Fernanda Camargo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Raw view of high school amid COVID; some sensitive scenes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Class
What's the Story?
THE CLASS follows students from an East Bay school whose senior year is disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As they deal with uncertainty, remote learning, and social distancing, teens also struggle with school and family challenges. The series highlights the role of counselors like their college adviser, Mr. Cam, who provides support and guidance during these tough times.
Is It Any Good?
This series can feel validating for teens who faced similar challenges during the pandemic or ever had to balance schoolwork with added responsibilities at home. The Class is also an opportunity for viewers who had different experiences to develop empathy and understand struggles they may not see. There's an overall understanding that life—just like the process of school application—isn't always standardized and fair. Still, the message is that one needs to keep doing their part, putting their best foot forward, and pushing to turn adversity into victory.
The Class is both inspiring and heartbreaking, though a few creative choices could be reconsidered. For example, including the audio of a personal and painful moment in a teen's life feels intrusive and unnecessary. Because of this, the series may not be suitable for teens who are sensitive to themes of death and grief.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the impact of the COVID pandemic on the lives of the teens in The Class and around the world. What do you think were the biggest challenges for the students? Were they similar for the school staff? Why?
The series highlights how Deer Valley High School students face negative social stigma. Do you think this is fair? What can be done to combat these stigmas and protect the students?
Mr. Cam stands out as a counselor who establishes genuine connections with his students, even during remote learning. What are some of the effective ways he uses to build connections online?
Some of the teens had to take on more responsibility at home. How did this affect their well-being and ability to focus on school?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 18, 2025
- Network : PBS
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Activism , School ( High School )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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