Parents' Guide to

The Quad

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Soapy drama shows all sides of the black college experience.

TV BET Drama 2017
The Quad Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

Tiffany T.
Tiffany T. Adult
March 7, 2017
age 18+

Disappointed

At the beginning I really enjoyed the show. But once he got to the episode when her daughter gets molested I was over it. I hate the fact that they are still talking about her daughter getting molested after three episodes. People that goes through that Doesn't want to have a reminder every time they turn the television on. I just stoped watching it.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

THE QUAD is a dramatic series that follows the administrators, faculty, and students of the fictitious Georgia A&M University. Newly elected GAMU President Dr. Eva Fletcher (Anika Noni Rose) is the newly elected President of the once-prestigious institution, but has to deal with shrinking donations, university politics, sexism, and a checkered past. While she struggles to work with band director Cecil "Art" Diamond (Ruben Santiago-Hudson) and Dean of Students Carlton Pettiway (E. Roger Mitchell), Athletic Director Coach Eugene Hardwick (Sean Blakemore) and faculty members like History Dean Ella Grace Caldwell (Jasmine Guy) try to support her efforts. Meanwhile, students like Dr. Fletcher's daughter Sydney (Jazz Raycole), her roommate Madison Kelly (Michelle Defraites), aspiring band member Noni Williams (Zoe Renee), rapper Cedric Hobbs (Peyton Alex), and football player BoJohn Folsom (Jake Allyn) embark on their own personal journeys as they experiences the highs and lows of college life.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This soapy, dramatic series features lots of tension-filled moments as Eva Fletcher pushes against the long-standing male establishment, and students strive to make their mark. And the many romances and power maneuvers within the institution don't overshadow the underlying themes of tradition, pride, and empowerment that HBCUs are known for, highlighted by collegiate band performances and other spirited moments.

It's a work of fiction, but it does shed light on what real-life academic politics are like, including institutionalized sexism, hazing rituals, and putting the interests of donors ahead of the well-being of students. Drinking, partying, sexual activity and pot smoking are also characterized as typical part of university life. But for those mature enough to handle it, The Quad is an entertainingly edgy show about academic life from multiple points of view.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) like the one depicted on The Quad. Are the traditions associated with these schools any different from the traditions of other American colleges and universities?

  • Does The Quad offer a realistic view of what college life is like? Does everyone who goes to college or university have sex, drink or smoke pot? Why are these behaviors often portrayed as common college activities?

TV Details

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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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