Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tense thriller has surprisingly good messages for teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 28 kid reviews
Kids say that this show elicits mixed reactions, with some praising its thrilling plot, suspense, and positive messages for younger audiences, while others criticize it as boring and repetitive, questioning its high ratings. Despite the negative feedback, many viewers express a strong fondness for the characters and storytelling, anxiously hoping for a continuation of the series.
- mixed reviews
- positive messages
- thrilling plot
- cliffhanger ending
- age suitability
- strong characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Ian Archer (Drew Van Acker) is no stranger to trouble, and his latest stunt -- treating a class bully to a taste of his own medicine -- earns him a suspension from school and the wrath of his parents. When the dust settles, Ian wakes up in a mysterious boarding school called TOWER PREP, with no recollection of how he got there and no connection to the outside world. The school claims to be a haven for diversely gifted teens like Ian, who has a knack for seeing things just before they happen, but he's convinced there's something more to it. Raising a ruckus on his first day introduces Ian to classmates C.J. (Elise Gatien), Gabe (Ryan Pinkston), and Suki (Dyana Liu), who have their own plans for escaping the school, so the four band together to hatch a plan to discover the truth behind Tower Prep.
Is It Any Good?
Mystery, suspense, and thrills join forces to create this enticing action series that deserves to get teens' attention. There's a little something here for everyone, from empowering sentiments about determination to the power of free will. Although the characters' scenario is pretty extreme (not many teens can actually relate to being sent away to an off-the-grid forced boarding school), the underlying themes of isolation, trust, and the desire to assimilate while staying true to individuality are relatable issues for many teens.
Content-wise there's little here to keep parents from giving teens the go-ahead, though the show is so well constructed it might just entice those same parents to tune in along with them. Need another reason to like it? Amazingly there's nary a hint of sexual agenda among the coed cast.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about authority. Who are the authority figures and role models in your life? How do they earn your respect? Do you feel like you can trust them? Why or why not?
Teens: How much pressure do you feel to fit in among your friends and peers? What are some of your traits that set you apart from the people around you? Do you like these differences? Do your friends respect them? Do you respect others' differences?
What are some of the causes you're most passionate about? What (if any) are the limits to your dedication to these causes? How do these issues affect you personally?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 16, 2010
- Cast : Drew Van Acker , Elise Gatien , Ryan Pinkston
- Network : Cartoon Network
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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