Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so music reality show has edgy content, risky behavior.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Westside
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WESTSIDE is a Netflix unscripted series featuring a group of creative singers and musicians trying to break into the business. Singer and producer Sean Patrick Murray pulls popular American Idol contestant Pia Toscano, Las Vegas performer Caitlin Ary, Taz Tavala, Alexandra Kay, former child actress Arika Gluck, and Leo Gallo, who was a contestant on The Voice, to work together to produce a live show at the famous club 10ak in Los Angeles. Also joining the group are Austin Kolbe, a young, self-confident pop singer who breaks all the rules, and James, a soulful rock-and-roll singer who is struggling with his own demons. They're all under pressure to make the show a success, and thanks to the mix of creative talent, styles, and ages, conflicts inevitably arise.
Is It Any Good?
This convoluted reality series attempts to show the highs and lows of breaking into the music industry while highlighting the talents of the cast. However, the show feels disjointed, as key moments or dramatic pauses transition into full-length, highly produced music videos featuring one or more of the singers. Because this happens multiple times in a single episode, it's hard to settle into the overall story.
While the singing performances are colorful, and the performers edgy, most of the conversations between the cast are either boring or over-the-top dramatic as the singers mull over difficult childhoods, worry about failed careers, or argue with each other. It's possible that reality TV fans or music aficionados may find some entertainment value in the series, but Westside doesn't really deliver.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it is so hard to break into the music business. Why isn't being talented and creative enough to be a successful singer?
What kind of messages does Westside send about the entertainment industry and the people in it? Do you think it has to show risky behaviors in order to get those messages across?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 9, 2018
- Cast : Sean Patrick Murray , Pia Toscano , Austin Kolbe
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 10, 2025
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