Television Review: 90210

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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this remake/spin-off of '90s teen sensation Beverly Hills, 90210 is edgier than the original series -- but just as soapy and unrealistic. Along with over-the-top opulent lifestyles, rampant materialism, and constant relationship issues, it prominently features behavior like underage drinking and substance abuse. There's also some strong sexual innuendo (including visual references to teens performing oral sex) and language ("bitch," "ass").

Families can talk about the messages that this show sends to teens. Are these characters -- both teens and adults -- realistic? Do they face relatable issues and deal with them in believable ways? What would the real-life consequences of their behavior be? Parents, watch with your kids and make this show a teachable moment about issues like materialism and underage drinking and sex. Families can also discuss how this show compares to other recent teen soaps, as well as to the original series. Can a spin-off be true to the original show while still offering something new for viewers?

Almost 20 years after Brenda and Brandon Walsh first arrived in Southern California in Beverly Hills, 90210, a new generation of Midwest transplants is following in their footsteps. The Wilson family -- teens Annie (Shenae Grimes) and Dixon Wilson (Tristan Wilds) and parents Harry (Rob Estes) and Debbie (Lori Loughlin) -- head west from Kansas to move in with Harry's aging mother, boozy former actress Tabitha (Jessica Walter). Adjusting to their trendy new ZIP code is both exciting and challenging for Annie and Dixon as they build friendships and gain enemies among their good-looking, privileged classmates at West Beverly High -- including spoiled Naomi Clark (AnnaLynne McCord), popular lacrosse player Ethan Ward (Dustin Milligan), aspiring journalist Navid Shirazi (Michael Steger), and the rebellious blogger known to all as Silver (Jessica Stroup). Adding to the Wilson kids' awkwardness is the fact that their dad is West Beverly's tough new principal.

While edgier than the original series, 90210 still features the signature soapy drama that made the original show famous. Characters cope with the ups and downs of friendships, romance, and other, more sensitive issues, including drug addiction and adoption. And while they do receive guidance from Principal Wilson and hip teachers like Ryan Matthews (Ryan Eggold), these teens seem to operate within their own private universe. Adding to the drama is the reintroduction of former characters like Silver's older sister Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth) and visiting drama teacher Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty).

Teens will probably be drawn in by the over-the-top plotlines and idealistic images of posh teen lifestyles. And occasional visits to the erstwhile Peach Pit (now just The Pit) and subtle references to original series' stories make watching the show a fun, nostalgic experience for older viewers, too. But, as in shows like Gossip Girl, a lot of 90210's material is edgy and unrealistic. These kids talk about (and have) sex, drink, do drugs, and drop hundreds of dollars on party dresses. Sure, it's a guilty pleasure, but it's not a guilt-free one.