Family TV Guide: 'Pretty Little Liars'

'Pretty Little Liars'
Network: ABC Family
Air Date: Mondays, 8PM ET
Starring: Lucy Hale, Ashley Benson, Troian Bellisario, Ian Harding, Shay Mitchell, Sasha Pieterse, Holly Marie Combs, Chad Lowe, Laura Leighton, Nia Peeples
TV Rating: TV-14 for language and adult situations

What's It All About?
Based on a series of young-adult novels by Sara Shepard, 'Pretty Little Liars' is the story of four high school friends, Aria, Spencer, Hanna and Emily, who reunite one year after the disappearance and presumed death of their friend and "queen bee," Alison. The group ends up being involved in a mystery stretching across the entire town of Rosewood.

It starts with text messages from the mysterious figure known as "A" threatening to expose the quartet's secrets, secrets only Alison knew. However, once Alison's body is discovered in her old backyard, the girls work together to determine how she died, by whose hands she perished, and who "A" actually is.

But their old secrets are just that, as the girls also have to deal with many new revelations such as Aria's relationship with new English teacher Ezra Fitz, Emily not telling her mother she's gay and Spencer not telling her family about her feelings for Toby, who was originally suspected of murdering Alison. These are but the tip of the iceberg of the many secrets and lies intertwined with this clique of four.

What the Family TV Guide Thinks
If there were ever a genre created for Teen Angst Mysteries, 'Pretty Little Liars' would be its originator. In addition to the intricate mystery that encompasses the show, the girls wear their angst as personal albatrosses, not letting them up for air for one second. Despite this, 'Pretty Little Liars' is a wonderful show for both teens and adults. Older tweens may also enjoy the show, but would need parental supervision due to some of the grown-up situations the girls encounter.

Parental Concerns
ABC Family rates 'Pretty Little Liars' at TV-14 due to language. However, there's very little swearing in the episodes. The TV-14 rating is really for the adult situations throughout the show. Over the last year the series has touched on drug use, attempted rape, extramarital affairs, affairs between a teacher and a high school student, homosexuality and, as the basic concept of the program, murder. Though not blatant, these are items that parents should look out for when watching the show with their children.

Topics for Discussion
Cliques: The clique is a large part of school life. In 'Pretty Little Liars,' the now-deceased Alison led her clique with an iron fist. Ask your kids if they belong to any cliques in school and if they feel uncomfortable with some of the things they do.

Friendships: Cliques and friendships are different. While members of a clique can be together, it doesn't mean they're friends. Talk to your kids about what true friendship means, and if you don't know already, find out who their most reliable friends are.

Homosexuality: Since the show began, Emily has spent a good portion of her time coming to terms with her homosexuality and revealing it to her family and friends. Emily's storyline could present a good opportunity to discuss a sensitive subject with your children.

Secrets and Lies: The biggest part of 'Pretty Little Liars' is without a doubt the lies and secrets that are keeping everyone from living normal, happy lives. Without asking your kids to reveal any secrets of their own, find out how they feel about the characters and how their past and present secrets are tearing up their lives.

'If You Like 'Pretty Little Liars' You Might Also Enjoy: 'Gossip Girl,' 'Hellcats,' 'Degrassi,' '90210,' 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager'