by Krista Jansen

Created on: January 09, 2009   Last Updated: December 03, 2010

New with the CW's fall 2008 lineup, Privileged is a unique brand of teeny-bopper television that is actually quite sweet, and not at all trashy. However, that also means it lacks a certain amount of interest for more mature viewers. With perky young actors and actresses, particularly Joanna Garcia (best known for her role as Cheyenne on Reba), Privileged is not cutting-edge television, and might only last a year or two on the air. But for audiences who miss the innocent entertainment of 7th Heaven, Privileged is a suitable substitution.

The world of Privileged takes place in one of the richest areas of the United States: Palm Beach, Florida. In a time of economic stress it is difficult seeing these spoiled young fraternal twins, Rose (Lucy Hale of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2)and Sage (Ashley Newbrough) parade around their mansion in designer clothes, snapping at the butler and cooks, and throwing $10,000 a plate charity dinners. As a balance to their excess is their tutor, Megan, played to ditzy perfection by Garcia. Anne Archer plays the twins' grandmother, and provides the means to their family wealth through a successful cosmetics company that she runs.

The best part of Privileged is the many men who appear on the show, most notably Allan Louis who plays the role of Marco, the witty gay chef. Michael Cassidy is loveable Charlie, Megan's best friend, and Brian Hallisay is Will, the hunky and rich neighbor who may have stolen Megan's heart. They may not all be great actors, but they are entertaining and grounding in an otherwise chaotic world.

Unlike other popular teen shows, such as Gossip Girl and 90210, both of which are also aired on the CW network, Privileged does not center its plots on major deceptions, sex scandals, and pushing the proverbial envelope. Instead, Privileged is much more about sibling relationships, relatively harmless misunderstandings between friends, first crushes, and trivial family drama. There are no teen pregnancies, STD scares, or any real illegal activities other than a speeding ticket and the desire to drink poolside cocktails while underage. Privileged does have a mother who abandoned her daughters, a sister who takes to petty thievery, and a teenager who tries to cheat on a test using answers that have been embroidered into her handbag design; all things that might be interesting to 8-12 year old girls. In fact, this show might be better off on a channel such as ABC Family, a network which has found success with similarly saccharine shows such as Greek and The Secret Life of the American Teenager, which focus on young adults and their daily drama in a polite and non-threatening manner.

Privileged seems to know that it is not any sort of award-winning show, but it will have to kick things up a few notches to remain entertaining and relevant in the modern world.

Learn more about this author, Krista Jansen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.