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Is The Prom Kid Friendly on Netflix? Parents Guide

Wondering if The Prom on Netflix is ok for kids? This musical is rated PG-13 for language and sexual content. Is The Prom kid friendly? The overall message of acceptance is a good one, but the way they got there was questionable. Here’s what parents need to know in The Prom Parents Guide.

Netflix The Prom Parents Guide

The Prom Parents Guide

The Prom on Netflix has a star-studded cast with the likes of Meryl Streep, Kerry Washington, and Nicole Kidman. But even they couldn’t save this one. It’s as if the formula was made for me – cheery dispositions, singing and dancing throughout the film, a good message. But along the way, Ryan Murphy seemed to mock the people he was trying to help. 

The PTA in an Indiana town cancels prom when Emma, a student at James Madison High School, wants to attend prom with her girlfriend. Some down-on-their-luck Broadway stars decide to get involved and help Emma to save their reputations.

Here’s what parents need to know about The Prom. 

Language

There is some language including some sexual terms.

Apesh**
Piss
Bitc*
Hell 
MILF a**
A**
Damn it
Jes**, you screwed us.
Sh**

There were also uses of “Oh my g-d” and “Oh g-d.”

Mature Content

A character tells another to “go hang yourself.”

A character gets bullied for her sexual orientation. The plot line involves a town against a girl for being a lesbian. Two characters kiss. 

In some songs phrases like masturbate and hoosier humping, losers, and homely wives are used to describe Indiana. 

Characters drink alcohol. 

Characters talk about not being accepted in families or being kicked out of their homes. 

The Prom Netflix Kid Friendly?

Is The Prom Appropriate for Kids Under 13?

The Prom is pretty accurate on its age rating, and I’d recommend it for kids ages 13 and up. The biggest problem I’d have with The Prom for kids are the stereotypes and the quick resolution of some pretty horrific situations. 

Meryl Streep is wonderful as usual. James Corden, oh bless it. I don’t want to be as cruel as the critic in the film, but between this and Cats, please stop casting him in musicals. In his role as a gay man in the film, he has some emotional scenes and they just fell flat. Cast a gay man, please, and please give me more Andrew Rannells. 

I don’t disagree with the “Don’t cast stones” lecture/song, because it’s a message bigots and children of bigots need to hear, but this isn’t going to change their minds. The campiness of such an important topic felt insincere which I know is the opposite effect intended. 

Will it bring joy to some? Sure. The dancing and singing can be feel-good. I love a good dance number. But was this the way to do it? Not for me.

Sorry Ryan Murphy, you can’t just Glee-ify everything and have it be a hit. I don’t deny the importance of the message, but it was the wrong way to get there.

Is The Prom on Netflix ok for kids?

 

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