Parents' Guide to

Nineteen to Twenty

By Stephanie Morgan, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Korean coming-of-age reality show has romance, drinking.

TV Netflix Drama 2023
Nineteen to Twenty: A group of Asian teenagers in uniform stand in front of a school.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

  • Nineteen to Twenty: Four Asian teenage boys in uniform sit at desks next to each other looking towards the front of the room.

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What's the Story?

NINETEEN TO TWENTY is a South Korean reality show that brings together a group of students in their last week of being 19. Together they take classes on topics such as cooking, finances, and interpersonal relationships. There's only one rule: no dating. Once the participants turn 20, however, they get to spend the next week in an amazing house, with no restrictions on dating, and the drama begins.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

This endearing Korean reality show follows the journey of young people transitioning from their teenage years to adulthood -- all in the span of two weeks. One of the smartest decisions made by Nineteen to Twenty was the inclusion of four 30-somethings watching as everything plays out. Their insightful commentary on the participants' actions and motivation make the series much more accessible. Somewhat disappointingly, however, the clever premise of attending a school to learn to be an adult is almost immediately abandoned as the series reveals itself to be just another iteration of the standard reality dating show.

Nevertheless, the participants often come across as naive in regards to love yet remarkably mature when it comes to matters of empathy, etiquette, and ambition. The romances portrayed are refreshingly innocent, filled with heartfelt discussions about fluttering hearts that will make adult viewers nostalgic for that time in life when anything felt possible.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why the age of 19 is so important in South Korean culture. Is there a similar age in your culture?

  • Did you learn anything about life in South Korea from this show? Did anything surprise you?

  • How do the participants of Nineteen to Twenty treat each other? Is the overall tone one of competition, or support?

TV Details

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