Sure, at first glance, you might think it's 'only' for teens, but OTH is so, so much more than surface-level. The early seasons (1 and 2) are not quite as strong when compared to middle or later seasons; but for all its shifts in quality over the years, OTH remains solid. This was actually one of the first shows my family watched, back when we were new subscribers to Netflix, and it remains one of my very favorite shows today. We plowed our way through this show on disc (that's right, NOT streaming!) and I will probably have fond memories of it for a long time.
OTH is a TV-14, young adult show so it does have a few typical teen aspects like rivalry, brooding and angsty 20-somethings, and seemingly-absent parents, but all in all, if you continue through the series, you will find a show that is wonderfully balanced. For a show that aims to target a young demographic, OTH is actually pretty genuine and mature, particularly in the later seasons. From the themes to the cast, to the story lines, I really think that it transcends its 'teen drama' status. It might not have the same appeal to adults, but it handles all of its main plots with a sense of sincerity that other shows (catering to the same young adult audience) just don't convey. For that reason, I believe it is suitable for audiences both younger (but not too young!) and older. Still, once you come to know these stories, you will feel a sense of warmth and familiarity for these characters...and you might even cherish Tree Hill as a place you can call home.
I know that sounds a little corny, so I will end this review on a more practical note. The one criticism I have for this show is that it does skew melodramatic at times, with an emphasis on violent and/or disturbing events (ie: stalking, assault) to drive the larger story. This tendency/ choice of style is evident especially in seasons 3 and 4; and may strike you as over-the-top, but I believe it's never done with malicious intent. For dramatic effect, of course, but never 'just because.' Season 5 onward tones down the damsel-in-distress act a great deal.
May One Tree Hill live on!
OTH is a TV-14, young adult show so it does have a few typical teen aspects like rivalry, brooding and angsty 20-somethings, and seemingly-absent parents, but all in all, if you continue through the series, you will find a show that is wonderfully balanced. For a show that aims to target a young demographic, OTH is actually pretty genuine and mature, particularly in the later seasons. From the themes to the cast, to the story lines, I really think that it transcends its 'teen drama' status. It might not have the same appeal to adults, but it handles all of its main plots with a sense of sincerity that other shows (catering to the same young adult audience) just don't convey. For that reason, I believe it is suitable for audiences both younger (but not too young!) and older. Still, once you come to know these stories, you will feel a sense of warmth and familiarity for these characters...and you might even cherish Tree Hill as a place you can call home.
I know that sounds a little corny, so I will end this review on a more practical note. The one criticism I have for this show is that it does skew melodramatic at times, with an emphasis on violent and/or disturbing events (ie: stalking, assault) to drive the larger story. This tendency/ choice of style is evident especially in seasons 3 and 4; and may strike you as over-the-top, but I believe it's never done with malicious intent. For dramatic effect, of course, but never 'just because.' Season 5 onward tones down the damsel-in-distress act a great deal.
May One Tree Hill live on!