Apparently, the writers and producers of the CW teen drama Hidden Palms are under the delusion that what teen viewers watch on television plays no part in shaping their worldview or influencing behavior.  On the June 27^th episode, high school junior Cliff is shown having sex with multiple partners, including his best friend’s mother.

The CW aired two episodes back to back on June 27^th, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, 7:00 CT/MT.  Before the opening credits had finished, Cliff was shown in bed with two different women.  The first scene featured Cliff emerging from under the covers with a much older woman, implying that he has just performed oral sex on her.  Suddenly, Cliff jumps out of bed to go meet another girl.  The woman he is with seems disgruntled by his behavior, but Cliff tells her that she can’t be upset since she has only given him “one booty call in nine months.”  Cliff makes his way to teenager Nikki’s house and we find him once again under the covers with a girl.  It is implied that Cliff and Nikki have just had sex.  The two teens enter into a conversation where Nikki confides in Cliff that she has never been on a date or had a real boyfriend, only “hooked up.”  Later in the show, Nikki walks-in on Cliff once again having an intimate exchange with the older woman (Maria) and becomes upset.  Cliff apologizes and promises himself to Nikki.  The show concludes with Maria meeting Cliff in his bedroom and once again seducing him into having sex.  Cliff’s mother walks in the room to discover them in his bed.

The actions and attitudes endorsed by this program are simply mind-blowing.  Nikki takes promiscuous sex further than ever before.  In Nikki’s world she has sex and “hooks up” with guys, without consequence.  High school junior Cliff is having sex with his best friend’s mother -- and he acknowledges doing so over nine months previously, meaning that Cliff was clearly underage when the act occurred.  The CW is not only accepting but actually glamorizing statutory rape.  Is this behavior we want to encourage teens to view as normal or even acceptable? 

Hidden Palms is simply appalling from start to finish and is one of the most irresponsible shows currently on television. Its attempt to bait young viewers with depictions of promiscuous sex, partying, and violence is despicable.  Hidden Palms more than deserves the title of Worst of the Week.