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The Agency

(Rated NR, Reality TV, Starring Sean Patterson, Becky Southwick, Where to watch: VH1, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Agents get ugly in a show not modeled for kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The cast is made up of abrasive, obsessive type-A agents who are eager to discover the next Heidi Klum. In the process, they backbite, fight loudly, swear frequently, and pick their clients apart with unapologetic glee. Lots of negative messages about body image; models are regularly measured and told to lose weight by dieting and working out. A model whose hips measured 37 inches was referred to as a "fat ass."

  • Violence:

    Not much besides the inherent competitiveness of the industry.

  • Sex:

    Lots of partial nudity, but not really of a sexual nature. Men and women are seen disrobing for work purposes.

  • Language:

    So many profanities are strewn around that some sentences are incomprehensible because of the bleeps.

  • Consumerism:

    Given that the show centers around modeling, fashion brands pop up intermittently. The show is sponsored by Jenny Craig.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Alcohol flows freely at dinners and other get-togethers.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Agency

Parents need to know that this reality series gives new meaning to the adage "Beauty is skin deep." It examines the inner workings of a modeling agency, and -- surprise, surprise -- reveals it as a harsh, ultra-critical world. And, beautiful as they may be, its ruthless, competitive inhabitants aren't very appealing. Of particular concern: The show reinforces many of the negative body-image messages that the modeling world is known for (very thin women are referred to as "Pillsbury doughboy" and "fat cow").

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the rarefied-but-brutal world of modeling: How different are its standards from the real world? Which is more valued -- inner or outer beauty? Why? And for that matter, who's deciding how beauty is defined? Why does modeling seem so appealing when it's so competitive and cutting? And how do the modeling world's values trickle down to popular culture?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    rini
    Lives in California
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 0.0

    Murder

    It's bad, very bad. Please don't let your kids watch this without you present.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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