The Golden Girls - TV-PG

Funny senior housemates crack wise; teens and up.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: Lifetime Television Cast: Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVD

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this series' adult humor revolves around the sexual interests of older women. It's filled with sexual innuendo and comical descriptions of sexual acts that will most likely go over the head of younger viewers, but parents may still want to exercise caution. Parents should also know that the show offers a positive look at women and senior citizens and raises awareness about the issues that seniors face in today's society.

Families can talk about how senior citizens are viewed by society. What are some of the issues that affect the lives of older members of the community? Do people do enough to make sure that seniors are respected and that their needs are addressed? Families can also discuss the importance of loyalty and the value of friendship.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

Intelligent and witty, THE GOLDEN GIRLS premiered in 1985, following the comedic escapades of four mature women living as housemates in Miami, Florida. The funny, sexually charged series shows viewers that life not only continues after 50 but is actually rich, fulfilling, and, most of all, fun -- especially when you have good friends to share it with.

The Golden foursome includes headstrong Dorothy Petrillo Zbornak (Bea Arthur, known for her lead role in the 1970s sitcom Maude), her spunky and sharp-tongued mother Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty), naïve Rose Nylund (Betty White of The Mary Tyler Moore Show) and sexually liberated Blanche Devereaux (Maude co-star Rue McClanahan).

The four leads are a distinctive group of women who drive each other crazy on a daily basis. They're plagued by Dorothy's scheming ex-husband Stanley Zbornak (Herb Edelman) and are sometimes visited by -- to Blanche's delight -- eligible neighbor Dr. Harry Weston (Richard Mulligan of Empty Nest). But while arguments and insults form a large part of the women's relationship with each other, they're truly committed to each other as loving, loyal friends who support one another even through the most difficult times.

Dating, sexual activity, adultery, abortion, and AIDS are some of the many issues the ladies chat about -- often around the kitchen table over a piece of cheesecake. This series also looks at many aspects of aging, which range from the comical (sagging chests, drooping bottoms) to the serious (rising health care costs) to the tragic (the rising incidence of homelessness among seniors). But The Golden Girls is also a celebration of life, reminding audiences that women in their golden years are strong, sexy, and beautiful.

The series' original run ended in 1992 with a wedding, though it still airs in reruns and is available on DVD. Fans may also like the short-lived spin-off The Golden Palace, as well as other classic sitcoms, including Designing Women and Murphy Brown.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Strong suggestive dialogue, sexual innuendo, and comical discussions of sexual activity. Some making out, but no simulated sex.
Violence
Language Mild: "damn," "slut," "floozy," etc.
Message
	Social Behavior This show is a positive representation of strong older women. It looks at aging positively while also highlighting some of the problems that people inevitably face as we get older. Serious topics like AIDS and homosexuality are discussed and dealt with sensitively. Some issues -- such as gambling addiction, adultery, and theft -- are discussed in some episodes, but are presented as negative behaviors with negative consequences.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Some adult consumption of alcohol and tobacco products. One episode deals with prescription drug abuse.