Peep Show - TV-14
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: BBC America Cast: Robert Webb, David Mitchell, Olivia Coleman
Genre: Comedy
Available on: 
DVD
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that simulated sex and strong language are rampant throughout this adult-oriented British comedy. Very little is off-limits here; in one episode alone there were scenes involving same-sex kissing, orgasms, an orgy, a man's barely hidden erection, and a woman in a revealing bra. Because dialogue includes the inner thoughts of the two main male characters, viewers are often exposed to their superficial and socially desperate feelings. While it's clearly not a good choice for all but the most mature teens, adults may enjoy the slightly jaded view of the guys' very different approaches to romantic endeavors.
Families can talk with teens about romantic relationships. What factors are important in helping a relationship succeed? How should people show their affection for one another? Why is it important for people to establish a friendship before moving on to romantic involvement? Teens, how do you handle the pressures of relationships? Parents can take the opportunity to reiterate their rules about dating for teens.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
In the British comedy series PEEP SHOW, twentysomething buddies Jeremy (Robert Webb) and Mark (David Mitchell) struggle through the uncertainties of life and romantic relationships. Adding a twist to the show's well-worn "odd couple" plot, viewers can hear not just characters' dialogue, but also the guys' inner thoughts, which offer glimpses into their intentions and insecurities.
When wannabe music star Jeremy gets the boot from his girlfriend, he calls on old friend Mark for a place to stay. But Mark soon realizes that on the job front, Jeremy's big dreams rarely translate into action -- instead, he spends most of his time plotting his next move on their attractive neighbor, Toni (Elizabeth Marmur). Type-A Mark takes it upon himself to add a job hunt for his friend to his own to-do list, though Jeremy does his best to thwart Mark's many efforts to find him gainful employment.
Mark, meanwhile, spends lots of time at his job as a loan officer, but he's often distracted by his crush on co-worker Sophie (Olivia Coleman). Despite his insecurity over Sophie's outgoing personality -- which is a stark contrast to his own inhibitions (many of which stem from worries over his misshapen genitalia) -- Mark will stop at nothing to catch her eye.
The guys' internal thoughts (often accompanied by camera angles that offer the thinker's vantage point) are scattered through the fast-paced dialogue and add a unique element to the otherwise been there, done that plot. The funny views on relationships may or may not resonate with adult viewers' own experiences, but either way, they'll be laughing.
But parents should definitely watch this one closely before giving teens the go-ahead. Sexual encounters and dialogue are prolific, as is strong language. In one episode alone, there were two simulated sex scenes (nudity was limited to a woman in a bra) -- one ended in orgasm, and, in the other, a male bystander watched the action from afar. Same-sex kissing, fondling of genitals through clothing, and an erection visible under a robe were also included, making this an iffy choice for most teens.
Fans may also enjoy the movie What Women Want, as well as other British shows.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSimulated sex is common. Genitalia aren't visible, but women are shown in bras, and men's erections are visible under clothing. In one scene, a woman and man enjoy a quiet but obvious mutual orgasm. There's frequent mention of female and male genitalia, lots of kissing and fondling, references to orgies (in one scene, a man and woman have sex while another man watches), and some same-sex kissing. |
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ViolenceIn one scene, a man's internal thoughts mention bringing a gun to work. |
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LanguageCursing is frequent, including multiple uses of "ass," "asshole," "s--t," and "bloody." "F--k" is bleeped, but it's prevalent, too. |
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Social BehaviorCasual sex and blatant disregard for the feelings of others is rampant. One character has little drive in life other than to have lots of sex. Another taps in to a woman's e-mail account to monitor what she's saying about him and find out who else she might like. In one scene, a woman makes a man put on make-up to look black for sexual play. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSocial scenes often include beer or mixed drinks. |
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