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Private Practice

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Timothy Daly, Amy Brenneman, Kate Walsh, Where to watch: ABC, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Grey's spin-off has similar adult content.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Most characters are far from perfect, and the show's heroine is no exception. But their flawed choices and motivations usually steer them toward positive lessons.

  • Violence:

    Surgical procedures are sometimes shown in graphic detail, but things rarely get out-and-out gory.

  • Sex:

    Much like its parent program, this spin-off uses sexual tension and bedroom antics as devices for plot advancement. One character is obsessed with sex.

  • Language:

    "Ass" and "hell" are as strong as it gets.

  • Consumerism:

    Brand names occasionally pop up, but the effect is subtle. In one scene, for example, a doctor is shown holding a box of McKesson surgical gloves with the logo clearly visible.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adult characters are shown drinking alcohol in social situations, but usually in moderation.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Private Practice

Parents need to know that -- just like its parent show -- this Grey's Anatomy spin-off is aimed squarely at adults and relies heavily on mature themes to keep things interesting. Characters have complicated relationships and frequently discuss their sex lives, and several storylines deal candidly with death.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the various ways that women are portrayed on the show. After seeing Addison, Naomi, Violet, and Charlotte in action, which one do you admire the most? The least? Are these women's professional lives very different from their private lives? Parents and older teens who are Grey's fans can also compare the two shows. What themes and issues do they have in common? How are they different?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    soymissk8
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 3.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    khj115
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    vrumayo90210
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Way different!

    Yay! I love this show! It is so much better than Grey's Anatomy. The adults actually act like adults and not immature sex-crazed maniacs like on Grey's. I still love that show though! I am so happy to see this refreshing show on TV. It's real.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Courtisrad
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Cool show

    I like it so far. I'm a big fan of grey's anatomy. I think this show is alright for kids my age to be watching.

    This review...

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

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