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The Return of Jezebel James

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Parker Posey, Lauren Ambrose, Scott Cohen, Where to watch: Fox)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Sibling rivalry sitcom is best for older teens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The heroine is a complex character who often falls short when it comes to role modeling. While she's obviously intelligent and successful, she shows a remarkable naivety when it comes to the demands of motherhood and how it might affect her life.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    The topic of pregnancy -- and the sex that often leads to it -- is pervasive and often played up for comic effect. Condoms are mentioned, and characters are sometimes shown kissing passionately.

  • Language:

    Occasional mild profanity like "hell" and "damn."

  • Consumerism:

    The fictional heroine works for a real-life New York City book publisher, Harper Teen, and the publisher features prominently in the show. Much of the action takes place inside the Harper Teen offices, where the company logo is sometimes visible. Still, the overall effect is subtle.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Characters drink socially. One jokes about having been in rehab.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Return of Jezebel James

Parents need to know that the reproductive focus of this sitcom's central plot -- a successful but single woman in her 30s suddenly decides she wants to have a baby and ends up enlisting a surrogate -- means that a lot of the dialogue revolves around pregnancy and sex. That said, the references are usually suggestive and comic rather than graphic. Characters drink socially and occasionally swear (though "hell" and "damn" are about as strong as it gets).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the challenges that many women face in terms of wanting to "have it all": a successful career, a family, and a fulfilling romantic relationship. Do men have to make similar choices when it comes to their personal and professional lives, or is this a dilemma that only women face? In terms of Sarah's motivations, why do you think she really wants to have a baby at this point in her life? Do you think she's prepared for the realities of raising a child? Do you think she'll be a good mother? How does the media typically present parenthood? Is it realistic?
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