Secret Diary of a Call Girl - TV-MA

Sexy comedy about London escort for adults only.

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details

TV Rating: TV-MA
Network: Showtime
Cast: Billie Piper, Iddo Goldberg, Cherie Lunghi
Genre: Comedy

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this risqué British series, which follows the life of a high-class London escort (aka prostitute), is not for kids. A wide range of sexual activity and practices are discussed and shown, including sadomasochist activities and orgies. Nudity includes bare breasts and buttocks, and there's uncensored cursing ("f--k") and frequent drinking and smoking. The main character is comfortable with herself and enjoys her job, but she lies to her friends and family about her career.

Families can talk about whether it's OK for TV shows to portray activities like prostitution or drug use in lighthearted, witty ways. Should the media always highlight the negative consequences of these activities? Families can also discuss the kinds of values that Hannah/Belle represents. Do you think her desire for pleasure and money reflects today's social values? She claims that her job gives her more control over her life -- do you think that's true?

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

The series presents prostitution as a career choice that's separate from a person's personal life. Hedonism and greed are major themes. Although Hannah/Belle appears self-possessed and comfortable with her choices, she lies about her work to friends and family. Some discussion of racism, prejudice, and sexism, pertaining to choice of escorts and clients.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Frequent wine/cocktail drinking and cigarette smoking. Hannah/Belle doesn't use drugs.

Violence

Occasional references to a call girl's safety and violent fantasies.

Sex

Shows a wide range of sexual activities and practices, including gay and lesbian sex, sadomasochism, and orgies. Bare breasts and buttocks are frequently visible. Hannah is briefly shown sitting on a toilet; she's also seen putting lubricant between her legs (though her genitals aren't shown). Condoms are prominently featured and are described as a required accessory for all sexual activity.

Language

The word "f--k" is used frequently; other strong language is also used, uncensored.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

SECRET DIARY OF A CALL GIRL chronicles the life of Hannah (Dr. Who star Billie Piper), a young British woman who leads a double life as "Belle," a high-class call girl who caters to London's upper crust. From ordinary dates to fantasy-driven escapades, Hannah/Belle demonstrates how she maintains her professionalism -- and her boundaries -- while working in Britain's legal escort industry. But keeping her job separate from her personal life proves challenging at times, especially since she's keeping her career a secret from her family and friends, including best friend Benjamin (Iddo Goldberg).

Is it any good?

This voyeuristic British series -- which is based on the published diaries of British call girl Belle Du Jour -- offers a witty look at the swankier side of London's sex trade. While the stories here are more fun than heartwarming, Hannah/Belle still comes across as a rather likable character who knows who she is and who's comfortable with the choices she's making. She unabashedly admits that she's driven by her desire for sex and money, sharing some of the inside secrets that guarantee her both. She also lightheartedly points out some of the darker sides of the business -- including handing over 40 percent of her earnings to her agent (Cheri Lunghi), the potential for catching a disease (a point driven home by the consistent visibility of condoms), and problematic clients.

But there are also brief moments in which Hannah/Belle seems conflicted about the impact that her double-life is having on her relationship with her family and friends. Although she doesn't dwell on this too much, her fear of meeting someone she knows while on the job highlights her concern. Thanks to strong writing, the series manages to introduce these dramatic moments without detracting from the sharp, witty insight that Hannah/Belle offers on what it's like to work in the world's oldest profession. The show isn't intended for kids in any way, but adults looking for a guilty pleasure will find that Secret Diary of a Call Girl is just the thing.