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Secret Diary of a Call Girl

(Rated TV-MA, Comedy, Starring Billie Piper, Iddo Goldberg, Cherie Lunghi, Where to watch: Showtime, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Sexy comedy about London escort for adults only.

Why We Rated This not for kids

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    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.

  • 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.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

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

What Parents Need to Know

About Secret Diary of a Call Girl

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    mpearmai
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Not good at all - no kids

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Parent Reviewer
    Jane Austen fan
    I rate this title off for age 15 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message

    Not for children

    Not for me, or anyone who supports womens rights. This doesn't present a realistic picture of prostitution

    This review...

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

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