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Sex and the City

(Rated TV-MA, Comedy, Starring Kim Cattrall, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Where to watch: HBO, TBS, Syndicated, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Smart, sassy, sexy -- and for adults only.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Some say the women on the show are too loose, too easy; others say they're strong, independent, very real. The truth lies somewhere in between. Stereotypes of all stripes are addressed and smashed head-on. The women ultimately have faith in love.
  • Violence:

    A fistfight or two, and some lovers' spats, but nothing too extreme. This is glitzy, glam New York, not criminal drama New York.
  • Sex:

    Traditional, kinky, and everything in between. HBO version is pretty graphic (better for 17+); syndicated episodes have been edited and are much tamer (so ok for 15+).
  • Language:

    Syndicated episodes edit out or bleep the worst of the HBO version's strong language (which includes the complete range of dirty words); nonetheless, the characters, especially Samantha, are as salty as sailors.
  • Consumerism:

    Hello, Manolo Blahniks! Carrie is a shoe fiend; her friends are fashionable women. Don't dress like this at home!
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    All of the above, used by almost all of the characters (though none of the women are drug fiends).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Sex and the City

Parents need to know that this show actually has lots of heart; so much so, in fact, that if not for the frank talk -- and "walk" -- about sex (of all kinds), it would actually make a good primer on the enduring benefits of friendship, the power of love, and the importance of self-esteem. That said, nudity is a given in nearly every episode of the original HBO broadcast (available on DVD and on demand), as are very frank discussions on romance, lust, and love. The edited versions running in syndication have toned down the ladies' language, as well as the nudity (which, of course, just leaves more to the imagination ...), which is why this review is rated OK for 15+. The uncut versions would warrant a 17+ age recommendation.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why the quest for love is the main theme of the entire series. And not just romantic love, either. What are the different types of love? What role do friends have in one's life? Do they sometimes take the place of family? Why? In the end, does a woman need a relationship to be whole?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Sex and the City?
  •  I think this show is

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See all 15 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    :)

    The greatest! Started watching it with my mom at age 7. didn't see any problem with it. Heck, I skipped first grade, so I'm in 6th grade, and you see a lot worse at school!aw

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Good Show!

    I love ths show!

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Great show for 16+ or 14+ if edited

    I personally love this show and started watching it when I was 16, but as for kids, I would have to say that this show is definitely at LEAST a 16+ show. If edited for cable, then 14+.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

  5. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

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