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Spin City

(Rated TV-14, Comedy, Starring Michael J. Fox, Barry Bostwick, Michael Boatman, Where to watch: FX, Syndicated, DVD)

  • 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 15.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Comedy with a political spin for teens and up.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Good example of professional and political loyalty; highlights strong friendships among a professional group. Also acknowledges homosexuality in the political spectrum. But the show also contains frequent sexist references as well as occasional references to homosexual stereotypes.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Frequent sexual innuendo. Some making out, but no simulated sex acts (though many are implied, none are shown). Lots of casual (and some serious) romantic relationships between the characters. Characters shown in bed together (clothed).

  • Language:

    Relatively mild, such as "damn."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Occasional adult consumption of alcohol, including beer, wine, and hard liquor. Adult use of tobacco products, such as cigar smoking and cigarettes, is sometimes visible.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Spin City

Parents need to know that this sitcom revolves around issues related to politics and the media. But it's also a workplace comedy, and the mayor's staffers trade plenty of zingers and innuendo-laden comments (some of which may go over the head of young viewers, but still). One character in particular, Stuart, frequently makes sexist remarks. The show features an openly gay character, and there are occasional references to gay stereotypes. Most of the characters are single and have active dating lives, so there's plenty of relationship humor, too.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what it's like to work in politics. What kinds of things do political staffers do? What are some of the challenges of working for an elected leader? Families can also talk about how the media portrays our political leaders. How much does the media contribute to how we perceive them? Our willingness to vote? Issues pertaining to gay rights and politics can also be discussed, as can the relationships between the characters. Do most people spend this much time with their co-workers?
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