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Tell Me You Love Me

(Rated TV-MA, Drama, Starring Ally Walker, Tim DeKay, Jane Alexander, Where to watch: HBO)

  • 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?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Sex-focused show is shockingly real. Adults only.

Why We Rated This not for kids

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Characters' motivations are complex -- and refreshingly real. Relationships aren't easy, and many characters struggle with them.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Almost constant, and extremely graphic for television -- pay cable or otherwise. Very little is left to the imagination: Viewers will see buttocks, breasts, testicles -- and even penises and vaginas. Characters are shown having sex and masturbating.

  • Language:

    The word "f--k" (unbleeped) is used often as both a verb and an expletive.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Characters are occasionally shown drinking in social settings.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Tell Me You Love Me

Parents need to know that this envelope-pushing HBO drama contains graphic sexuality and nudity (including images of both male and female genitals, masturbation scenes, and much more) that may be too shocking for the average adult viewer -- which makes it an absolute no-no for kids. Since sex is an integral part of the plot, characters are shown talking about it -- or engaging in it -- in every episode. They also swear and do some social drinking, but you'll barely notice amid all of the naked bodies.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why a show like this is off-limits for younger viewers but OK for adults to watch. What (or who) determines whether sexual acts shown on TV shows or in movies are considered graphic or pornographic? Do you think the show's producers wanted to create a program that titillates or educates -- or was a mixture of both? What messages does the show send about sex's role in a relationship?
Tools and tips that can help

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    crazy___man
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    I cried! I laughed

    I cried! I laughed

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    crazy___man
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Adult Reviewer
    jfreund
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 4.0

    This review...

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

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