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Ugly Betty

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Vanessa Williams, America Ferrera, Eric Mabius, Where to watch: ABC, DVD, Online, Cell phone)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Underdog heroine is a model of charm and appeal.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Enthusiastic, dedicated, optimistic Betty is a great role model for girls. She embodies the idea that hard work will get you far and proves that determination and skills will eventually pay off. Despite other characters' scheming, in general, deception and greed don't go unnoticed on the show and are rarely rewarded. Betty's co-workers can be very petty and mean to her, but she rises above it all.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Back-biting and scheming, but no violence (except to a stuffed bunny...).
  • Sex:

    Betty's boss, Daniel, is a womanizer who has no qualms about sleeping with his co-workers and getting sexual favors in the office -- but virtually all of his shenanigans are implied rather than shown (some scenes show him in a rumpled bed, another scene implies an indiscretion during work hours, etc.). Some female characters wear tight and/or revealing clothes. One character is transgendered.
  • Language:

    Pretty mild: "Bitch," etc.
  • Consumerism:

    The world of Mode magazine is a very materialistic one, but most brands and designer names are fictional.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ugly Betty

Parents need to know that this hour-long comedy is set in the competitive, materialistic world of a high-fashion magazine called Mode. Several characters -- most of whom are pretty over-the-top -- consequently exhibit poor values and iffy behavior (scheming, corporate one-upmanship, petty meanness to those who don't fit in, etc.). By comparison, delightful main character Betty stands out like a cheerful, hardworking beacon. Unabashedly proud of her working-class roots and eclectic taste in clothes and accessories, Betty is a great role model for teen girls who worry about fitting in.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Betty's impressive optimism. How does she stay so positive in such a hostile environment? Besides her outward appearance, what else sets her apart from most of her Mode co-workers? What gave her such a good work ethic? What role does her family play in her life? What makes her a good role model for real girls and young women? How can you deal with tricky work situations (harassment, nasty co-workers) in the real world?

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Our Members Say

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See all 47 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative role models

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

    Good show

    Some things in the show aren't that good for kids under the age of 11 cuz in an episode Wilimina steals sperm and it also talks about who slept with who .So I wouldn't suggest letting younger kids watch this show.Betty is a great role model for kids though . Even though others are mean to her she still helps her enimies out if they are in trouble cuz her heart is so big.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Wyoming
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Too much office humor!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism

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

    teens, tweens, and young adults

    I absolutely love this show!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    A great tv show!

    I love Ugly Betty! Every episode is different, Betty is a strong woman with a positive attitude. There isn't that much bad language, b----,a--,crap, and many other mild swears. Some characters have questionable motives, and will do anything to get what they want. I recommend it for mature teens 12 and older, because of some language or some episode plots. But other than that, Ugly Betty is a fun tv show about a New York Fashion magazine.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

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

    this show ugly betty is alright if your into in office humor. more like a little drama, but i reccommend, Drop Dead Diva! classic humor, and great, just great actors for a tv show

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