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The West Wing

(Rated TV-PG, Drama, Starring Allison Janney, Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Where to watch: NBC, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Intelligent political drama for mature viewers.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 15 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Regular characters are excellent role models.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Discussion of war and terrorism and the casualties of both.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Mild profanity.
  • Consumerism:

    Starbucks and some networks and political polls are mentioned often.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Celebratory champagne or wine or beer with a meal.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The West Wing

Parents need to know that this show is meant for mature audiences, not because of the language or any type of sexual overtones, but because the dialogue and plots are very intricate. But for a smart high school kid, especially one with an interest in social studies or political science, this show could be a slam dunk. Furthermore, the regular characters are all inspirational role models who work hard to make the U.S. a better place.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about any of the topics around which each episode is based. This can include immigration, war, terrorism, abortion, the use of nuclear energy, and elections. They can also talk about how realistic the portrayal of White House life is.

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Our Members Say

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See all 8 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

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

    Very mature drama.

    Love this show

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I can not live w/o West Wing

    Thank the Lord for this show! Anyone who likes civics will like this show.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  4. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Brilliant Series with Role Models

    The West Wing is my favorite TV show ever. It has smart characters and a great plot. The series, six seasons long, tells the story of the two terms of US President Jed Bartlett and his staff. The cast is excellent, especially the late John Spencer as the chief of staff, Leo McGary. The characters are great role models. They care about each other and their country, and when they mess up, they apologize. The content is iffy. Language is mild but frequent: d**n to s**t. No sex is shown, but references are made to one character's private relationship and some one-liners are made: "I'm good in bed" is one. Violence, too, is not shown, but there are talks of shootings and terrorist attacks. All in all, The West Wing is an excellent, patriotic TV show for all. Each show ends with a comforting message, and the episodes never cease to leave me inspired. Highly reccomended!

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Nebraska
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Engrossing Political Drama for Ages 12 and up!

    I want to start by saying that The West Wing is one of a tie for my favorite TV show (the other is Planet Earth). Kids may not be able to understand the complicated plots, but I strongly disagree with Common Sense rating it ages 15 and up. There is no sexual content really, but some talk of hookers and affairs. At the end of season one, there is an assasination attempt on the President's life, but only he and one other are shot and they are both fine. They say some language, but not horrible. The West Wing has smart characters who flub up but apologize and get better. They all have good values and can serve as excellent role models. The President cares about his country greatly, and devotes his life to it. Also, every episode has some sort of inspirational puch, and it never fails to leave me moved. All in all, the West Wing is an excellent drama with some blemishes and a complicated plot, but nothing bad for anyone over 12. Your whole family will enjoy it!

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