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Designing Women (Lifetime Television)

common sense media says

Sassy social commentary for teens and up.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series takes on strong, sometimes-controversial topics (AIDS, racism, etc.) from a feminist point of view. There are also occasional non-explicit references to sexual behavior (after all, the women do have "designs"). Perhaps most significantly, this series emphasizes strong, independent female roles and discusses important social and moral issues.

Positive messages: The show deals with many controversial issues, including racism, homosexuality, AIDS, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. The discussions of these issues are often feminist in nature and focus on being socially aware and morally responsible. Strong, independent female role models (even Suzanne).
Violence: Occasional discussions of violence against women.
Sex: Mild references to sexual behavior. Lots of dating and romance.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Occasional references to alcohol, including wine and homemade alcoholic beverages. Characters rarely smoke, but when they do, it's treated as negative behavior.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Designing Women

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the role of women in today's society. Are men and women treated equally? Should they be? Families can also talk about the many contemporary political, social, and moral issues that we're surrounded by every day. What do you think about how they're handled by institutions like the government and the media? Are people obligated to follow moral codes of conduct? Why or why not?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Featuring four sassy-but-charming southern women from Atlanta, Georgia, DESIGNING WOMEN stars smart, outspoken Julia Sugarbaker (Dixie Carter), who owns Sugarbaker and Associates, an interior design firm where she and her sister, former beauty queen Suzanne Sugarbaker (Delta Burke), work with Mary Jo Shively (Annie Potts of Joan of Arcadia), a recently divorced single mother of two, and somewhat naïve Charlene Frazier (Jean Smart of 24). The women spend much of their time with Bernice Clifton (Alice Ghostly), a family friend with a slight dementia problem. Also part of the group is Anthony Bouvier (Mesach Taylor), a convict-turned-delivery person-turned-business partner whose masculinity isn't threatened by his overwhelmingly feminine environment. While recently widowed Julia dates attorney Reese Watson (Hal Holbrook); Suzanne continues her quest to (once again) marry a rich man; Mary Jo attempts to balance the dating scene while trying to raise her kids; and Charlene eventually finds her Mr. Right.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This feminist-leaning, sometimes-controversial show examines some of the prominent themes of the late 1980s and early 1990s, as the characters grapple with larger political, social, and moral issues while they struggle to resolve their professional and personal problems. The group also tackles issues like domestic violence, AIDS, racism, sexual harassment, and attitudes toward the overweight; their opinions are often summarized by Julia during her many indignant speeches about the world's injustices.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Lifetime Television
Cast: Delta Burke, Dixie Carter, Jean Smart
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Lifetime Television
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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