Desperate Housewives (ABC)

common sense media says

Desperately addictive, but majorly mature -- not for kids.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this tongue-in-cheek soap opera's focus on adult characters and situations makes it inappropriate for young kids and teens. Characters (adults and teens alike) have had affairs, covered up crimes, been addicted to drugs and alcohol, lied, and manipulated other characters in just about every imaginable way. There are plenty of sexy scenes (though no actual nudity) and banter, as well as over-the-top storylines involving violence and betrayal. Although older teens and adults will understand that many of the storylines are presented in a humorous way, younger children may not be able to differentiate between parody and drama -- yet another reason to make this one adults-only.

Positive messages: The show plays up many of the typical soap opera characteristics -- betrayal, dark secrets, revenge, manipulation -- but it does so with humor, bringing a light touch to what otherwise would be pure melodrama. Consequently, while no one viewing this show is going to take away positive lessons in behavior or relationship management, they also won't be weighed down with heavy drama. And, in the end, the show does center on strong friendships and family ties.
Positive role models: Although the ladies clearly care about each other and their families, the way they behave -- manipulating each other, trading on their sex appeal, deceiving people they love -- doesn't exactly make them candiates for role model of the year. But they do have strong friendships and family relationships ... all of which are frequently tested but almost always stand up to even the hardest challenges.
Violence: The show's narrator is a woman who killed herself in the series' very first episode. Other storylines have included murder, assault, fatal accidents, crashes, fights, gun threats/shots, arson, and more, but there's rarely blood.
Sex: Lots of skimpy outfits and making out/foreplay; several scenes in which lovemaking is implied (but no sensitive body parts shown). One of the housewives was involved in an affair with a teenager; others have also strayed or been tempted to. One main character cleaned house wearing lingerie while being broadcast on the Web. Some teen sex (and consequent pregnancy).
Language: Mostly words like "damn" and "hell", with the occasional "ass" or "bitch."
Consumerism: Regular but not obvious product placements from Buick, KFC, Halston, etc.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The ladies frequently get together for wine and/or margaritas; most of them have gotten tipsy (or more) a few times over the course of the show's run, and Bree has struggled with being an alcoholic. Also some teen drinking and drug use. One character was addicted to her kids' medication for awhile.

More on Desperate Housewives

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the main characters. Are they positive or negative role models? How are they stereotypical -- and how do they defy those stereotypes? How do they get power in their lives? What do they get from each other?

  • The teen characters on the show -- who have been shown drinking, doing drugs, having sex with adults, lying to parents, and more -- also warrant some discussion. Is their behavior realistic? How should their parents respond when they catch them in the act?

  • What kinds of consequences would the behavior on the show have in real life?

What's the story?

What's the story?

The highly addictive, Emmy-winning DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES centers on the women of Wisteria Lane and their struggles to cope with suburban life. Narrated by the main characters' friend Mary Alice (Brenda Strong) -- who killed herself in the show's first episode -- the story follows the many twists and turns in the lives of Susan (Teri Hatcher), Bree (Marcia Cross), Lynette (Felicity Huffman), and Gaby (Eva Longoria). Amid the standard soap opera plot elements (affairs, addictions, cover-ups), each season features a central mystery that ends up impacting most of the characters and their families.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The show's stars give great comedic performances, and there are plenty of outrageous moments (klutzy Susan getting covered in cremated ashes, for example). Something positive can also be gleaned from the women's friendships with one another and from the show's examination -- however extreme -- of the complicated lives that women lead.

But it should be stressed that this is adult fare. In the first season alone, viewers were treated to Gabrielle's sexual relationship with a minor, Lynette's dependence on Ritalin, Bree's husband's S&M fetish, a naked nanny, a suicide, a hit-and-run with no consequences, and a grizzly strangulation. And things have only gotten more complicated -- and eyebrow-raising -- since.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: ABC
Cast: Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Teri Hatcher
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: ABC

This review was written by Kate Pavao
 
 

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What parents & educators say

13

Most useful reviews by all members

Lols99
kid, 12 years old
 
Great for tweens and teens!
I'm 11 and desperate housewives is my fave programme! It's nice to try and figure out who you'r most alike and it shows what goes on behind closed doors! There is alot of violence in some episodes and barely any in others. Language isn't too bad but it is freequent. Messages are positive (especially in forgiveness). Great for tweens, teens and adults! (well, obviously adults!)

 
Some good messages, good writing, but too sexually explicit for young viewers
I'm 19 years old and I watch this with my parents. I think that the main characters engage in some very immoral behavior and it is not appropriate for children, tweens, or younger teens. However, that being said, the show does a great job of reminding us, as viewers, that our actions have consequences. It reminds us to make wise choices through the, from what I've seen, mostly bad choices of the main characters. I don't think this show is appropriate for anyone younger than 16 but I do think that, if you're looking for it, there are positive messages. Unfortunately, some of the execution of these messages could have been a lot less explicitly sexual.

maypony23
teen, 15 years old
 
I love this show i am 14. it depends on how mature your kids r like if they can handle it.i love mysteries, suspence,& soaps so this is a perfect show for me. it has a lot of sex & drinking(in fact one of the main characters is alcaholic( but at least she gets help!)) but it also teaches some good things(& alot of things to talk about with parents. overall i love this show!

dr duck
teen, 15 years old
 
This ONLY happens on Desprate Housewives.
While it is mature, it isn't too bad for smart teens.

animallvr4
teen, 16 years old
 
I love this show. I am a mature teen though. I think it is fine to watch if you are mature enough too, and if your parents approve.

mc2004
adult
 
Amazing show
Before I begin, I would like to note that with the exception of two very sexual episodes, Desperate Housewives is rated TV-PG. Desperate Housewives is an absolutely addictive drama/comedy that has the whole country (myself included) wondering what will happen next. The show keeps you on the edge of your seat with darkly comedic moments, violent murders, risque sexual situations, and multi-layered plot lines. The show is by no means appropriate for children. But for adults and mature teens (I'd say 13 or 14 is a good starting age) this show deserves to be the phenomenon it has become.

maturereviews
teen, 18 years old
 

slasher23
teen, 16 years old
 
some violent content.strong language.some drug use.graphic sexual content and some nudity.

Grocery
teen, 14 years old
 
It Really is "Desperately" Addictive
I love this show. Some characters aren't model people, but Lynette is a very good mother and cares deeply for her children, as do the other housewives.

Rockylover123
teen, 15 years old
 

ploopy
teen, 15 years old
 
a great show for everyone
this is a great show! yeah ok maybe people have sex and lie and cheat and steal but its just a tv show. and if your mature enough its nothing you cant handle. its fun to watch so theres no point missing it if your ok with some adult situations. all the adults who think its too bad for kids to watch or whatever are just being little babies.

Teen reviewer-1996
teen, 15 years old
 
Perfect for mature teens!
This is a brilliant show, it is great for 13yrs + teens that are able to follow the story line and know that all that is shown is just a drama. The show actually does have episodes with beautiful messages, and some episodes are very heartfelt. Like the episodes in which the street faces a tornado or the previous one where they were hostages in a supermarket!! The messages at the end really taught me something. Also the humour is great. Although some skimpy outfits are shown, the kids that say for example, ' Oh I would never wear that...' those are the kids that really are mature enough and parents should trust them to watch this amazing show. I LOVE DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES!! :D

MRW2
kid, 8 years old
 
good show, but violent
Good show, little sexual, violent and mildly profane.

ijustlovemovies
kid, 13 years old
 
AAAAAADDDDDIIIIICCCCCTTTTTIIIIINNNNNGGGGG
this is one extremely addictive show i just finished season four and i am looking forward to season five the sex is limited and the violence can get intense but still a great show

babyg9311
teen, 18 years old
 
not for kids but great for adults
amazing show! i love it!!! dont recommend it for children under 15. they will find it boring. and it is too grown up for them. im 17 and never miss an episode. i tune in every sunday to watch:)

FosterFan
educator and parent
 
Really very good show.
Desperate Housewives is a really very good dramedy about 4 women, their relationships, but, overall, their friendship. Sex and language make it a little unappropiate for girls & straight boys of less than 15 years old. But if you're OK with that, they're bound to have a good time.

Patty101
parent of 13 year old
 
Anyone over 10
I think its great. My 11 year old loves to watch it with me.

 
Desperate Housewives is Fantastic!
I have been watching Desperate Housewives since the very first episode and I can tell you, it's more appropriate that half of the Television programs out there right now. It's more appropriate than most video games and certainly better than most movies aiming for teen viewers. So there is a little sexuality, language, etc involved. That's life and you'll see it everywhere. All in all, it's one of the best shows I have ever seen and I have fell in love with each and every character, plot and season. Definitely worth a look!

MasuruMeow
kid, 12 years old
 
Addicted at 12 years old.
I love this show; I'm completely addicted to the amazing story lines, the characters (not to mention Lynette, she's my favorite ^^) and the comedy of it all. My mum got me into this show; I'm now addicted. I suppose you adults think we 'children' cannot understand shows like 'this.' There is content maybe not suitable for some, but mature children (like me, I'm 12 years old and a huge fan of many movies 'not' for kids) it's a great show.

Ali Adenwala
teen, 15 years old
 
Best Show Ever <3
Awesome show! Only thing to worry about is the sex but you can just skip that. :D

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