 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Desperate Housewives
Common Sense Media says
Desperately addictive, but majorly mature -- not for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 11 years old
April 6, 2010
AGE
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!)
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Teen, 14 years old
January 11, 2011
AGE
This ONLY happens on Desprate Housewives.
While it is mature, it isn't too bad for smart teens.
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Teen, 14 years old
September 5, 2010
AGE
some violent content.strong language.some drug use.graphic sexual content and some nudity.
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Teen, 14 years old
December 9, 2009
AGE
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.
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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
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.
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Adult
July 14, 2010
AGE
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.
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Teen, 13 years old
December 28, 2009
AGE
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!
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Kid, 12 years old
October 21, 2009
AGE
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.
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Teen, 14 years old
October 22, 2010
AGE
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.
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Teen, 17 years old
March 11, 2011
AGE
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | ABC |
| Cast: | Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Teri Hatcher |
| Genre: | Drama |
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