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Drop Dead Diva

(Rated TV-PG, Drama, Starring Brooke D'Orsay, Margaret Cho, Brooke Elliott, Where to watch: Lifetime Television)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Beauty vs. brains dramedy is fun, despite some stereotyping.

Themes in this show include:   dating/crushes, friendship, gender issues, honesty, materialism

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–16

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The show's underlying message is that getting by on superficial qualities alone isn't a good thing, but there are some conflicting points about the role that physical attractiveness plays in a woman's success. Some of the women engage in catty behavior at work, and other characters reflect sexist stereotypes about women.
  • Role models:

    While neither woman is/was perfect, Deb is trying to change her shallow ways while balancing out Jane’s workaholic lifestyle. Stacy is a bit shallow but is a loyal friend. Teri is a loyal assistant. Not a particularly diverse cast.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Deb dies in a car accident; Jane dies from a gunshot wound (gun is visible, but not very graphic). Some of the court cases deal with violent circumstances, but the intensity of these moments is often deflected with humor.
  • Sex:

    Some mild sexual innuendo; frequent flirting; female plaintiffs are convinced to look "sexier" in order to win a cas; etc.
  • Language:

    Audible language includes “hell," “bitch," “damn,” and “bulls--t."
  • Consumerism:

    Clothing labels like Lane Bryant and Hermes are frequently discussed. Jane owns a Porsche; Heaven uses Apple computers to process newcomers.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Wine, martinis, and mixed drinks are visible (and consumed by adults) at bars and social gatherings.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Drop Dead Diva

Parents need to know that this dramedy is a little too mature for tweens and some young teens, but older teens should be able to handle most of the issues it raises, from death and grief to divorce, loss, and body image. There's a bit of sexist stereotyping of women, as well as a good bit of flirting and social drinking among adults. Also expect some salty language ("bitch," "bulls--t"), references to violence, and mentions of name brands like Lane Bryant, Hermes, Porsche, and Apple.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether women should ever have to choose between being beautiful or being smart. Is this really a choice that women are forced to make today? Do you think the show dispels or reinforces stereotypes about women?
  • Families can also discuss how the show addresses body image. Does it make you consider the issue any differently? Why or why not?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

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

    Funny

    I've watched the whole series so far and found the gunshot scene disturbing, but that's just me. Really sad but funny at the same time. Kids under 10 won't understand...

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Good for all ages

    5 year olds would probably not understand it but when ur like my age you'll probably understand.the show is teaching u to not judge people.So it' good.

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