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Eastwick (ABC)

common sense media says

Charming dramedy mixes magic, some sexuality.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this a show about modern-day witches that clearly targets women, and it plays on the sexual tension between the witches and their mysterious mentor, Darryl Van Horne. Talk can get steamy (including comical conversations about vibrators), and there's a little bit of partial/suggesed nudity, although no sensitive body parts are shown. You'll also see some violent acts (both magical and non-magical) and hear a little bit of salty talk, although nothing too shocking (think "slut," "ass," etc.).

Positive messages: Although there's a good bit of iffy/risque behavior, uiltimately the show is about women transforming their lives through their own inherent powers -- albeit magical ones.
Positive role models: The show's female role models are strong, independent, and intelligent -- though they do have some weaknesses/judgment lapses. Van Horne has an air of evil, although he occasionally does good deeds.
Violence: Medium violence, with slapping, pushing, and people being struck by lighning or attacked by insects. Weapons are sometimes pulled, but with minimal bloodletting. A teen girl is sexually assaulted by her boyfriend, but the encounter is interrupted.
Sex: Sexual banter (including a conversation about a vibrator) and palpable sexual tension between characters. Some partial nudity, but no sensitive parts shown, only skin (back, legs, cleavage, etc.). Heated kissing.
Language: "Damn," "hell," and lots of body part references ("boobs," "ass," etc.). "Slut" is used, too (and in one scene, a child repeats it).
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Occasional overindulgence in social settings, typically when the women get together for dinner. Another male character drinks beer throughout the day.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Eastwick

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about how a show like this one fits in with current trends toward fantastical subjects, including vampires, witches, and wizards. What's the appeal of these topics/characters?
  • How does the devilish Van Horne use sex as a tool of power? Do the women also use their sexuality to get what they want?
  • How does the series compare with the 1987 movie that inspired it (or the original John Updike book, for that matter). What liberties does the show take with the original content? Do the changes improve the story? If so, how?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Based on an unexplained feeling that they have something in common, a trio of women become fast friends in the small New England hamlet of EASTWICK. Joanna (Lindsay Price) is a mousy reporter who can't seem to get what she wants, Kat (Jaime Ray Newman) is a put-upon mother of five whose beer-swilling husband doesn't have time to work, and Roxanne (Rebecca Romijn) is a bohemian widow who gets tongues wagging all over town. But their lives are inextricably altered when brash millionaire Daryl Van Horton (Paul Gross) blows into town and helps them realize the collective potential of their powers. The series is based on the 1987 film The Witches of Eastwick, which in turn was based on John Updike's novel of the same name.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This is actually the third time that The Witches of Eastwick has been adapted for the small screen (a pair of unsold pilots were developed in 1992 and 2002). But the third time, as they say, could be the charm. Given the current TV and movie climate, which takes kindly to all things fantastical, audiences seem receptive to the subject, and the casting shows promise, too. Gross, in particular, turns in a devilishly credible take on a role originated by Jack Nicholson (talk about a tough act to follow!).

That's not to say the show will sail easily into the headwinds of ratings nirvana. The premise is a silly pill to swallow and things could easily go south as the story unfolds. But, as a viewer, you do find yourself rooting for the characters as they come into their own ... and you kind of want them to pull off an improbable feat.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: ABC
Cast: Jaime Ray Newman, Lindsay Price, Rebecca Romijn
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: ABC
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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humanforsale
adult
17
 
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movielover19
teen, 17 years old
14
 
Fantastic show
I really love this show, although I think Common Sense needs to re-review it. In the latest episodes, the show has gotten much more violent and disturbing (a woman drowning in a bathtub of her own blood!).
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Grocery
teen, 14 years old
13
 
"Magical" Show
I just started watching episodes of this on Hulu, and it's FANTASTIC. A GREAT fantasy dramedy. Sex scenes aren't so bad, and I think even some kids could watch this (my sister watches a load of adult shows, and she's younger than me).
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blondesarehot1
teen, 17 years old
16
 
perfect show !
I love this show and it was canceled screw you parents lol just jk. anyways I love this show and im so mad its` off but it gave Ashley a spot in pretty little liars so yay! eastwick was prob. canceled cause certain parents board. My MOM ps loved this show! loved because its` over dead so sad! boo!
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