Gigolos

Review

Common Sense Media says

Flesh-peddling reality show features shocking, graphic sex.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is an uncensored reality show about the lives of five male escorts living and working in Las Vegas. The subject matter alone is enough to propel the series into "off" territory for teens. But the show's visuals are even more shocking, with graphic depictions of real sex (minus pornography-level shots of penetration or oral contact with sensitive body parts) and unblurred shots of bare breasts and male and female genitalia. The language is frank and unbleeped and includes audible words like "f--k," "c--k," and "p---y" (which are often used in the process of sexual intercourse). There's also some social drinking before, during, and after dates with clients.

  • Positive messages0
    Legally speaking, what the gigolos do isn't considered prostitution because money changes hands at the start of a date -- long before any agreed-upon sexual activity takes place. But it's an incredibly fine, blurry line. That said, the show doesn't completely glorify the gigolo lifestyle, allowing characters to freely express their reservations about selling their bodies to make a living.
  • Positive role models0
    No matter how the law sees it, these men are male prostitutes. But more than half of them express at least some level of reservation about the way they make a living. One bluntly describes it as "a way to survive," while another is trying to launch a business that would eventually help him transition out of the profession.
  • Violence0
    Not applicable.
  • Sex5
    Characters have sex on camera, sometimes with multiple partners, several times per episode. Breasts, buttocks, vaginas, and penises are visible, but viewers don't see any penetration or oral contact with these body parts. One episode involves a foursome with four of the men and a female client; another involves a client with an S&M fetish and a device called a "c--k cage," etc.
  • Language5
    Bedroom talk is salty and uncensored. Unbleeped swearing includes "f--k" and "s--t," plus words like "c--k," "t-ts," and "p---y."
  • Consumerism1
    A subplot involves one of the guys trying to launch his own line of anti-aging supplements that he calls "Ageless Nutraceuticals."
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking2
    The guys are frequently shown drinking in bars or at a client site, mostly to loosen up ... but sometimes to steel themselves for the work to come.
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What's the story?

The Showtime reality series GIGOLOS centers on five male escorts living and working in Las Vegas. Nick and Jimmy worked together as exotic dancers before branching out into professional "entertaining," Steven got into the business through modeling and is also the father of a 5-year-old son, Brace is an industry veteran who's seen it all, and Vin is an eager new recruit. Together, they take on clients of every shape, size, and sexual fetish.

Is it any good?

 

Describing Gigolos as "good television" isn't really accurate. But for adults who can handle its unblinking look at the barely legal sex trade, it is oddly compelling in a sexual train wreck sort of way. Even though the frank talk and graphic visuals might be too much for sensitive viewers (and a few scenes will shock even the most open-minded), by sticking around, you'll get an eye-opening look at human sexuality, self-esteem, and the services that people are willing to pay for in a capitalist society.

Indeed, one of the most uncomfortable plot lines involves a new kind of "date" for the veteran gigolos: a divorcee whose sexual fantasy is to have sex with four men at the same time. But in the process of delivering the foursome that their paying client wants, the guys find themselves openly questioning how far they'll go for money. Brace is fine with it in theory, but once things get going, he's visibly bothered and hides out in the bathroom while his co-workers take care of the client. "To me, it's freaky," he says ruefully. "I feel like I'm on the ... set of a porno, and if I wanted to be in a porno, I'd do porno."

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the explicit nature of the show's sex scenes. Do you consider them pornographic or just graphic? What's the difference, and where do you draw the line?

  • What are the consequences of making a living as an escort? As far as you can tell, are the men using protection when they have sex with their clients? What are the health risks of having multiple sexual partners?

  • Are women less likely than men to hire someone for sexual pleasure? What's your opinion of a woman who would pay for male companionship -- and, presumably, sex? Is it more common -- and generally acceptable -- for a man to do it? Is there a double standard?

This review was written by Kari Croop

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
This review was written by Kari Croop
TV rating:TV-MA
Network:Showtime
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Kari Croop
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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