See more TV reviews

Lipstick Jungle (NBC)

common sense media says

Sex-strewn NYC dramedy is too steamy for kids.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, even though it's on network television, this adult drama's sexual content is relatively graphic and iffy even for most teens. No naked body parts are shown, but in one scene, the camera does come very close to revealing a naked man's genitalia. Things don't get much better when it comes to role modeling. One of the three main female characters decides to cheat on her husband simply because he's stopped showing interest in her sexually. Expect a fair amount of social drinking and label-related name-dropping as well.

Positive messages: Although the main characters have admirable qualities, they're riddled with flaws. One in particular cheats on her husband with a younger man -- multiple times.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Sex isn't constant, but when it happens, it's hot and heavy. A man is shown ripping off a woman's stockings, and there's a lot of audible sighing. In another scene, the camera just barely frames out a man's naked groin.
Language: For such a sexy show, it's surprisingly tame, but "ass," "damn," and "hell" are used, as are body-part references like "testicles."
Consumerism: Occasional name-dropping takes place, including mentions of prescription drugs like Xanax and high-end brands like Armani and Fendi.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adult characters are shown drinking socially (including at lunch) and sometimes talk about wanting a drink in times of stress. One character also mentions weed.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Lipstick Jungle

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the realities of being a woman and having a career, and whether a modern gal can truly "have it all." Is a working woman with children able to give 100 percent of herself to her job, her spouse, and her kids -- or will one of them get short shrift? How does that struggle work out in real life, as opposed to TV shows and movies? What's your take on each of the three main characters? What are their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to their personal and professional lives? Is the corporate jungle still a "man's world"? If so, what are some of the particular challenges that ladder-climbing women might face?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Based on the best-selling book by Sex in the City author Candace Bushnell, LIPSTICK JUNGLE focuses on the lives of three women -- one married with children, one married and childless, and one single -- living and working in New York City. Wendy Healy (Brooke Shields) is a movie industry exec, Nico Reilly (Kim Raver) is a magazine editor, and Victory Ford (Lindsay Price) is a fashion designer. Viewers aren't told exactly how they came to be friends, but they're close enough that they meet up regularly for lunch, Pilates, and rooftop rap sessions.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Lipstick Jungle is an obvious attempt to capitalize on the success of Sex in the City (HBO's iconic version of Bushnell's first book) and compete with ABC's Cashmere Mafia (a show produced by SATC creator Darren Star). But, much like a fake Fendi you might buy from a Manhattan street vendor, Lipstick Jungle is a poorly constructed copy.

While Cashmere is snappy, bold, and ridiculous -- and knows it -- Lipstick strives for a more natural dramatic style, yet ultimately comes off as too contrived. Part of the reason is the awkwardly written dialogue that presents the lead characters as two-dimensional archetypes -- rather than relatable human beings with complex emotions -- who sometimes sound like they're reading lines from a bad play.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: NBC
Cast: Brooke Shields, Kim Raver, Lindsay Price
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: NBC
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

Review It

 

Review Lipstick Jungle

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

pccangel
adult
 
I love it! Not for children or young teenagers.
Personally, this is one of my favorite shows. However, the sex scenes are a focal point of the show. Content includes adultery, lying, and large amounts of alcohol consumption.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)
lserap01
adult
 
Below average
I've watched all three episodes to keep and open mind and I just really don't care for the show. Characters seem unbelieveable and really almost unlikeable. It's like a copy cat of Cashmere Mafia except the writing for the show doesn't have nearly as much entertainment value. Too boring to continue watching.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
bub121906
adult
 
Like It
I liked the show it was pretty good. Whether or not its for children is a matter of opinion.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
davswife
adult
 
It is a TV Show afterall..
It is meant for entertainment purposes. I think it would have a bigger following if the writers strike hadn't shut down everything. Anyway, I find the acting/ chemistry between the main characters great. I envy close friendships like that where every secret is revealed and kept. I look forward to the escape each week and hope that next season it will get even jucier. It is like a romance novel... you read them for the escape and that is what TV is about...an escape. If I want reality, I'll continue with my daily life and not turn on the tube. Great show in my opinioin and great acting/ chemistry. Keep up the great work and keep the juicy story lines coming.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Lipstick Jungle?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more TV
About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines