Nip/Tuck (FX)

common sense media says

Controversial plastic surgery drama; NOT for kids.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this addictive plastic surgery drama is absolutely not for kids (or anyone squeamish, for that matter). Because it's on cable, many of the usual primetime boundaries don't apply: It routinely deals with strong themes including rape, drugs, and incest and includes explicit depictions of sexual behavior and graphic portrayals of surgical procedures. An interesting subtext is the tension between doctors committed to helping people and the growing profit-based business of plastic surgery.

Positive messages: Shows the superficial, profiteering nature of plastic surgery. Also highlights the struggles of doctors wanting to help people while coping with the business-like aspects of the medical profession.

Positive role models: None of the flawed characters are positive role models, though some occasionally have moments of redemption. Both men and women are often sexually objectified. Features people of diverse backgrounds, including gay/transgendered characters.

Violence: Strong images of blood and severed limbs during surgical procedures; one episode featured a woman using a carving knife to cut off her own breast. Ongoing storyline about a serial rapist who "carves" people's faces. Occasional fights between characters. Episodes have included harsh beatings, some of which were spurred by prejudice.

Sex: Very strong sexual content, including graphic sex scenes and partial nudity. Some characters are unsure of their sexuality. Discussions of sex, sexuality, and genitalia often take place within the context of plastic surgery, as well as within the context of personal relationships.

Language: Contains some strong language, but not extreme swearing.

Consumerism: Although there isn't any obvious product placement, materialism is rampant.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Frequent adult consumption of alcohol, including wine and hard liquor. Drugs and drug trafficking are seen and discussed.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about why people have plastic surgery. When is plastic surgery medically necessary? Why do so many people opt for surgery when they're dissatisfied with their looks? What are the benefits and drawbacks of having plastic surgery? Why do doctors specialize in plastic surgery? Families can also talk about the importance of having a positive self-image and going beyond superficial looks to appreciate someone's personality.

What's the story?

Combining dark humor with soap opera-like misfortune and heartbreak, NIP/TUCK highlights the flaws of a business dedicated to creating physically perfect people -- and the imperfections of those who run it. This Golden-Globe winning cable drama centers on best friends Sean McNamara (Dylan Walsh) and Christian Troy (Julian McMahon), partners in a Miami-based plastic surgery practice. Amid coping with outrageous surgical requests, malpractice lawsuits, and sharp-witted anesthesiologist Liz Cruz (Roma Maffia), straight-laced Sean and womanizing Christian find themselves struggling to keep their operating suites filled with patients seeking fixes for their physical deficiencies.

Is it any good?

Nip/Tuck is well written and highly entertaining. It presents medical cases that are based on fact, and it exposes some of the interesting challenges faced by the medical community when trying to balance the practice of medicine with the profit-and-narcissism-based business that plastic surgery has become.

But the show is definitely not for kids -- even most teens. It's a purposely controversial series that presents strong themes with few boundaries, and it contains a fair amount of sexually explicit imagery. This, combined with the graphic depictions of surgical procedures that are more shocking than educational, translates into a well-deserved TV-MA rating.

TV themes & details

TV Details

TV Rating: TV-MA
Network: FX
Cast: Dylan Walsh, Joely Richardson, Julian McMahon
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: FX

This review was written by Melissa Camacho

Review It

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

MikeM
adult

This is truly "the most provocative show on TV"

This show can be very addicting due to the dramatic twists and turns that occur in just every single episode. It's basically about two plastic surgeons that can't help to keep their d**k in their pants. One of them is married and finds it difficult to stay loyal to his wife. Parents should know this show deals with extreme sexual themes/topics, it shows partial (sometimes rear) nudity and it also shows people having sex - but because of their position nudity is rarely visible (The sex scenes are not closeups that don't show anything - it's like watching a porno where nudity is barely visible because the guy is on top of the girl or vice versa). Language is strong but infrequent and drinking is common in just about every other episode. This show is one of the few shows on TV that I can honestly say is for mature audiences only (15+ yrs). I hope this review helped!

TV Details

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Nip/Tuck (FX)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Nip/Tuck

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

TV themes & details

TV Details

Review It

Review Nip/Tuck

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

This is truly "the most provocative show on TV"

no children

Skin Deep

my favorite show..

only for audience 18yr & older

never goin to see it

Don't like it, don't watch it.

no

17+ Only!!

hmm

Well...

porn

my guilty pleasure!

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