 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Common Sense Media says
Exceptional series based on loved books is great for teens.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this series based on the popular book series by Alexander McCall Smith is much milder than most HBO fare. Although it touches on mature themes like women's movement away from "traditional" working roles, the repercussions of disease in African populations, domestic abuse, and crime, the overall tone is light and often humorous, and there's little strong language, drinking, or violence. That said, there are a few tense moments, and the main character sometimes makes questionable decisions that could have dire real-life consequences (for example, inviting a strange man home so she can prove his infidelity).
What's the story?
Based on the popular novels by Alexander McCall Smith, THE NO. 1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY follows the goings on at Botswana's first (and therefore best) female-run detective business. When her beloved father dies and leaves her 180 cows -- a veritable fortune -- Precious Ramotswe (Jill Scott) decides it's time to follow her dream, so she sells the herd and sets out for the city of Gaborone to hang out her shingle as a solver of mysteries. While her charisma wins over everyone she meets -- including her rigid secretary, Mma Makutsi (Anika Noni Rose), and the local mechanic, JLB Matekoni (Lucian Msamati) -- it's Precious' common-sense knack for observing human nature that turns her into an effective, empathetic gumshoe.
Is it any good?
It's always a leap of faith to transfer popular books to the movie or TV screen, since they risk losing a certain artful quality. But nervous fans of Smith's delightful novels can breathe easier knowing that this series has charm to spare and does the books proud. Scott is an absolute delight as the passionate, undaunted Precious, and the supporting players -- each one as talented and appealing as the next -- draw viewers into the rhythms of Botswanan culture.
The episodes' storylines touch on themes that might start fans' wheels turning, including women's struggles to break out of "traditional" working roles, domestic violence, and the repercussions of disease on the African population. Though the show somewhat glosses over some of these serious issues, it's understandable in context of the series' mostly lighthearted nature. Teens and up will enjoy the lyrical dialogue and endearing characters.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what makes this show different from other HBO series. Do you like it more or less than their other shows? Do you miss the swearing, sex, and violence typical of many of their other series?
Teens: How realistic do you think this portrayal of Botswana and its people is? What do you think Botswanans would think of it? What, if anything, did you learn about African culture from the movie?
How does the story portray African women? In what ways are they different from American women? Is Precious a good role model?
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AGE
Great family show!
I love this! The cases are very interesting. My mom read the books and she likes them too!
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AGE
Love it!
I have been an avid follower of this series since I saw the feature length episode in 2008 and I can honestly say that it is one of the most entertaining, original shows I've ever seen. The storylines are always light and humourous, but some of them have a slightly dark edge. I'm surprised the review didn't pick up on some of the more violent aspects of the show.
For example, the detective agency investigates the dissapearance of a man during a religious ceremony. The guy's wife thinks that he has been cheating on her and run off with the mistress but that is nowhere close! I won't spoil it, but let's just say it involves a rather fearsome reptile...
Anyway, this show is good, entertaining fun for 14+. The mysteries are clever and keep you hooked and you'll fall in love with the characters instantly. Enjoy!
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AGE
Kindness and caring
Our family loved this brilliant series! It shows real life at a pace we are no longer used to. Also shows how big a difference small things can make to others. It's all about kindness and caring.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | HBO |
| Cast: | Anika Noni Rose, Jill Scott, Lucian Msamati |
| Genre: | Drama |
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