Peep Show (BBC America)

common sense media says

Guys' inner thoughts on love are for adults only.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that simulated sex and strong language are rampant throughout this adult-oriented British comedy. Very little is off-limits here; in one episode alone there were scenes involving same-sex kissing, orgasms, an orgy, a man's barely hidden erection, and a woman in a revealing bra. Because dialogue includes the inner thoughts of the two main male characters, viewers are often exposed to their superficial and socially desperate feelings. While it's clearly not a good choice for all but the most mature teens, adults may enjoy the slightly jaded view of the guys' very different approaches to romantic endeavors.

Positive messages: Casual sex and blatant disregard for the feelings of others is rampant. One character has little drive in life other than to have lots of sex. Another taps in to a woman's e-mail account to monitor what she's saying about him and find out who else she might like. In one scene, a woman makes a man put on make-up to look black for sexual play.
Violence: In one scene, a man's internal thoughts mention bringing a gun to work.
Sex: Simulated sex is common. Genitalia aren't visible, but women are shown in bras, and men's erections are visible under clothing. In one scene, a woman and man enjoy a quiet but obvious mutual orgasm. There's frequent mention of female and male genitalia, lots of kissing and fondling, references to orgies (in one scene, a man and woman have sex while another man watches), and some same-sex kissing.
Language: Cursing is frequent, including multiple uses of "ass," "asshole," "s--t," and "bloody." "F--k" is bleeped, but it's prevalent, too.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Social scenes often include beer or mixed drinks.

More on Peep Show

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about romantic relationships. What factors are important in helping a relationship succeed? How should people show their affection for one another? Why is it important for people to establish a friendship before moving on to romantic involvement? Teens, how do you handle the pressures of relationships? Parents can take the opportunity to reiterate their rules about dating for teens.

What's the story?

What's the story?

In the British comedy series PEEP SHOW, twentysomething buddies Jeremy (Robert Webb) and Mark (David Mitchell) struggle through the uncertainties of life and romantic relationships. Adding a twist to the show's well-worn "odd couple" plot, viewers can hear not just characters' dialogue, but also the guys' inner thoughts, which offer glimpses into their intentions and insecurities. When wannabe music star Jeremy gets the boot from his girlfriend, he calls on old friend Mark for a place to stay. But Mark soon realizes that on the job front, Jeremy's big dreams rarely translate into action -- instead, he spends most of his time plotting his next move on their attractive neighbor, Toni (Elizabeth Marmur). Type-A Mark, meanwhile, spends lots of time at his job as a loan officer, but he's often distracted by his crush on outgoing co-worker Sophie (Olivia Coleman).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The guys' internal thoughts (often accompanied by camera angles that offer the thinker's vantage point) are scattered through the fast-paced dialogue and add a unique element to the otherwise been-there, done-that plot. The funny views on relationships may or may not resonate with adult viewers' own experiences, but either way, they'll be laughing.

But parents should definitely watch this one closely before giving teens the go-ahead. Sexual encounters and dialogue are prolific, as is strong language. In one episode alone, there were two simulated sex scenes (nudity was limited to a woman in a bra) -- one ended in orgasm, and, in the other, a male bystander watched the action from afar. Same-sex kissing, fondling of genitals through clothing, and an erection visible under a robe were also included, making this an iffy choice for most teens.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: BBC America
Cast: David Mitchell, Olivia Colman, Robert Webb
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: BBC America

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Ian D.
teen, 17 years old
 
Hilarious Show!
I think this show is amazing and funny. It is shot in different point of views, and has a wonderful script! 16 and over will be safe, anything under that think about it. Under 12, don't let them watch!

kt111bubble
kid, 13 years old
 
good show
love this show sooo funny :)

irene_lol
teen, 18 years old
 
Hmmm...
Good but so amateur!

 
fantastic, but don't show this to children unless you want to utterly ruin them
Love it! The writing is brilliant. It can be slightly hit-and-miss, but the good far outweighs the bad. It's odd, though: the first time I watched it I didn't like it at all. A few months later I re-visited, because David Mitchell is amazing on panel shows, and found I liked it very much. Literally laugh-out-loud moments. Now I'm starting to tire of it again. Regardless, it's loads better than any sitcom we have here in America.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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