Secret Diary of a Call Girl (Showtime)

SECRET DIARY OF A CALL GIRL chronicles the life of Hannah (Dr. Who star Billie Piper), a young British woman who leads a double life as "Belle," a high-class call girl who caters to London's upper crust. From ordinary dates to fantasy-driven escapades, Hannah/Belle demonstrates how she maintains her professionalism -- and her boundaries -- while working in Britain's legal escort industry. But keeping her job separate from her personal life proves challenging at times, especially since she's keeping her career a secret from her family and friends, including best friend Benjamin (Iddo Goldberg).

This voyeuristic British series -- which is based on the published diaries of British call girl Belle Du Jour -- offers a witty look at the swankier side of London's sex trade. While the stories here are more fun than heartwarming, Hannah/Belle still comes across as a rather likable character who knows who she is and who's comfortable with the choices she's making. She unabashedly admits that she's driven by her desire for sex and money, sharing some of the inside secrets that guarantee her both. She also lightheartedly points out some of the darker sides of the business -- including handing over 40 percent of her earnings to her agent (Cheri Lunghi), the potential for catching a disease (a point driven home by the consistent visibility of condoms), and problematic clients.

But there are also brief moments in which Hannah/Belle seems conflicted about the impact that her double-life is having on her relationship with her family and friends. Although she doesn't dwell on this too much, her fear of meeting someone she knows while on the job highlights her concern. Thanks to strong writing, the series manages to introduce these dramatic moments without detracting from the sharp, witty insight that Hannah/Belle offers on what it's like to work in the world's oldest profession. The show isn't intended for kids in any way, but adults looking for a guilty pleasure will find that Secret Diary of a Call Girl is just the thing.

TV Rating: TV-MA
Network: Showtime
Cast: Billie Piper, Cherie Lunghi, Iddo Goldberg
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Showtime