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Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Drew Pinsky, Jill Vermeire, Where to watch: VH1, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 17.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Mature series takes serious look at sex addiction.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 17–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Although the show is focused on sexual addiction, it addresses its topic seriously and professionally, attempting to lift the veil of secrecy and shame that usually surrounds sexual addiction and underscore the consequences of the disease.

  • Role models:

    Dr. Drew and his staff want to help their patients cope with their addiction and lead a better life. Some of the patients are adult performers or have worked as prostitutes; others are incapable of having intimate and/or monogamous relationships. But the patients show a degree of courageousness by publicly discussing their problem and seeking help to overcome it.

  • Violence:

    Patients are shown arguing, yelling, and physically lashing out at staff. Patients discuss physical injuries resulting from extreme sexual behavior.

  • Sex:

    Explicit discussions about a variety of sexual behaviors, promiscuity, and Internet pornography. Some suggestive images of certain sexual acts. People are shown undressing or engaging in certain sex acts, but all nudity is blurred (as are sex-related accessories). Sexual abuse and sexually transmitted diseases are often addressed, though all of the discussions are in the rehab/recovery context. Patients sign a celibacy contract as part of their stint in rehab. Both heterosexual and homosexual sexual activities are discussed.

  • Language:

    Strong language ranges from audible uses of “damn," “piss,” and “hell” to frequent (but bleeped) use of curses like “s--t” and “f--k."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Smoking and drinking are visible; brief images of cocaine and other drugs. Sex addiction is often compared to drug addiction; some patients use sexual behavior to cope with their drug/alcohol recovery.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew

Parents need to know that this series about celebrities' struggles with sexual addiction includes frank discussions about various sexual compulsions and past sexual trauma, plus occasional scenes of various sexual activities. All of this content is offered within an educational/therapeutic context, but it's still too mature for kids. Like most reality shows, Sex Rehab has its fair share of theatrically dramatic moments in which cast members tearfully work through painful memories and lash out angrily; there's also plenty of salty language (words like “f--k” and “s--t” are bleeped, while others are audible) and images of people drinking and smoking (plus occasional glimpses of cocaine and other drugs).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why problems related to sex and sexual addiction are often treated as taboo (or as a source of humor) by the media. What makes this subject so difficult to talk about or take seriously? Do you think this show will prompt people to view sexual addiction differently?
  • Why do celebrities agree to go on reality shows like this? Are they trying to bring attention to these issues, or are they just looking for a chance to be in the media spotlight? Do you think the celebs' efforts to confront their addiction make them role models?
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