 | 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 Starter Wife
Common Sense Media says
Adult divorce drama pokes fun at Hollywood values.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this dramedy isn't for kids. Although it pokes fun at Hollywood, it rides a fine line between embracing and rejecting Hollywood values. The very skinny main character makes jokes about her weight, alluding to the constant desire to be thinner. Money -- who has it, who doesn't -- is a constant theme. And some characters sacrifice friendship in the name of ambition. Some scenes include frank talk about sex, and there are brief passionate clinches, as well as some drinking, smoking, and swearing.
What's the story?
THE STARTER WIFE takes a funny, somewhat critical look at Hollywood through the eyes of Molly Kagan (Debra Messing), whose studio-boss husband dumps her for a younger woman. Messing is charming and funny as Molly, who must examine her life and values after being "let go" from her role as Hollywood wife. As she slowly learns who her real friends are and makes tentative connections with people outside the catty world of Hollywood, Molly builds herself into a better person. But this new person still cares about what people think about her, as well as the size of her butt. Molly tends to let men take the reins all too often, and she can be a pushover when it comes to her egotistical, obnoxious power broker of an ex-husband, Kenny (Peter Jacobson).
Is it any good?
Starter Wife is at its best when it's taking an inside look at Hollywood and its fickle ways. The show makes fun of the industry town's shallowness with sharp wit (Molly talks about worshipping at the Church of Perpetual Upkeep, for example).
Less successful are the show's forays into mystery (a handsome stranger saves Molly's life and asks her enigmatically if it's a life worth saving before diving into the surf) and "real" life (Molly befriends a UCLA student and a Malibu Colony security guard who's in danger of getting evicted).
With its talented cast and irresistible premise, The Starter Wife is lots of fun ... for adults. Typical Hollywood decadence and backstabbing make the show decidedly iffy for kids, as do mature topics like addiction and affairs.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the media depicts Hollywood and the movie industry. Do you think the people who live and work there are as materialistic and image-obsessed as TV shows and movies imply? Families can also discuss the similarity between Hollywood politics and high school. Why are people so attracted to the "in crowd" when it can be so painful to deal with? What does it take to step outside of a powerful force like Hollywood (or a certain clique) and still feel good about yourself?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
great for adults
i loved the show, but its not app.for my children
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AGE
I wanted to like it, but couldn't help hating it.
Even those who were big fans of Will & Grace (as was I) will thoroughly detest this lackluster show. The plot goes nowhere slowly .. the writing is trite .. and the supporting cast seems to have been fresh out of soap opera acting school. I'd like to further bury this horrible show, but I have to go throw up now.
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AGE
Good show for the wait till new network TV comes back
Debra Messing, who was terrible in Will & Grace, is good, as well as SOME supporting cast, in this new cable show. Seems perfectly fine for someone my age; there is some sexual references but nothing a teen can't hear. Big prob is the blatant materialism (no one seems to have monetary problems). Product placement is there (particular by the what seems to be the shows only sponsor, Ponds) but more subtle than it could be.
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AGE
Interesting
This mini-soap very slowly crept it's way to climax of the show, though interesting seemed as if it were going no where. Very understanding how this could be a favorite of many veiwers. The point of the show still remains in question.
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| TV rating: | NR |
| Network: | USA |
| Cast: | Chris Diamantopoulous, Debra Messing, Joe Mantegna, Judy Davis |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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