Parents' Guide to

Ally McBeal

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Quirky '90s legal dramedy features a flawed female lead.

TV Syndicated Drama 1997
Ally McBeal Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

crookshanks
crookshanks Parent of 10 and 12-year-old
June 1, 2019
age 12+
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Created by David E. Kelley, ALLY MCBEAL (1997-2002) is a quirky dramedy about the lives of a group of young Boston lawyers both in and out of the courtroom. Calista Flockhart stars as Ally, a Harvard-educated up-and-coming lawyer who's hired by former classmate Richard Fish (Greg Germann) after being sexually harassed by her previous employer. Life is never dull at the firm of Cage, Fish, and Associates thanks to Fish's greedy outlook on life and the idiosyncrasies of his partner, John Cage (Peter MacNicol). Ally's rather unpredictable assistant Elaine (Jane Krakowski) also adds to the fray. But while Ally proves to be an outstanding lawyer, she can't seem to pull her personal life together -- especially when she's reunited with the former love of her life, Billy Thomas (Gil Bellows) and befriends his wife, Georgia (Courtney Thorne-Smith). Luckily her roommate/ best friend, Renee (Lisa Nicole Carson), helps her deal with the craziness of it all.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (1):

This award-winning series is full of witty lines and entertainingly complicated narratives that are both quirky and dramatic. Later episodes also feature an array of amusing characters played by notable actors like Portia de Rossi, Lucy Liu, Robert Downey, Jr. and Hayden Panettiere. The show's iconic piano bar scenes, which showcase singer Vonda Shepard, also provide a stage for musical performances by the likes of Barry White, Tina Turner, and Josh Groban.

Despite its success, Ally McBeal has also faced its share of criticism. Many feminists find the show's general treatment of women sexist and deem McBeal's character too silly, insecure, and narcissistic to be considered a positive role model. Her signature micro-mini skirts and her extreme thinness have also been pointed out in criticisms. But the show's originality, as well as its uniquely comical cast, has made it a notable addition to popular TV culture.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes a TV show an important part of American popular culture. What characteristics does a show need in order to be recognized as notable/influential? Which current shows do you think should be recognized as an important part of TV history?

  • What characteristics should a positive role model for women have? Are there women in the media who have these characteristics? Who are they? Is Ally a good role model for women?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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