Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quirky '90s legal dramedy features a flawed female lead.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Ally McBeal
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?
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
- Premiere date : September 8, 1997
- Cast : Calista Flockhart , Greg Germann , Peter MacNicol
- Network : Syndicated
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Communication , Humility
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 30, 2024
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