Parents' Guide to

Bonding

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Dark, graphic comedy about sexual fantasies, friendship.

TV Netflix Comedy 2019
Bonding Poster Image

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

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What's the Story?

BONDING is an adult-oriented short format series about a New York City-based dominatrix and her best friend working together. Tiff (Zoe Levin), a bright graduate student by day, is Mistress May, a full-service fantasy provider, at night. But when her best friend and aspiring comedian Pete (Brendan Scannell) needs to make more money than his job as a waiter offers, she offers to make him her assistant. There's never a dull moment, and they make an odd working couple, but the two manage to make it work while bonding as close friends.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (3):

Raunchy and irreverent, the quirky series offers a comical and nonjudgmental look at a world that is designed to fulfill the unique sexual fantasies of clients without having sex with them. While the job is central to their lives, both Tiff and Pete (who identifies himself as a gay man) find themselves individually navigating their own goals and needs for personal fulfillment outside of this realm. Some of these moments are heartfelt, but the real draw of each of the show's approximately 16-minute installments are the humorous, and often awkward, lascivious scenes with clients. Give it a pass if you don't like crude sexual humor, but if you're comfortable with it, Bonding will probably make you laugh.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the way sex is portrayed in the media. At what age is it appropriate for audiences to begin watching more explicit on-screen sexual encounters? Parents: How can you manage this exposure?

  • Does Bonding portray a realistic look at what sex work is? Are there ways to keep sex workers safe and healthy?

TV Details

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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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