Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beauty vs. brains dramedy is fun, despite some stereotyping.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Drop Dead Diva
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 25 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a fun and engaging comedy with strong messages about body positivity and self-acceptance, featuring a plus-sized female lawyer who defies societal stereotypes. While the content includes some mild inappropriate themes and language, it is generally seen as suitable for tweens and older, promoting positive role models and addressing serious societal issues.
- body positivity
- strong role models
- mild inappropriate themes
- good for tweens
- positive messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
After a fatal car accident, the spirit of aspiring model Deb Dobson (Brooke D'Orsay) ends up trapped inside the body of recently deceased plus-sized attorney Jane Bingum (Brooke Elliott). Now shallow Deb must rely on workaholic Jane's brains instead of her (former) looks to get by. With the help of Jane's assistant Teri (Margaret Cho) and best friend Stacy (April Bowlby) -- not to mention guardian angel Fred (Ben Feldmen) -- Deb begins to use her second chance to become a better person. But it isn't easy, especially when her former boyfriend Grayson Kent (Jackson Hurst) starts working at Jane's law firm, attracting the attention of catty co-worker Kim Kaswell (Kate Levering).
Is It Any Good?
DROP DEAD DIVA relies too much on stereotypical characterizations of women -- the dumb blonde, the homely intellectual, the vampy temptress, etc. -- to be wholly fresh and original. While the show ultimately sends the message that being superficial or relying solely on looks isn't a good thing, it also makes conflicting points about the role that being physically attractive plays in a successful woman's life.
Still, Deb/Jane's journey of self-awareness creates lots of funny and poignant moments while the two women negotiate their extreme personalities. Meanwhile, the various legal cases that Jane's firm handles add to the drama. It's a little bit much for tweens (and even some young teens), but older kids and adults who can look past the easy-out characterizations could find the series both smart and entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether women should ever have to choose between being beautiful or being smart. Is this really a choice that women are forced to make today? Do you think the show dispels or reinforces stereotypes about women?
Families can also discuss how the show addresses body image. Does it make you consider the issue any differently? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 12, 2009
- Cast : Brooke D'Orsay , Brooke Elliott , Margaret Cho
- Network : Lifetime Television
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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