Parents' Guide to

Gigolos

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Flesh-peddling reality show features shocking, graphic sex.

Gigolos Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 16+

Based on 4 parent reviews

age 12+

Don’t say a an extreme overweight woman is 200+! And obese woman is over 300! I’m 6 ft tall 220 And a size10. So superficial!

Actually I’m a size 8/10 and at 170 an 8, sexy as fuck. Guys put so much on weight! I guarantee I weigh less than you but I can out fuck you anyday, oops meant outwalk you!!!
age 17+

Erotica for the NC-17 generation

It is acceptable for people who are age seventeen or above because frontal nudity is nearly 15% of each season and is blurred while rear nudity is slightly higher and is unblurred. The rest of the content kills brain cells instead of activating one's intellect. People who are 17 might find it to be stimulating but when they're much older they will look back on their youth and wish they had not wasted time watching a TV show that was so narrow in its scope of human and sexual expression. Don't show it to anyone who is under the age of 17, especially if your household is traditional and religious. However, if a parent chooses not to allow her children to watch the show even when they are between the ages of 18 and 21, they would be doing the right thing. The show promotes unhealthy ideas about sexuality, and I am not talking about BDSM, role playing, adventure or foreplay. Children should understand that sex between two adults involves a great deal of patience and consideration to be exchanged throughout the process. The show lacks this essential element.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (4 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Describing Gigolos as "good television" isn't really accurate. But for adults who can handle its unblinking look at the barely legal sex trade, it is oddly compelling in a sexual train wreck sort of way. Even though the frank talk and graphic visuals might be too much for sensitive viewers (and a few scenes will shock even the most open-minded), by sticking around, you'll get an eye-opening look at human sexuality, self-esteem, and the services that people are willing to pay for in a capitalist society.

Indeed, one of the most uncomfortable plot lines involves a new kind of "date" for the veteran gigolos: a divorcee whose sexual fantasy is to have sex with four men at the same time. But in the process of delivering the foursome that their paying client wants, the guys find themselves openly questioning how far they'll go for money. Brace is fine with it in theory, but once things get going, he's visibly bothered and hides out in the bathroom while his co-workers take care of the client. "To me, it's freaky," he says ruefully. "I feel like I'm on the ... set of a porno, and if I wanted to be in a porno, I'd do porno."

TV Details

  • Premiere date: April 7, 2011
  • Network: Showtime
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: TV-MA
  • Last updated: June 20, 2023

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.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate