Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dramedy about LGBTQ+ issues and makeup has nudity, drug use.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Glamorous
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
GLAMOROUS is a dramatic comedy about a gender non-conforming 20-something who wants to revolutionize a legacy cosmetics company. Aspiring social media influencer Marco Mejia (Miss Benny) lives with his mom (played by Diana Maria Riva) and works part-time behind a cosmetics counter. During a chance makeover of Madolyn Addison (Kim Cattrall), former model and CEO of Glamorous by Madolyn cosmetics, Marco candidly shares his thoughts about the company's traditional approach. Luckily, Madolyn appreciates Marco's viewpoint and offers him a job as her second assistant. Now working with a small but loyal team that includes Madolyn's son Chad (Zane Phillips), her first assistant Venetia (Jade Payton), product designers Ben (Michael Hsu Rosen) and Britt (Ayesha Harris), social media manger Alyssasays (Lisa Gilroy), and a shadowy figure named Nowhere (Kaleb Horn), the enthusiastic Marco must learn the ropes, and the boundaries, of his new position. But this doesn't stop the makeup enthusiast from encouraging Madolyn, who's looking for a way to keep her company solvent under the watchful eye of corporate consultant Mykynnleigh (Nicole Power), to guide the traditional company into a more contemporary and progressive direction. Throughout it all, there's lots of interpersonal drama, as Marco discovers more about who his is and what he wants out of life.
Is It Any Good?
The dramatic comedy offers viewers an LGBTQ+-centered binge-worthy (and sometimes cringeworthy) narrative designed to be more entertaining than introspective. Glamorous combines the nurturing feminist tropes of the mid-2000s with quirky and sometimes the over-the-top characters and various inter-office tensions that are reminiscent of Ugly Betty to create a mildly campy story world. Meanwhile, there's plenty of contemporary social media mentions and obvious RuPaul-infused references to add to its generational appeal. But the fact that Glamorous is taking place in a trendy world of make believe doesn't take away from the messages it sends about the importance of self-acceptance and being true to oneself, and how to negotiate this in different stages of life. Granted, it's not for everyone, but those who tune in will most likely find it engaging.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about media representations of the LGBTQ+ community. What kinds of stereotypes have been used to reinforce generalizations about this community over the years? Has recent media moved away from these portrayals, or are they just presented differently?
What messages does Glamorous send about gender? Sexuality? Age? Are you surprised by the way some of these issues are handled throughout the show?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 22, 2023
- Cast : Ben "Miss Benny" Pierce , Kim Cattrall , Diana Maria Riva
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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