Parents' Guide to Made in Jersey

Made in Jersey seeks to dispel many existing stereotypes surrounding folks from New Jersey -- cemented by shows like Jersey Shore and The Real Housewives of New Jersey -- by presenting a likable character with a blue-collar background who's educated, professional, and can hold her own in a white-collar world without completely letting go of her roots. Unfortunately, there are moments where common generalizations about working class individuals, Italian-Americans, and people in New Jersey are relied on in order to make its point. It's these moments in particular that also attempt to add some humor to the show.

Fans of legal procedurals might find Made in Jersey's cases interesting, but many of the storylines become endlessly complicated thanks to Martina's relentless digging for details, which are then glossed over to keep the show's momentum going. Meanwhile, the show's focus on her family isn't extensive enough to truly understand their culture or the emotional connection she has with them. The result is a show with good intentions but limited drama. Nonetheless, viewers will be able to appreciate the positive messages that Made in Jersey sends about strong women who have to work a little harder to prove that regardless of where they come from, they're just as smart, savvy, and capable as everyone else.