Parents' Guide to

Mistresses (US)

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Remake of UK drama has same sexy, mature themes.

TV ABC Drama 2013
Mistresses (US) Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

age 14+

Sexy drama with focus on infidelity not intended for children.

Mistresses focuses on the complicated relationships of young couples who are dealing with commitment issues, cheating, deception, and lying. Sexual content is a major component of the series. Expect smooches, undressing, heavy flirting, ogling at half naked bodies, constant innuendo, lesbianism, detailed discussion about the women's sex lives, references to masturbation, and more. Most episodes contain at least one blatant sex scene (sensitive parts are cleverly covered by the sheets), and these scenes usually open or close the episode. If not, there is some implied sex (couples shown in bed together without their clothes on). Some of the women visit bars and strip clubs, dance suggestively, take shots, and a minor character in the show appears to have a drug problem. Although the show features a strong cast of intelligent female leads (one of them is a laywer, another works as a psychologist), their devious behaviour and reprehensible choices are a disappointment. There is a lot of suspense, and there are threats of violence and other dangers present. In my opinion, the acting is spot-on and the cast is perfect. Teens, especially the girls, will most likely enjoy the series.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (2 ):

Like its sister series, the stateside version of Mistresses mixes themes of friendship and marriage with dramatic, soap opera-like narratives about finding love and romance in the wrong places, and people being unwilling or unable to settle for a stable, monogamous relationship. It also frames some of the women's behavior as an empowered way of expressing their sexual freedom, rather than underscoring the fact that they are engaging in infidelity.

It isn't as sophisticated as the British version, and some of the characters aren't as likable. But the concept is developed enough to successfully combine positive messages about the importance of women being supportive of each other while showing the various ways that women ignore the negative impact being someone's mistress. If you can get past these contradictory messages, the series offers lots of edgy entertainment.

TV Details

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