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Parents' Guide to

Pearson

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Darker, edgier Suits spin-off has cursing, innuendo.

TV USA Drama 2019
Pearson Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

abrowningcpa
abrowningcpa Adult
October 9, 2023
age 18+
F bomb in the first episode
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

A spin-off of the TV series Suits, PEARSON, features stars Gina Torres as formerly high-powered New York attorney Jessica Pearson following her return to Chicago to start a new life. Disbarred in New York, and currently unable to practice law in Illinois, she accepts a job in Chicago Mayor Bobby Novak's (Morgan Spector) office as his fixer, much to the dismay of city attorney Keri Allen (Bethany Joy Lenz). Pearson wants to reconnect with her extended Chicago-based family, and use her new position to help them and their local community, but soon realizes that she can't navigate Chicago politics the same way she did her former law firm. Meanwhile, she faces backlash from family members like Angela Cook (Chantel Riley), who doesn't believe her cousin has their family's best interest at heart.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This show combines political intrigues, legal plots, and uncertain relationships to a create a drama that is darker and edgier than its parent series. Jessica Pearson is strong and not readily likable, but also reveals a sense of vulnerability as she tries to find a way to reconcile her professional life with her personal one. Throughout it all, the series addresses larger social issues, especially as they relate to the deep divides between Chicago's poorer black neighborhoods, and Chicago's history of political corruption. If you were a Suits fan, no doubt that you'll enjoy it. If not, you may still find it entertaining.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the struggles Jessica Pearson is having with her family and members of her former Chicago community. Why do they distrust her? What are many of them angry about the fact that she has made it as a powerful professional woman?

  • What kinds of messages does Pearson send about Chicago politics? Is the idea that the Chicago political system is corrupt a common stereotype? Why do you think the city's government is often represented this way on TV?

TV Details

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.

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