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Parents' Guide to

Secret Lives of Women

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Sexed-up docuseries casts women in negative light.

TV WE Reality TV 2005
Secret Lives of Women Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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Secret Lives of Women offers a titillating, sometimes informative glimpse into lifestyles that may be foreign to many viewers, but the show's very mature content makes it a poor choice for teens. In an episode focused on the lesbian lifestyle, for example, women describe their difficulties meeting potential partners when they defy homosexual stereotypes and dress in a feminine manner. Many openly discuss their sexual practices, speculating on how their sexuality affects the way they're viewed by the general public. The frank sexual nature of many of the discussions details women's thoughts on topics like sexual positions, turn-ons, sex toys, and methods of orgasm. Nudity is always a potential (though breasts and butts are blurred), as is social drinking and smoking.

Even worse, though, is the risk that this skewed series could give impressionable viewers a decidedly negative impression of women. If your teens ever do tune in, remind them that the show's subjects represent a very small portion of the female population -- and likely were selected in large part for their onscreen shock value.

TV Details

  • Premiere date: December 18, 2005
  • Network: WE
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: TV-14
  • Last updated: February 24, 2022

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