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Parents' Guide to

Side Order of Life

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Inspirational Lifetime dramedy is sappy but sweet.

TV Lifetime Television Drama 2007
Side Order of Life Poster Image

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What's the Story?

A perfect fit for Lifetime - the network known for its female-friendly focus -- SIDE ORDER OF LIFE is an inspirational comedic drama that follows the social and professional exploits of 30-year-old Jenny McIntyre (Marisa Coughlin). Jenny is a photographer for a People magazine-type publication, but she yearns to report and write. She's also engaged to a nice, successful man (Jason Priestley) and is planning her wedding down to every last detail. But when she's blindsided by some tragic news, she reevaluates her life -- both her career and her impending marriage -- and makes some difficult but necessary changes.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Harkening back to the days of Ally McBeal, Side Order of Life portrays a smart, quirky young woman struggling to find meaning in her life. And, like her 1990s counterpart, Jenny sometimes has surreal visions (remember the dancing baby?). But while Ally was equal parts wacky and romantic, Side Order leans heavily on sentimentality, with plenty of soft-focus scenes and slow-motion montages. Still, despite its cheesier elements, Side Order is appealing. Even if the notions of true love and living life to the fullest are fairly trite foundations for a series, they're inspirational all the same, and they ring true for many people.

Adult themes make the show best for teens and up, though racy content is minimal. Discussion of lovers, attraction, and an occasional kiss are about as sexy as things get. But talk of cancer, dying, and broken hearts may be too much for some viewers, both young and old.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about living life to its fullest. Parents and teens: Do you feel like you're living the best life you can? If not, what can you do differently? Does anything specific stand in the way of living your life to its fullest potential? Is it as easy to overhaul your life in the real world as it is on TV and in the movies? Why or why not? What advantages do TV and movie characters have?

TV Details

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