The Client List
Mature sex work series sends confusing messages.
Parents say
Based on 3 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Client List, which is based on a popular TV movie of the same name, features a single mother working in the sensual massage trade to support her family. Not surprisingly, it boasts lots of sexual innuendo and scantily dressed folks (but no nudity), as well as conversations about mature themes like infidelity, drug addiction, etc. Expect some salty language ("ass," "whore") and drinking (wine, beer, cocktails), prescription drug use, and drunken behavior is visible.
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What's the Story?
Based on the popular Lifetime TV movie of the same name, THE CLIENT LIST stars Jennifer Love Hewitt as Riley Parks, a financially-strapped massage therapist who must find a way to support her children after being abandoned by her husband. When former colleague Selena (Alicia Lagano) sends her to Georgia Cummings' (Loretta Devine) massage parlor for a job, she discovers that she can make significant tips as a masseuse offering "extra" services to men who appear on the establishment's special client list. But keeping the details of her job a secret from her conservative mom Linette (played by Cybill Sheperd) and friends like Lacey (Rebecca Field) is hard. Adding to her stress is her brother-in-law Evan, who seems to be taking an extra interest in her. As Riley wrestles with her moral misgivings about what she does, she also looks for constructive ways to help her clients with their personal problems.
Is It Any Good?
The series mixes drama and quirky humor to generate sympathy for Riley, whose job as a sensual massage worker is initially dictated by necessity rather than mere greed. Her constant wrestling with her conscience, as well as her desire to legitimately help others while she is working, makes her both likable and relatable. It also makes her actions easier to forgive, despite the fact that they are not necessarily legal or socially acceptable.
Not surprisingly, The Client List contains lots of sexual innuendo, as well as conversations about extramarital problems, addiction, and other mature themes. Drinking and some rowdy alcohol-induced behavior is also visible. The subject matter will satisfy folks' need for some guilty viewing pleasure, but it's the kind of entertainment that is best for adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the choices Riley makes to help her family in The Client List. Do the ends justify the means? Why do you think this series represents her as a sympathetic character rather than a criminal breaking the law?
Do you think the messages about the sex trade presented here are appropriate for younger viewers? Parents: how can we talk to our kids about this and other sex-related media content?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 8, 2012
- Cast: Cybill Shepherd, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Loretta Devine
- Network: Lifetime Television
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: March 16, 2023
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