Parents' Guide to

The Golden Girls

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Funny senior housemates crack wise; teens and up.

TV Lifetime Television Comedy 1985
The Golden Girls 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 14+

Based on 8 parent reviews

TinyToya
TinyToya Adult
February 20, 2013
age 18+

Sex not suitable material for kids.

This show gets high marks in being witty. Bea Arthur (Dorothy) knows how to turn a phrase in that reserved and yet dynamite way of hers. Betty White (Rose) serves as comic relief by always referencing her homeland and by being an airhead. Estelle Getty (Sophia) is the oldest but the most fiesty and doesn't hold back the truth. Her character often curses, saying "what the..." and "how the ... should I know?". Finally, there is Rue's character Blanche. She is the old southern belle who just happens to be promiscuous as ever. It is a shame her character is such a you-know-what because I'm sure the show could've survived if Blanche had just been a flirty, socialite. I find that the sex and cursing could've been done away with and the show would be perfect.

This title has:

Too much sex
2 people found this helpful.
Kid
ThisShowIsBUSTED Adult
May 14, 2023
age 18+

Too Much Sex, Old References

This program contains many references many under the age of forty wouldn't understand. It also revolves around very mature topics and themes such as the sex lives of octogenarians, getting used to negative social changes (Blanche's daughter wanted to start IVF and there were many sperm jokes), and menopause. There are also episodes that contain swearing. Frankly, I wouldn't want to expose my children to this kind of content and I believe the age rating should be set to 18+.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE GOLDEN GIRLS premiered in 1985, following the comedic escapades of four mature women living as housemates in Miami, Florida. The Golden foursome includes headstrong Dorothy Petrillo Zbornak (Bea Arthur, known for her lead role in the 1970s sitcom Maude), her spunky and sharp-tongued mother Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty), naïve Rose Nylund (Betty White of The Mary Tyler Moore Show) and sexually liberated Blanche Devereaux (Maude co-star Rue McClanahan). The four leads are a distinctive group of women who drive each other crazy on a daily basis. They're plagued by Dorothy's scheming ex-husband Stanley Zbornak (Herb Edelman) and are sometimes visited by -- to Blanche's delight -- eligible neighbor Dr. Harry Weston (Richard Mulligan of Empty Nest). But while arguments and insults form a large part of the women's relationship with each other, they're truly committed to each other as loving, loyal friends who support one another even through the most difficult times.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8):
Kids say (30):

This funny, sexually charged series shows viewers that life not only continues after 50 but is actually rich, fulfilling, and, most of all, fun -- especially when you have good friends to share it with. Dating, sexual activity, adultery, abortion, and AIDS are some of the many issues the ladies chat about -- often around the kitchen table over a piece of cheesecake. This series also looks at many aspects of aging, which range from the comical (sagging chests, drooping bottoms) to the serious (rising health care costs) to the tragic (the rising incidence of homelessness among seniors). But The Golden Girls is also a celebration of life, reminding audiences that women in their golden years are strong, sexy, and beautiful.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how senior citizens are viewed by society and how they are portrayed in The Golden Girls. What are some of the issues that affect the lives of older members of the community? Do people do enough to make sure that seniors are respected and that their needs are addressed?

  • Families can also discuss the importance of loyalty and the value of friendship.

  • How do the characters in The Golden Girls demonstrate compassion and integrity? Why are those important character strengths?

TV Details

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