Parents' Guide to

The Real L Word

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Reality show based on racy drama is too sexed-up for teens.

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A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 18+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 18+

Sara and Whitney

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Great messages
age 18+

maravilhoso

muito bom

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (1):

The series, which is produced by The L Word creator Ilene Chaiken, is the first gay-themed reality show on mainstream television. It introduces viewers to some of the lingo and social rituals associated with the lesbian community and highlights some of the challenges that members of the LGBTQ community face due to their sexuality. But the show's primary focus is on the featured women's romantic and sexual relationships, which range from casual dating to marriage.

Like most reality series, TRLW includes lots of over-the-top, hedonistic behavior designed to create voyeuristically dramatic moments. And some of the featured relationships are so complicated that they seem contrived. You can't help feeling sometimes that the series is playing up some of the cast members' sexual antics to appeal to existing stereotypes. Ultimately, what makes this an adult-oriented show isn't the fact that these women are lesbians, but rather some of the over-the-top behavior they engage in while the cameras are rolling.

TV Details

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