Common Sense Media Review
Underdog fashion-industry comedy has language, fat-shaming.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
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Ugly Betty
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 25 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a mix of comedy and drama set in the fashion world, emphasizing positive messages and character growth, particularly through the main character, who remains true to herself despite societal pressures. While many enjoy its humor and life lessons, some express concern about its mature themes, making it more suitable for older kids and teens.
- positive messages
- character growth
- mature themes
- humor and drama
- age-appropriate viewing
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Executive-produced by Salma Hayek and based on the wildly popular Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea, UGLY BETTY stars America Ferrera as optimistic, focused Betty Suarez. Betty -- who wants to be a serious journalist -- accepts a job assisting Mode magazine's playboy editor-in-chief Daniel Meade (Eric Mabius). At first, Daniel does everything he can to make her life miserable, but he quickly realizes that he can't run the magazine without her, and the incongruous pair become a team. Furious about being passed over for the editor-in-chief job, creative director Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams) will do anything to bring Daniel -- and, by extension, Betty -- down. In her ring are toadying assistant Marc (Michael Urie) and evil receptionist Amanda (Becki Newton), who's sleeping with Daniel and wants Betty's job. Rounding out the cast are Christina (Ashley Jensen), the on-site seamstress who shows Betty the ropes and acts as her confidant and guardian angel; Hilda (Ana Ortiz), Betty's outspoken older sister; and Justin (Mark Indelicato), Betty's hilariously fashion-obsessed nephew.
Is It Any Good?
The show's writing and acting are both top-notch, and there are giggles to be found at every turn. In one scene, for example, Betty admires a model's beautiful Dolce & Gabbana poncho and chummily tells the woman that her father bought her a similar one in Guadalajara ... only to show up the next day proudly wearing a gaudy, blanket-like garment that has "souvenir" written all over it. With similar themes to The Devil Wears Prada, released around the same time, Ugly Betty is wildly fun fare that takes the Prada premise and ups the ante -- unlike Anne Hathaway's Andy, Betty has to overcome more workplace challenges as a woman of color who doesn't fit into the fashion industry's Eurocentric and thin-obsessed beauty standards.
Ugly Betty has enough drama to keep viewers interested throughout, but, unlike other soapy shows, it spends an equal amount of time on "everyday" storylines like Betty's heartwarming relationship with her father, her queer nephew, and her gay best friend. Though the show has a few risqué scenes that might raise some eyebrows, including Daniel's predatory behavior at the office, Ferrera's stellar performance outweighs them. Betty is clearly the most admirable character on the show, and her positive qualities just make the other characters' failings more obvious.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Betty's impressive optimism in Ugly Betty. How does she stay so positive in such a hostile environment? How can you deal with tricky work situations (harassment, nasty co-workers, etc.) in the real world?
What types of messages does Ugly Betty send about body image? Do you think its portrayals of fat-shaming in the fashion industry could have been handled better? If so, what could have been done differently?
What sets Betty apart from most of her Mode co-workers? What gave her such a good work ethic? What role does her family play in her life? What makes her a good role model?
How does Betty demonstrate integrity and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 28, 2006
- Cast : America Ferrera , Eric Mabius , Vanessa Williams , Michael Urie
- Networks : ABC , Syndicated
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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