Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Uneven true crime-inspired saga is all sleaze, no depth.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Welcome to Chippendales
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WELCOME TO CHIPPENDALES is a true crime-inspired drama set during the 1980s genesis of the hugely successful, male exotic dance revue by the same name. Kumail Nanjiani plays Somen "Steve" Banerjee, who emigrated to the U.S. from Mumbai in the 1970s in hot pursuit of the American Dream. After a wild series of failures, coincidences, and last-minute brainstorms, Banerjee ends up creating the country's first and most successful chain of male strip clubs. The rapidly growing business soon turns into a powder keg of tension, with Banerjee clashing with employees, business partners, and his wife -- with deadly consequences.
Is It Any Good?
The true story that inspired this series should have resulted in a prestige drama with something unique to say about capitalism, racism, and sexual politics; instead, we get a hollow sleaze-fest. Welcome to Chippendales does feature some outstanding performances -- most notably Murray Barlett's nuanced turn as the club's creatively frustrated choreographer Nick De Noia, which is right on par with his work as hotel manager Armond in the first season of The White Lotus. Juliette Lewis is also a bright spot as Chippendales costume designer (and sometimes paramour of De Noia) Denise. The glaringly stiff lead performance by Nanjiani, however, makes the failure of the uneven and superficial storytelling that much more obvious. While the series isn't boring, per se, it is a massive missed opportunity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how racial and sexual politics differed in the 1970s and '80s versus today. How does Banerjee treat others in regard to race? Do his actions seem influenced by his own treatment as an Indian immigrant?
What are some other films and television shows inspired by true crimes? What kind of liberties do the creators take when constructing their stories?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 22, 2022
- Cast : Kumail Nanjiani , Murray Bartlett , Annaleigh Ashford , Juliette Lewis , Andrew Rannells
- Network : Hulu
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : May 13, 2023
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