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Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Amanda Peet, Bradley Whitford, Matthew Perry, Where to watch: NBC, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Smart ensemble drama probes comedy's complexities.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Characters make complex ethical decisions and deal with the consequences, for better or worse. A strong female character holds a prominent posiiton of power.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    One character, who is an attractive woman, is accused of using her sexuality to climb the corporate ladder. Relationship issues and some talk of sex, but very little besides kissing is shown. Characters are sometimes shown in underwear/skimpy clothes, generally in the context of changing backstage between skits.
  • Language:

    Words like "ass," "bitchy," "damn," "balls," "sons of bitches," and "hell" are used occasionally.
  • Consumerism:

    NBC is mentioned once in dialogue. Purists could argue that regular guest stars who appear as themselves (like Felicity Huffman of Desperate Housewives) are promoting themselves and their projects.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One character is flying high on prescription drugs like Vicodin when we first meet him; another has an on-again, off-again problem with cocaine addiction. Characters are shown drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes in social situations.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

Parents need to know that this all-star ensemble drama from the creator of The West Wing explores thought-provoking, grown-up issues like censorship, office politics, ethics, and media bias -- topics that are worth discussing with older teens but might not interest them. If teens do want to watch, parents should be aware that illegal drug use is part of the storyline, but the focus is on addiction recovery and staying clean.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether TV networks have a moral responsibility to educate, enlighten, and challenge their viewing audiences -- or whether they're merely in business to entertain the masses. Are ratings a reflection of what people really want to see, or are hit shows just a product of good marketing? What's the difference between a smart satire that makes a point and crude comedy that goes too far? Can a joke still be funny without pushing the envelope and running the risk of being offensive? And who gets to decide where the line is drawn?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  2. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    A Runaway Season

    The show is going to be a big hit, you can tell. With the great cast (Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet) it can't go wrong. Now don't be fouled by the commericals, it is not all funny. It is mostly drama, with a few splashes of comedy in it that fit perfectly. A must see!

  3. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Sorkin Soars

    I have now watched Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip about 5 times now (Gotta love TiVo)! It is everything I expected from the West Wing creator and his colleague Tommy Schalamme. It has the look, feel and quality I have missed from Sorkin since he left the WW. However, it has a freshness about it that does not make it seem like a re-tread of his former shows. The ensemble cast was well chosen which makes it appear they have been working together longer than the time it took to shoot the pilot. The Perry-Whitford pairing is a match made in heaven, but the addition of Peet between them hints the potential for a Sorkinesque banter/love triangle; which is going to make some great television! My hope is that it is not too smart and cutting edge for the dumbed down Reality Television viewer (Project Runway notwithstanding); A point made on by Hersch's character I might add. This is one to watch!

  4. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 3.0

    Has the look of a winner if given enough time to develop.

    The story set up was laid out very nicely, grabbed my attention right up front. The characters all seem to have the potential to carry several story lines and appear able to hold our interest. If the network allows this show to develop an audience it has the potential to become a winner.

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