Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that the main characters in this sitcom are an image-obsessed, celebrity-crazed mother/daughter duo who use shopping, junk food, and alcohol to cope with what they see as the harsh realities of their pampered lifestyle. Forty-something Kath is easily manipulated by her spoiled, lazy daughter and makes little effort to force her to face adult responsibilities, instead enabling her dependence by catering to her whiny demands. Frequent references to sexual activity and scenes of alcohol consumption probably won't be new to teens, but they add to the show's iffy messages about the realities of adulthood. If you decide to watch with your teens, be sure to plan for a few reality checks.

Sexual Content

Multiple references to sexual encounters; in one scene, a woman says she and her boyfriend "shared a night of passion." Women wear tight, revealing clothing, and thong underwear is sometimes visible above low-cut shorts. Kath often dons thong leotards over spandex to work out.

Violence

Not applicable

Language

"Bitch" and "ass" are used sporadically. Some name-calling along the lines of "he's a douche."

Social Behavior

The main characters are self-absorbed, image-obsessed women whose passions include shopping, critiquing celebrities, and micro-analyzing their romantic relationships. Kim is an unemployed high school dropout who goes back to living off her mother when leaves her husband after he suggests she do some light cooking. Kath allows her daughter to continue her spoiled ways by catering to her juvenile demands. Kim's coping strategy for stress and unhappiness is to eat junk food (candy, chips, cookies, etc.).

Consumerism

Lots of mention of brand names within the context of the plot, including Doritos, Curves, and Applebee's.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Adults often drink in clubs and at home to relax.