Dirt – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Dirt

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2007

22%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Courteney Cox trades Central Perk for tabloid sleaze in this forgotten FX drama about the dark underbelly of celebrity journalism—definitely not Friends.

6.9/10

37%

6.7

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Dirt

show

TV-MA, 2007

22%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Courteney Cox trades Central Perk for tabloid sleaze in this forgotten FX drama about the dark underbelly of celebrity journalism—definitely not Friends.

6.9

37%

6.7

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6.9/10

37%

6.7

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: this show is not for kids, not for teens, and probably not even worth your time as a parent. It's a forgotten FX drama from 2007 about tabloid journalism that was canceled after two seasons—which tells you something about its quality.

The premise alone (exploitative celebrity journalism) makes it inappropriate for young viewers, and the FX network stamp means you can expect mature content throughout: sex, drugs, profanity, and morally questionable behavior presented as entertainment.

Beyond the content concerns, it's just... irrelevant. Pre-social media tabloid culture feels like ancient history to kids growing up with TikTok and Instagram. And frankly, if you're looking for something to watch with your teens that explores media ethics, there are far better, more current options.

This one's a hard pass for family viewing. Save yourself the trouble and skip it entirely.

Age Fit

This is adult television, period. Not appropriate for anyone under 18, and honestly, even older teens have better things to watch. The content is mature, the premise is morally murky, and it's so dated that even nostalgic millennials probably forgot it existed.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A drama centered on tabloid journalism inherently focuses on scandal, manipulation, and exploiting celebrities' private lives. The premise revolves around morally questionable behavior and cutthroat media tactics, which doesn't model kindness, cooperation, or emotionally healthy relationships. The tabloid industry setting promotes invasive, gossipy behavior as entertainment.

Imaginative

While the show offers a behind-the-scenes look at tabloid magazine culture (somewhat novel for 2007), it's ultimately a standard drama format without particularly creative storytelling or world-building. It doesn't invite exploration, creative expression, or spark curiosity beyond voyeuristic interest in celebrity culture. The premise is more exploitative than imaginative.

Safe

An FX drama about tabloid journalism almost certainly contains adult content including sexual situations, drug use, profanity, and morally questionable behavior. The network (FX) is known for mature content. Without a confirmed TV rating but given the premise and network, this likely includes nudity, explicit language, and adult themes that would be highly inappropriate for children. The 6.7 TMDB rating suggests moderate audience reception but doesn't indicate family-friendliness.

Enriching

While it could theoretically offer insight into media ethics and the dark side of celebrity journalism, the show is more likely sensationalized entertainment than thoughtful commentary. It may spark discussions about privacy and media responsibility, but given its tabloid focus, it probably glorifies the very behavior it could critique. Limited lasting value or skill-building for young viewers.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Could spark discussions about media ethics, privacy, and the cost of celebrity culture
Offers a behind-the-scenes look at tabloid journalism's manipulative tactics
Courteney Cox in a dramatically different role from her usual comedic work

⚠

What to Watch For

Adult content throughout—sexual situations, drug use, profanity, and morally bankrupt characters
Glorifies invasive, exploitative behavior as entertainment
Extremely dated (2007) and culturally irrelevant—kids won't connect with pre-social media tabloid culture
Short-lived show (canceled after two seasons) suggests it wasn't particularly compelling even when new

Conversation Starters

"This isn't for you, but if you're curious: How do you think paparazzi and tabloids affect celebrities' mental health?"
"What's the difference between reporting news and invading someone's privacy?"
"How has social media changed the way we consume celebrity gossip compared to magazines?"

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