Loudermilk – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Loudermilk

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2017

48%

WISE Score

A misanthropic ex-music critic runs a sobriety group with maximum sarcasm and minimum tact—dark comedy for grown-ups only.

Loudermilk

show

TV-MA, 2017

48%

WISE Score

A misanthropic ex-music critic runs a sobriety group with maximum sarcasm and minimum tact—dark comedy for grown-ups only.

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Screenwise Verdict

Loudermilk is a well-crafted dark comedy for adults who appreciate sharp writing and don't need their entertainment to be comfortable. It's honest about addiction and recovery in ways that feel refreshing rather than preachy, and the performances are strong.

But let's be crystal clear: this has absolutely nothing to do with family viewing. It's not "mature teens might enjoy it" territory—it's "wait until your college-age kid is home for break and you both need something cynical to watch" territory. The protagonist is deliberately awful to people, the language is consistently profane, and the subject matter is heavy.

For adults? It's actually pretty good—the ratings back that up. For parents looking for something to watch with anyone under 18? Hard pass. File this under "shows I watch after 10 PM with headphones on."

Age Fit

This is strictly adult viewing (18+, despite CSM's 16+ rating). The entire premise revolves around substance abuse recovery, with a protagonist who's verbally cruel and the show leaning heavily into dark humor, profanity, and mature themes. Zero crossover appeal for families.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A show centered on a cynical, abrasive substance abuse counselor who is often cruel and sarcastic to his support group members. While there's character growth over time, the tone is deliberately acerbic and models confrontational, sometimes mean-spirited behavior. Not emotionally healthy viewing for younger audiences, though adults may appreciate the dark humor.

Imaginative

The premise of a misanthropic former music critic running a sobriety group offers fresh angles on addiction recovery, avoiding typical sentimentality. The writing subverts recovery-show tropes with sharp dialogue and unexpected character dynamics. However, it's character-driven comedy rather than visually or conceptually inventive.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this 16+, which signals mature content throughout. Expect frequent profanity, adult themes around addiction and substance abuse, sexual references, and emotionally harsh interactions. The show's entire premise revolves around recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, making it unsuitable for younger viewers. While there's likely no graphic violence or nudity, the emotional content and language are consistently adult.

Enriching

Metacritic 76 and IMDb 7.8 suggest quality writing that tackles addiction, recovery, and personal growth with intelligence and honesty. The show explores empathy, redemption, and human connection through a realistic lens rather than easy answers. For mature viewers, it offers insight into the messy reality of recovery and the complexity of helping others while dealing with your own demons. Genuinely funny while being substantive.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Smart, well-written dark comedy that treats addiction recovery with honesty instead of Hallmark sentimentality
Strong ratings (IMDb 7.8, Metacritic 76) suggest genuinely funny and substantive storytelling
Explores empathy, personal growth, and human connection through flawed, realistic characters
For adults navigating complex relationships or recovery issues, offers cathartic humor and real insight

⚠

What to Watch For

This is 100% adult content—frequent profanity, sexual references, and emotionally harsh interactions throughout
The protagonist is intentionally cruel and abrasive; kids would likely model this behavior rather than understand the character arc
Heavy themes around addiction, substance abuse, and recovery make this emotionally intense
Not family viewing by any stretch—keep this one for after bedtime

Conversation Starters

"What do you think makes someone qualified to help others when they're struggling themselves?"
"The main character is pretty brutal with people—do you think tough love actually works in recovery?"
"How do you balance being honest with someone versus being kind when they need help?"

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