Party Down – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Party Down

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2009

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Critically acclaimed comedy about failed actors serving hors d'oeuvres—hilarious for adults, but loaded with booze, sex, and existential dread.

8.2/10

93%

7.5

→

Party Down

show

TV-14, 2009

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Critically acclaimed comedy about failed actors serving hors d'oeuvres—hilarious for adults, but loaded with booze, sex, and existential dread.

8.2

93%

7.5

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8.2/10

93%

7.5

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Screenwise Verdict

Party Down is legitimately great television—for adults. The writing is sharp, the performances are stellar, and it's earned its cult status for good reason. But let's be crystal clear: this is not remotely appropriate for kids or even most teens.

The show is soaked in alcohol (literally—the characters are constantly drinking on the job), peppered with sexual content and innuendo, and wrapped in a cynical worldview about failed dreams and arrested development. It's funny because it's painfully true about a certain type of LA striver, but that doesn't make it suitable for younger viewers.

The low WISE score reflects that this is adult content through and through. If you're a parent looking for something to watch after the kids are in bed? Go for it—it's smart, funny, and well-crafted. But keep this one firmly in the grown-up column.

Age Fit

This is an adult show, full stop. The Common Sense Media rating of 15 feels generous—17+ is more appropriate given the consistent mature content. If you're looking for something for your teen, this isn't it. But for adults who appreciate smart, cynical workplace comedy? It's excellent.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Party Down is a workplace comedy centered on struggling actors working catering gigs, but it's decidedly adult in tone. The show features heavy drinking, sexual content, drug references, and cynical humor about failed dreams. While it does show camaraderie among coworkers, the emotional tone skews toward bitter irony rather than genuine kindness or cooperation. Characters are often self-absorbed and making poor decisions. Not emotionally healthy material for younger viewers.

Imaginative

The premise is clever and original for its time—a mockumentary-style comedy about the invisible people at LA parties. The show explores the gap between aspiration and reality with sharp, witty writing. Each episode drops the crew into a different event (political fundraisers, sweet sixteens, porn awards), creating varied scenarios. However, it's more observational satire than truly imaginative world-building. It invites viewers to think about ambition and failure in creative industries, but doesn't inspire hands-on creativity or exploration.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this 15+ for good reason. Party Down contains frequent sexual content and innuendo, alcohol and drug use (it's practically a character in the show), strong language, and adult themes throughout. While there's no graphic violence or gore, the mature content is consistent and expected—this is a Starz show aimed squarely at adults. For the adult audience it targets, it's 'safe' in that you know what you're getting. For kids? Absolutely not appropriate, and the low score reflects that this would be inappropriate for young viewers to stumble upon.

Enriching

For adults, Party Down offers sharp social commentary about ambition, failure, and the entertainment industry. It's genuinely funny and well-written (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), with strong ensemble performances. The show provides insight into the desperation and delusion that can accompany creative pursuits, and explores themes of identity beyond one's career. However, it's more cynical entertainment than deeply enriching—you'll laugh and maybe cringe at recognition, but won't necessarily grow from it. For teens, there's limited developmental value beyond seeing adults struggle with disappointment.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely sharp, witty writing with a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score and 8.2 on IMDb—this is quality comedy for grown-ups
Offers honest, darkly funny commentary about chasing dreams in LA and what happens when they don't pan out
Ensemble cast creates believable, flawed characters navigating the gap between who they want to be and who they are
Each episode features a different event, keeping the format fresh while building character relationships over time

⚠

What to Watch For

This is firmly adult content—consistent sexual situations, heavy drinking in nearly every episode, drug references, and strong language throughout
The cynical, sometimes depressing tone about failure and disappointment isn't appropriate for teens still forming their sense of possibility
Common Sense Media says 15+ but honestly, 17+ is more realistic given the mature themes and content density
If your teen is interested, this is a 'watch together and discuss' situation, not a 'sure, go ahead' green light

Conversation Starters

"What do you think the show is saying about following your dreams versus being realistic about your talents?"
"How do the characters use humor to cope with disappointment? Is that healthy or just avoidance?"
"Why do you think these characters stay stuck in LA chasing acting careers instead of moving on to something else?"

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