Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is an adult show for adults, full stop. If you're a parent looking at this on Screenwise wondering if your teen can watch it—no. Hard no. The title is not misleading.

For adults? It was a cultural phenomenon that broke ground in the late 90s by showing women talking frankly about sex, dating, and their lives without apology. The friendship between the four women is genuinely strong, and it influenced an entire generation's approach to singlehood and independence.

But here's the thing: it hasn't aged particularly well. The lack of diversity is glaring, the materialism is over-the-top, and some of the attitudes about gender and sexuality feel pretty dated by 2025 standards. It's very much a time capsule of privileged white NYC culture circa 1998-2004.

The WISE score is low because this is emphatically not family content, and even for adults, it's more of a nostalgic rewatch than something that holds up as must-see TV. If you loved it in your twenties, it might be fun to revisit. But if you're discovering it fresh in 2025? There are better, more diverse, more thoughtful shows about female friendship and modern dating out there now.

Age Fit

This is strictly adult content (18+) with explicit sexual content, nudity, and mature themes throughout every episode. Not remotely appropriate for teens or children. Even for adults, it's a time capsule that may feel dated and problematic in 2025.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

25

The show centers on adult relationships, casual sex, drinking culture, and materialism. While it models strong female friendship and independence, the emotional tone is adult-oriented with frequent relationship drama, infidelity discussions, and self-centered behavior. Not emotionally healthy content for children or teens.

Imaginative

55

Groundbreaking for its time in portraying single women's lives candidly and exploring NYC as a character. Offered fresh perspectives on dating, career, and friendship in the late 90s/early 2000s. However, it's mostly dialogue-driven adult situations rather than content that invites creative exploration or building.

Safe

15

The title literally has 'Sex' in it, and that's accurate. Explicit sexual content, frequent nudity, adult situations, graphic sexual discussions, drug use, and mature themes throughout. Absolutely not safe for children or young teens. This is firmly adult content with no guardrails.

Enriching

45

For adult viewers, it offered cultural commentary on modern dating, female friendship, career ambition, and navigating singlehood. Sparked important conversations about women's sexuality and independence. However, it also glorifies consumerism, superficiality, and can present problematic relationship dynamics. Entertainment value for adults, but limited deeper growth opportunities.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Pioneering show that normalized frank discussions about female sexuality and desire
Strong portrayal of female friendship and women supporting each other through life's ups and downs
Cultural touchstone that influenced fashion, dating culture, and TV storytelling for a generation
For adults, can spark conversations about relationship expectations, independence, and what we want from life

⚠

What to Watch For

Explicit sexual content, full nudity, and graphic sexual discussions in virtually every episode—this is not subtle
Heavy drinking culture and occasional drug use portrayed without much consequence
Very white, very privileged perspective that hasn't aged well in terms of diversity and inclusion
Materialistic values (designer obsession, expensive lifestyle) presented as aspirational without critique
Some dated attitudes about gender, sexuality, and relationships that feel cringey by 2025 standards

Conversation Starters

"This show was groundbreaking for talking openly about women's sexuality—why do you think that was such a big deal in 1998?"
"How do you think the show's portrayal of friendship holds up? What makes a good friend when life gets messy?"
"The characters are pretty obsessed with designer labels and expensive lifestyles. What do you think the show is saying about happiness and materialism?"
"Looking back at late 90s/early 2000s culture through this show, what's changed in how we talk about dating and relationships?"

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