TV Show: Private Practice
Created by Shonda Rhimes 2007-2013
Review By: Mia Medney
Dear Speculators,
You know all those Grey’s Anatomy lovers, who thought they hated Addison (Derek’s ex-wife). Well, she got her own show for you to love her, dive in with new characters and learn about Amilia Shepard’s backstory! This is a wonderful binge, filled with drama and diversity. It starts off when Addison leaves Grey-Slone (yet to be Grey-Slone) and joins a private practice in LA, hence the name Private Practice (PP). This is a doctor, drama-filled show and I recommend it. Since this is a spin-off, it would make more sense to watch the show if you have seen up to at least season 4 of Grey's Anatomy, although it is possible to watch it without the original because the majority of PP’s characters are new to its show.
Body Positivity - 3.5/5
None of the main characters are necessarily the most diverse in body types, but given it is a doctor’s show, none of the patients are the same. Body types don’t matter in who they treat or who the main characters date. As a result, the overall rating of the show is higher for the category.
Disability Representation - 4/5
This show lacks major disability representation until season 3, when an actor in a wheelchair played Dr. Gabriel Fife. Both the actor, Michael Patrick Thornton, and his character were disabled. His character had just as much drama as other doctors and his character was brilliant and risky. And every few episodes a physically disabled patient appeared too. But disability is not always something physical, this show incorporates all kinds of doctors and most disabilities are mental. They are something that everyone works together to solve. Depending on how you may view disability, I find this when to be the strongest category of the show. Doctors are supposed to help with their patients’ problems no matter the difficulty, therapists will be there and all other kinds of doctors as well. Multiple characters deal with substance abuse, too. Disability is a strong word, it implies that something is wrong with you, that it needs to be fixed but that is usually not the case. It means that things may be harder, but it’s possible to live the same quality of life as those around you. Everybody has a disability, a disorder, or something going on up there, that’s what makes us human.
Non-Stereotypical Gender Representation - 1.5/5
This category is not as strong, because most relationships are heterosexual for the primary characters. But there are no gender norms, or when a character tries to discourage one a female will smack them into place. All females and males are strong, successful, and could be independent if they wanted to.
Racial Diversity - 2/5
2 of the 7 main characters are black. You see some of their cultures incorporated into the drama, but it’s not much. The show lacks a broader range of diversity, from black and white.
LGBTQ+ Representation - 1/5
This is another struggle for the series. You see homosexual couples among patients; although that is better than nothing, there is no storyline for these couples besides their treatment. That would be something to add. It would help to make the show less privileged and more realistic.
Overall Rating - 3/5