Skip to content
MovieCove
Dirty Sexy Money

Dirty Sexy Money

You can't be filthy rich... without getting a little dirty.

2007–2009Ended2 seasons23 episodes~45 min/epTV-PGMidcredits score: 53rd percentile of all shows

The Darling family's obscene wealth and enormous power makes them easy targets for their rivals, enemies, and the tabloids. Patriarch Tripp uses his money and influence to shield his five adult children from the prying eyes of the world. As the Darlings' reluctant personal lawyer, Nick George has barely begun to discover the legal - and illegal - needs of the family. Blackmail threats. Questionable deals. Illegitimate children. Illicit affairs. It will take every trick he can think of to keep them out of the tabloids - and out of jail. But if he can solve his father's mysterious death, it might be worth the hassle. Enter a seductive world of glamorous people, exclusive parties and delicious intrigue.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Dirty Sexy Money?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Dirty Sexy Money streaming on Disney+ and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Subscription

New

Rent / Buy

Buy

Highlights

What stands out about Dirty Sexy Money?

Dirty Sexy Money earns 1 badge: Crowd Pleaser.

Reception

Is Dirty Sexy Money worth watching?

Dirty Sexy Money's Midcredits score is the 53rd percentile of all shows, from 13K ratings across 2 sources. 77% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

53rd percentile

Better received than 53% of shows

50th percentile among Drama46th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)42nd
Approval (how many liked it)65th

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

69 /100

42nd percentile of all shows

39th percentile among Drama35th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

Approval

How many liked it

77% liked it

65th percentile of all shows

60th percentile among Drama58th percentile among 2000s
77% rated it 7–1023% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

88th percentile

13K ratings across platforms

85th percentile among Drama82nd percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 15% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A glossy, soapy drama about a dysfunctional wealthy family with a central mystery and a charismatic cast.

Fans praised

  • addictive soapy drama with sharp wit and moral undertones
  • stellar cast led by Donald Sutherland and Peter Krause
  • engaging character development and intriguing mystery

Detractors panned

  • inconsistent tone and identity crisis between satire and drama
  • unconvincing character arcs and predictable plotlines
  • unresolved storylines and unsatisfying ending

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

Donald Sutherland and Peter Krause stand out; some supporting cast uneven

HumorDivisive65

Balances comedy with drama, especially in first season

CharactersDivisive60

Darling family members entertaining but some lack depth or consistency

DialogueDivisive60

Sharp wit in season 1, less consistent later

Plot and storyDivisive50

Intriguing mystery but convoluted and loses focus in season 2

PacingDivisive50

Starts strong, second season drags with over-plotting

OriginalityDivisive45

Derivative of Dynasty/Desperate Housewives; limited freshness

EndingDivisive30

Abrupt cancellation leaves major arcs unresolved

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Episodes

2 seasons

Season 2 · 2008 · 13 episodes

  • S2E1

    The Birthday Present

    Oct 1, 200843 min
  • S2E2

    The Family Lawyer

    Oct 8, 200843 min
  • S2E3

    The Star Witness

    Oct 22, 200843 min
  • S2E4

    The Silence

    Oct 29, 200843 min
  • S2E5

    The Verdict

    Nov 5, 200843 min
  • S2E6

    The Injured Party

    Nov 19, 200843 min

Watch experience

What is Dirty Sexy Money like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
ContemplativeTenseWarm
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Satirical · 5% of showsWarm
Told as
Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
ToneThe show plays its material with a knowing satirical edge toward the ultra-wealthy, but also treats its family drama with genuine emotion.
The rideThe series balances light, soapy moments with underlying tension as secrets threaten to unravel, with the most dramatic confrontations earning out near the end of each season.
StructureThe story is told in conventional linear order across episodes, with no structural gimmicks.
Episode formatEpisodes typically feature a specific secret or problem for the Darlings that Nick must solve, while the season-long arcs of his father's death and Simon Elder's machinations run underneath.
Season formatSeason 1 focuses on Nick taking over and investigating his father's death; Season 2 shifts to the introduction of Simon Elder and new family entanglements, though the core cast and dynamic remain.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
FunBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe show's energetic soap-opera antics leave you entertained, while its abrupt cancellation and unresolved mysteries leave a wistful, bittersweet feeling.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

6% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe typical episode follows Nick George as he resolves a new scandal or personal crisis for one of the Darling family members, a mission-like task set by Tripp.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfCorruption
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 5% · Corruption 3% (this title) · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6% (this title)
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Power

Corruption · 3% of showsFamily bondsDeception · 6% of shows
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe show explores how immense wealth corrupts family loyalty, personal ethics, and justice, with secrets and lies as the currency of the Darling dynasty.
StanceThe show satirizes the corruption and moral vacuity of extreme wealth while still engaging with its characters' personal struggles and loyalties.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral classicalJazzSupportive music · original score · James S. Levine
SettingThe glamorous, secret-filled world of New York's ultra-wealthy Darling family.
MusicA playful, jazzy score that underscores the show's blend of drama and wry humor.

Content guide

Is Dirty Sexy Money okay for kids?

TV-PG

Dirty Sexy Money is rated TV-PG. As of August 29, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at moderate (44/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (67/100) and frightening material at minimal (0/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 12 other countries
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK12
  • Israel12+
  • Norway12
  • Poland12
  • RO12
  • Spain13
  • SwedenFrån 15 år
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (8 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Dirty Sexy Money have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Dirty Sexy Money?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Peter Krause
as Nick George
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Donald Sutherland
as Patrick 'Tripp' Darling III
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for TelevisionTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
William Baldwin
as Patrick Darling IV
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Natalie Zea
as Karen Darling
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Glenn Fitzgerald
as Brian Darling
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Seth Gabel
as Jeremy Darling
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Zoe McLellan
as Lisa George
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jill Clayburgh
as Letitia 'Tish' Darling
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Blair Underwood
as Simon Elder
Will Shadley
as Brian Darling, Jr.
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

More like this

What are shows like Dirty Sexy Money?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Dirty Sexy Money include Taxi (1978), Fairly Legal (2011) and Sistas (2019).

Like this, but

Explore by

What other shows share a tag with Dirty Sexy Money?

132 other shows share the rarest tag below, up against: tycoon. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.