About a Girl - TV-PG

College-set comedy is iffy for young teens.

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Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the show?
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details
  • TV Rating: TV-PG
  • Network: The N
  • Cast: Chiara Zanni, Jesse Hutch, Sandy Robson
  • Genre: Comedy
  • >Available On: Download

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this university-set comedy doesn't offer many examples of responsible behavior. The main character is an attractive female sophomore who shares a house with four guys, so it's a no-brainer that much of the humor is rooted in sex. There's plenty of innuendo, discussions about the attractiveness of female body parts (including one conversation outlining the characteristics of the perfect boobs), and occasionally even overheard sex sounds (moans, cries, banging, that sort of thing). Stereotypes -- whether intended or not -- are ingrained in the characters' personalities; most of the guys come across as shallow and simple-minded, and girls are often portrayed as image-driven socialites. The plot rarely touches on academics or worthwhile student activities, focusing instead on the characters' personal lives and interactions at home. All in all, it's probably not the best introduction for teens curious about college life.

Families can talk about how this series compares to real college life. Teens: Does this series cast a positive or negative light on college? What messages does a show like this send to teens? How do you think the characters are different (and similar to) real-life university students? Families can also discuss teens' own college plans. Have teens thought much about college? Where would they like to go? What do they want to study? What parts of college are they most looking forward to -- or apprehensive about?

Message

Social Behavior:

The main female character lives with four guys, and there's sexual tension between her and one of her roomies. Sorority girls are portrayed as materialistic, image-driven socialites who take care of their own and look down on everyone else. Despite its collegiate setting, the series rarely mentions academics or school activities, centering instead on the main characters' often immature or irresponsible actions. Potty humor also abounds; the guys -- and sometimes Amy -- burp, fart, and even run to check out each other's "perfect poop" in the toilet.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Sex

The main character is a female college student living with four guys, so there's plenty of innuendo, mild sexual tension, and mention of "doing it" and "sleeping with" guys and girls. In at least one scene, sexual noises (sighs, moans, cries, banging) are heard through the bedroom wall, and scantily clad girlfriends make appearances in the house. Guy talk often includes discussion of girls' boobs and what makes them attractive.

Language

Fairly frequent use of expletives like "hell" and "bitch."

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Emily Ashby

When Amy Ryan (Chiara Zanni) sets off to college for her much-anticipated, roommate-free sophomore year, she's expecting it to be a time of self-discovery and adventure. But when she gets there, she's horrified to find that the single dorm room of her dreams is actually what appears to be a converted broom closet ... with ceiling access to the boys' bathroom. She sets off in search of an off-campus room instead, and soon runs into Jason (Jesse Hutch), who's looking for a housemate. He takes her home and introduces her to his other roomies -- Benny (Marshall Porter), McRitchie (Braden Williams), and Dude (Sandy Robson). Amy takes the plunge and moves in, but quickly realizes that the new living arrangement will take some getting used to; there's a lot more to living with the opposite sex than Amy anticipated.

Is it any good?

3

Teens will certainly find lots to laugh at in ABOUT A GIRL, but parents may be wary of the subtle messages it's sending to pre-college kids. The guys can be crass, chauvinistic, and downright gross, and some of their conversations just aren't meant for female ears. Most of the characters are negatively stereotyped -- the guys are obsessed with girls and sex and don't have much sense of responsibility, and the girls (aside from Amy, of course) come across as image-driven, judgmental socialites. And despite the show's university setting, there's little mention of classes or extracurricular activities.

Not surprising, the coed living situation (four guys, one girl, and one bathroom) means sex and sex-related issues come up a lot. Scenes routinely include one character accidentally catching another coming out of the shower or bumping into a partially clad girlfriend who's sleeping over. Guys and girls often talk about whether they're sleeping with anyone, and in at least one scene, sex noises (cries, moans, thumps, and bumps) are audible through the bedroom wall.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 4 reviews.

5


Posted on 03/08/08 by icebaby271 Kid contributor, age 13

AWESOME SHOW

This show ROCKS!!!!! I love it! There is some sexual behavior that is mentioned...but other than that it is awesome!!!!!
5

Posted on 02/23/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 13
5


Posted on 01/27/08 by dramaqueen2b Kid contributor, age 11

Oh Pleeze

Oh freakin please, this is so PG it isnt even funny I am 11 and you DONT need to be 13 it is a funny mild show Media is BOGUS with ratings!
3


Posted on 01/07/08 by MikaylaLovesEdwardCullen Kid contributor, age 13

This show is ok. I watched the 1st. two episodes and then I stopped. It is pretty boring, especially when compared to shows like Degrassi. There is some iffy content in this show, but i've seen worse in a lot of other shows on The N. This show is ok for kids 12+ to watch, in my opinion.

Adult Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no adult reviews.

Kids Reviews

There are 4 reviews.

5


Posted on 03/08/08 by icebaby271 Kid contributor, age 13

AWESOME SHOW

This show ROCKS!!!!! I love it! There is some sexual behavior that is mentioned...but other than that it is awesome!!!!!
5

Posted on 02/23/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 13
5


Posted on 01/27/08 by dramaqueen2b Kid contributor, age 11

Oh Pleeze

Oh freakin please, this is so PG it isnt even funny I am 11 and you DONT need to be 13 it is a funny mild show Media is BOGUS with ratings!
3


Posted on 01/07/08 by MikaylaLovesEdwardCullen Kid contributor, age 13

This show is ok. I watched the 1st. two episodes and then I stopped. It is pretty boring, especially when compared to shows like Degrassi. There is some iffy content in this show, but i've seen worse in a lot of other shows on The N. This show is ok for kids 12+ to watch, in my opinion.
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