Dharma & Greg - TV-PG

Progressive opposites attract. Teens and up.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: FX, Syndicated, WE Cast: Thomas Gibson, Elfman Jenna Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVD

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this series is about a couple from different backgrounds who get married on their first date. Dharma and Greg are often shown in bed together, kissing and hugging, and their single friends discuss sexual exploits. Their parents are social and political opposites who view each other with disdain: Dharma's are unmarried hippies who often talk about drugs and embrace the liberal politics of the '60s, and Greg's are politically conservative snobs. Language is mild, but some of the context isn't kid-friendly. Overall, the series is on the mature side but still includes positive messages about opposites attracting, true love overcoming obstacles, and accepting differences.

Families can talk about the '60s hippie movement and the Vietnam War. How have the politics of people like Dharma and Greg's parents evolved in the decades since then, and what do their views represent today? Is there such a thing as a "soul-mate"? How does that translate in terms of love and relationships? Do you think Dharma and Greg's whirlwind courtship could happen in real life? What effects -- both positive and negative -- can parents/families have on dating and marriage?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Audrey Shapiro

Set in San Francisco, DHARMA AND GREG provides a progressive approach to the age-old "opposites attract and love conquers all" formula. Jenna Elfman plays Dharma Finkelstein, a free-spirited dog trainer/yoga instructor raised by hippie parents. Greg Montgomery (Thomas Gibson), brought up in a conservative household, is a practical, Harvard-educated attorney. In the pilot episode, when they pass each other on the subway as children, their eyes lock. Years later, they meet again on the subway, fly to Reno on their first date, and get married.

Naturally, wacky hijinks ensue as they -- and their friends and families -- adjust to the whirlwind courtship. Their parents clash from the outset. Dharma's are unmarried, aging, liberal hippies, while Greg's are wealthy, blue-blooded snobs. Mimi Kennedy plays Dharma's mother, Abby, a groovy artist, and a ponytailed Alan Rachins wears his liberal '60s pathos as a badge as her Jewish father Larry Finkelstein. At the other end of the spectrum are Edward and Kitty Montgomery (Mitchell Ryan and Susan Sullivan), politically conservative country club dwellers.

Each set of parents is suspicious of the other's influence on their kids' relationship, which leads to some funny situations. Rounding out the supporting characters are Dharma's kooky, man-hating pal Jane Deaux, (Shae D'Lyn) and Greg's underachieving lawyer friend Peter Cavanaugh (Joel Murray). Dharma and Greg manage to be the least extreme characters on the show, and their relationship thrives in spite their obvious differences in personality and social class.

This fresh exploration of a classic plot line entertains largely thanks to the talent of its two stars. Gibson's straight-man role plays up to Eflman's goofy charm, and together they infused the series with energy and exuberance for six seasons. Aside from the parents' fairly stereotypical characters and some typical primetime language and sexual innuendo, this is a sweet, warmhearted sitcom that's fine for young teens and up.

The show originally ran from 1997-2002 and is now airing in syndication and available on DVD. Fans might also like Mad About You, Will and Grace and classic sitcom Bridget Loves Bernie.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Sexual references, innuendo, and suggestion. Many kissing and bedroom scenes.
Violence
Language Mild: "ass," "hell," "balls."
Message
	Social Behavior The two main characters are caring and sensitive to each other. Their parents (whose roles are pretty stereotypical) share opposite political and social views, are offended by each other's beliefs, and insult each another. Themes include, drugs, sex, unmarried parents, and social class.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco References to marijuana and drugs, particularly relating to the '60s/hippie era.