Hope and Faith - TV-PG

Wacky, sometimes edgy sitcom best for older kids.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: ABC, Syndicated Cast: Faith Ford, Kelly Ripa, Ted McGinley Genre: Comedy
Available on: Download

Common Sense Note

Parents should know that while the show does include some sexual humor and antisocial behavior, mostly from Faith. While Hope balances out Faith's shallow, narcissistic behavior, Faith is definitely the more glamorous character and might therefore be more appealing to younger viewers.

Families can discuss how the show features both positive and negative role models. Would Faith's conduct be tolerated in the real world? How would the consequences of her actions be different? Hope's older daughter Sydney is portrayed as boy-crazy and ditzy. How do you think her aunt influences her as a role model? Parents might want to call more attention to socially aware Hayley and her mom Hope, especially since it's likely that Faith and Sydney, the more exciting and glamorous characters, might overshadow them.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Caroline Gates-Shannon

Going into its third season, ABC's HOPE AND FAITH provides the same wacky situations and goofball comedy that have made it popular on the channel's Friday night lineup. Likely to be enjoyed by parents and older kids alike, the sitcom falls in the same vein as other shows featuring twosomes, like Laverne and Shirley and Perfect Strangers.

Hope and Faith revolves around the lives of two sisters: Hope (Faith Ford), a married mother of three living in the Ohio suburbs, and Faith (Kelly Ripa), a narcissistic former soap opera actor. After her character is killed off on "The Sacred and the Sinful," Faith moves in with Hope, much to the consternation of Hope's husband, Charley (Ted McGinley). What follows each week is a series of madcap situations in which Faith gets into mischief, and Hope tries to rein her in and make her grow up. Meanwhile, Faith often tries to enlist the help of Hope's three kids, especially boy-crazy Sydney in her schemes, while Charley hatches plans to get rid of Faith and have his normal life back.

While Hope and Faithisn't particularly poignant or thought-provoking television, it's a light comedy that is likely to appeal to many age ranges. Featuring the underlying current of sisterly love and the dynamic of Hope as the straight man to Faith's over-the-top antics, the show is pleasant Friday night viewing. By and large, the show is a standard family sitcom, but there is some sexual humor that would make it inappropriate for younger viewers. Families who enjoy Hope and Faith might also like the WB's What I Like About You, as well as syndicated programs like The Nanny.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Occasional sexual jokes. The season three premiere features jokes about orgasms and Faith pretending to have sex with her soon-to-be ex-husband.
Violence
Language An occasional "hell" or "damn."
Message
	Social Behavior Younger sister Faith and oldest daughter Sydney are ditzy and self-absorbed, but Hope and younger daughter Hayley are the moral compasses of the show.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco