The Jamie Foxx Show - TV-PG

Ray star finds laughs in hotel life.

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TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: BET, Syndicated
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Garrett Morris, Garcelle Beauvis
Genre: Comedy
>Available On: DVD,Download

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this late-'90s sitcom follows an aspiring actor (played by Jamie Foxx, who would go on to win an Oscar for Ray) who puts his dreams on hold while he helps his family run their business. The show's messages focus on the importance of family and hard work, and it highlights humor that attempts to move away from African-American stereotypes.

Families can talk about the importance of having dreams, no matter how lofty they may seem. What kinds of challenges do people face when trying to make their dreams come true? Is there ever a time when you should give up your dreams? Families can also talk about what it takes to become successful in Hollywood, as well as positive values and African-American role models on television. Is this show different from other comedies featuring primarily African-American casts? How?

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

The show features an African-American cast, but it stays away from racial stereotypes. People of diverse backgrounds are visible. While the hotel isn't the most upscale, there's a clear attempt to establish a sense that it's a respected establishment. The Williams family is hardworking and supportive of one another. Fancy is pursuing her education while working. References to African-American organizations are often heard.

Consumerism:

References to real African-American organizations, including the United Negro College Fund.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Occasional alcohol consumption and cigar smoking. A few references to drug use and drug testing.

Violence

Sex

Some spoken innuendo (including references to homosexual behavior), most of which will go over younger viewers' head.

Language

"Damn," "ass," etc. Words referring to body parts, such as "booty," are sometimes used, too.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

One of the WB's early sitcoms, THE JAMIE FOXX SHOW stars comedian Jamie Foxx as Jamie King, an aspiring entertainer-turned-employee in his family's Los Angeles hotel. The son of a traveling entertainer (played by Gladys Knight), Jamie moves from Terrell, Texas, to California with dreams of becoming a famous actor and singer. But the struggling Hollywood hopeful soon finds himself agreeing to help his Aunt Helen (Ellia English) and Uncle Junior (Garrett Morris) run the King's Tower Hotel in order to support himself. Working and living at the hotel isn't exactly ideal for his career, but Jamie manages to survive the daily grind by attempting to charm fellow hotel employee/fashion design student Francesca "Fancy" Monroe (Garcelle Beauvis). He also spends time tolerating somewhat-obnoxious hotel cashier Braxton T. Hartnabrig (Christopher B. Duncan).

Is it any good?

Featuring an all-African-American cast, The Jamie Foxx Show's humor relies more on good comedy writing than strong or demeaning racial stereotypes. The show presents a strong set of values, including the importance of family, hard work, and education. It's positive representation of African Americans in comedy led to multiple NAACP award nominations, as well as a NAACP Image Award for Foxx in 1998.