Just Shoot Me - TV-PG

Grown-up humor in the workplace. Teens and up.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: Syndicated Cast: David Spade, George Segal, Laura San Giacomo Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVD

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this show's quick-witted humor often includes innuendoes about sex, alcohol, and drugs, which are handled with an implied "wink, wink" philosophy that makes them seem harmless. The show rarely tackles controversial subjects -- instead mining the characters' workplace relationships for storylines -- but its crass humor and mature content should keep it off kids' watch list. Even when it does touch on something more serious (eating disorders, emotional problems, etc.), it's all played for humor.

Families can talk about the workplace. How do people relate to each other on the job? How do they resolve issues or differences that come up? Parents can also talk about how the fashion world influences self-image. How does it make you feel to see models in commercials and magazines? Do you wish you looked like them? Do you think they're happy with the way they look?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Emily Ashby

Created by Steve Levitan, who masterminded the award-winning Frasier, JUST SHOOT ME is a sitcom set in the editorial department of a fictitious fashion magazine called Blush.

The series pokes fun at the fashion industry and high-society life, but it's the show's sharp-tongued wit and quick sarcasm -- both of which play to Saturday Night Live alum David Spade's strengths -- that make it one worth watching.

Veteran actor George Segal plays Blush editor in chief Jack Gallo, whom many on the show liken to Playboy top dog Hugh Hefner. Jack's rarely caught doing any real work for the magazine, though despite his gender and middle age, he fancies himself an expert on what his young female readers want to hear.

His fiery daughter, Maya (Laura San Giacomo), is a serious journalist who's determined to change the magazine's fluffy content. Her efforts are often rebuffed by her dad, as well as by her co-workers -- overly sensitive photographer Elliot DiMauro (Enrico Colantoni of Veronica Mars) and stereotypical ex-model Nina Van Horn (Wendie Malick).

Spade rounds out the Blush crew as Jack's brown-nosing assistant, Dennis Finch, who never misses a chance to needle his peers and his boss (behind his back, that is). Dennis' sarcastic jabs and off-the-wall observations are delivered in Spade's trademark smirky style, and his comedic expertise makes the actors around him shine as well.

Teens and adults will enjoy 30 minutes of fun and laughs with the Just Shoot Me gang, but the show's willingness to make light of alcohol and drug use and intermittent sexual innuendoes should rule it out for kids. One disappointing side effect of the show's humor is that Maya -- the only character to exhibit strong morals and overall good judgment -- is often the brunt of workplace jokes and comes across as weak and simple-minded.

Fans might also enjoy The Drew Carey Show and Will & Grace.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Hardly an episode goes by without some talk about sex. Innuendoes and suggestive comments are typical. Scantily clad models make appearances and are on the magazine cover that provides segues between scenes. Characters periodically hook up and have sexual relationships (nothing explicit shown).
Violence
Language Words like "bitch," "slut," "damn," and "hell" are used moderately.
Message
	Social Behavior Most characters are shallow and self-centered. One is a closet alcoholic/social drug user/brainless ex-model who often maintains her job by manipulating her boss. Another is a sex-crazed male assistant who often looks up porn on his work computer. Affection among the friends is rare; sarcastic jabs are often all they share.
	Commercialism Not overt, but products do show up. One character uses an Apple computer. Another is often shown relaxing in his office with some new stress-relieving Sharper Image-esque gadget.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Adult characters drink alcohol. One character has a alcohol and drug problem that's played for laughs in nearly every episode.