Murphy Brown - TV-PG

Kids might not get memorable '90s sitcom.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: Nickelodeon Cast: Lily Tomlin, Candice Bergen, Faith Ford Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that main character Murphy, while a good role model for women in the workplace, is incredibly sarcastic, and her wry one-liners might fly over the heads of younger viewers. The show makes frequent references to politicians and other newsmakers of the late '80s and '90s; that, plus the already-dated fashions and hairstyles, may make the series seem irrelevant to today's kids.

Families can talk about workplace etiquette. How do you do a job well and treat colleagues with respect? If you have a problem with someone you work with, how should you handle it? Is it ever OK to yell at or belittle a co-worker (or a classmate or a friend)? How is the FYI team like a family? Are people more likely to become close friends with co-workers if they spend long hours at the office?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Lucy Maher

In the hugely successful sitcom MURPHY BROWN, which enjoyed a 10-year run on CBS and is now in syndication (and on DVD), Candice Bergen plays the title character. Murphy is an ace reporter for a network newsmagazine series called FYI who struggles to balance her work and personal lives.

Joining Murphy in the studio are Jim (Charles Kimbrough) the uptight senior anchor who's often the butt of Murphy's jokes; Frank (Joe Regalbuto) a reporter, a perennial bachelor, and Murphy's best friend; Corky (Faith Ford), a former Miss America turned journalist; and Miles (Grant Shaud) a young, cocky Harvard graduate who's the show's executive producer.

Bergen won five Emmys for her role on Murphy Brown, and they were well deserved. The show -- which has often been compared to The Mary Tyler Moore Show -- is smart, the dialogue witty and topical, and the acting top-notch. Adults will howl at Murphy's wry witticisms, but younger viewers might not get the jokes -- or find the late '80s and '90s political references very relevant.

Families who enjoy Murphy Brown might also want to check out Hope and Faith (which stars Faith Ford) or NewsRadio.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Mild sexual innuendo. Most of the characters are single adults, and they have sexual relationships (nothing shown on-screen) with whoever they're dating.
Violence
Language Mild: "hell," "damn," etc.
Message
	Social Behavior Murphy is very wry and sarcastic, which at times makes her behavior seem insulting. She also famously became a single mother after deciding to go through with a surprise pregnancy. The FYI team members are good friends who support each other. Aside from her sharp tongue, Murphy is a strong, independent female role model who overcame addiction and rose to the top of her profession.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Frequent social drinking at the neighborhood bar. Murphy is a recovering alcoholic.