My Boys - TV-14
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: TBS Cast: Jordana Spiro, Jim Gaffigan, Kyle Howard
Genre: Comedy
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Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this sitcom deals with dating and relationships, both romantic and platonic. Every episode involves drinking alcohol, often to drunkenness. The show features stereotypical characters and scenarios, like a husband who lies to his overbearing wife so he can go drinking with his buddies. There's some kissing, minor groping, and lots of discussion about sex and the dynamics involved in sexual relationships. Characters use mild adult language frequently.
Families who watch together can discuss gender dynamics. What makes a woman girly or "one of the guys"? What is typical guy behavior? Girl behavior? What do we mean by "typical"? Do the characters in the show reflect the men or women in your family's life?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci
In this cable sitcom, PJ Franklin (Jordana Spiro) is a girl who's one of the guys. She's a sports writer with a posse of male friends and tastes that run from beer to poker. She's also single, attractive, and confused about how to merge romance with her friendships. Each episode of MY BOYS is narrated by PJ using sports metaphors like "team chemistry," "the slump," and "managers."
As far as sitcoms go, it's not a bad premise. It's a little different than standard-issue office- or family-oriented shows, and the main character is likeable. But unfortunately, the writing doesn't veer from stereotypical portrayals of men (and women). All the men (and PJ) drink constantly, eat only junk food, and play poker regularly. One character prides himself on the huge number of women he's slept with and dumped. Another complains constantly about his wife's "short leash" and constantly plots to deceive her so he can hang out with the guys.
Some generalizations might be expected with a series oriented around gender, but some of the jokes go too far into icky territory. After ladies-man Mike (Jamie Kaler) gives dating advice to nerdy Kenny (Michael Bunin), Kenny jokes, "Chloroform, then duct tape," and Mike answers, "Whatever it takes."
If only because of the extreme amount of drinking embedded in the show, many parents will want teens to steer clear. But storylines revolving around dating and casual sex, dialogue about dysfunctional relationships, and general stereotyping are the real reasons to avoid My Boys.
Better sitcoms about groups of friends include The Drew Carey Show and Friends.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentLots of discussion about sex, including one-night-stands. Some kissing, groping, tame sexual scenarios. |
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LanguageFrequent mild expletives: "ass," "sucks," "balls," etc. |
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Social BehaviorThe main characters are generally good (if bland) people, though one is a love-'em-and-leave-'em guy. Characters fit gender stereotypes and discuss men and women in stereotypical ways. The main character is a woman in an unconventional role. The cast is virtually all white. |
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CommercialismGlimpse of an Apple computer. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoTons of alcohol consumption: tequila shots, beer pitchers, whiskey, etc. Drunkenness, hangovers -- all dealt with humorously. Sends the message that fun = drinking. |
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