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Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this sitcom revolves around issues related to politics and the media. But it's also a workplace comedy, and the mayor's staffers trade plenty of zingers and innuendo-laden comments (some of which may go over the head of young viewers, but still). One character in particular, Stuart, frequently makes sexist remarks. The show features an openly gay character, and there are occasional references to gay stereotypes. Most of the characters are single and have active dating lives, so there's plenty of relationship humor, too.

Families can talk about what it's like to work in politics. What kinds of things do political staffers do? What are some of the challenges of working for an elected leader? Families can also talk about how the media portrays our political leaders. How much does the media contribute to how we perceive them? Our willingness to vote? Issues pertaining to gay rights and politics can also be discussed, as can the relationships between the characters. Do most people spend this much time with their co-workers?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

Intelligent, witty, and heartfelt, SPIN CITY illustrates the fact that once a political candidate is elected to office, it takes a staff to hold that office down.

Centering on Deputy Mayor Michael Flaherty (played by Michael J. Fox of Back to the Future and Family Ties) and the staff of fictitious New York City Mayor Randall Winston (Barry Bostwick), the series provides a comical look at how political staffers attempt to "spin," or manage, the media's coverage of political events.

Mike's main goal is to keep the usually fumbling mayor looking good in public. He's assisted in his efforts by a quirky group of political enthusiasts that includes sarcastic assistant Nikki Faber (Connie Britton); chauvinistic chief of staff Stuart Bondek (Alan Ruck); gay, African-American head of minority affairs Carter Heywood (Michael Boatman); socially inexperienced but brilliant speechwriter James Hobert (Alexander Chapman); and blustering press secretary Paul Lassiter (Richard Kind). Jennifer Esposito joined the cast a couple of seasons in as mouthy assistant Stacey Paterno, replacing Victoria Dillard as Janelle Cooper.

When they're not working on smoothing over the mayor's blunders, the staff also spends time socializing with each other and trying to build a personal life outside of the political spectrum. The latter proves particularly challenging for work-obsessed Mike, who can never seem to make a relationship last. His list of former girlfriends includes reporter Ashley Schaeffer (Carla Gugino), Nikki, and -- in one oddly spectacular dream sequence -- Heidi Klum.

In season 4, the mayor's decision to enter the New York Senatorial race heralded the arrival of campaign manager Caitlin Moore (Heather Locklear), whose strong competitive streak rivaled Mike's -- and led to some juicy sexual tension between the two. Even later in the show's run, after Fox departed due to his battle with Parkinson's Disease, Charlie Sheen stepped in as new deputy mayor Charlie Crawford.

No matter who was in charge of the mayor's office, Spin City abounded with witty repartee and sexually tinged innuendo (or, in Stuart's case, outright propositions and sexist remarks). It's a clever sitcom sure to appeal to adults and older teens, but it's not for kids.

Spin City ended its original run in 2002, but it remains both relevant and funny in today's political climate. It currently airs in syndication and is available on DVD. Fans may also enjoy sitcoms like Scrubs and Cheers, or, on the drama front, The West Wing and The American President.

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