The Steve Harvey Show - TV-PG

Kotter-like comedy with music; for tweens.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: Syndicated, TBS Cast: Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, Wendy Raquel Robinson Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVD

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this series presents positive messages about people of color, education, and the performing arts. While the characters play pranks on one another, steal, and lie, they learn lessons when faced with the consequences of their actions. Parents should also know that this show discusses music, particularly from the '70s, and includes references to musicians and a musician's lifestyle.

Families can talk about who their favorite teachers are and why. Have you ever had a teacher that you considered a mentor? What kinds of things did this person teach you? Families can also talk about the dreams people have for successful careers and when to shift their career goals. Is there ever a time when people should give up on their dreams?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

THE STEVE HARVEY SHOW centers on Steve Hightower (Steve Harvey), a struggling musician and former member of the fictitious R&B band Hi-Tops. Forced to give up his carefree lifestyle to make ends meet, Hightower takes a job teaching music and drama at Chicago's Booker T. High School. As it turns out, teaching hip, inner-city kids with attitude also brings its share of wild times.

Hightower finds himself giving the toughest -- and perhaps most important -- performance of his life to his colorful group of students, who include smooth ladies' man Romeo (Merlin Santana), street-savvy but academically challenged Stanley "Bullethead" Kuznocki (William Lee Scott), class geek Lydia (Lori Beth Denberg), and best friends Sophia (Tracy Vilar) and Sara (Nefta Perry). Trying to understand their slang and coping with their pranks isn't always easy, but Hightower manages to earn their admiration while teaching them to respect the arts and themselves.

Adding to the fray are the often-failed schemes of his best friend, gym coach Cedric Robinson (Cedric the Entertainer), and Hightower's tenuous romantic relationship with school principal and former classmate Regina Grier (Wendy Raquel Robinson). Her assistant, Lovita (Terri J. Vaughn), also makes things interesting in the school office.

The winner of multiple NAACP Image awards, this series stresses the importance of strong mentorship and the value of an education that includes the performing arts. It looks at issues surrounding race, class, stereotypes, and family relationships, while positively depicting African-Americans, Afro-Latinos, and urban youth. It also has good messages about deailng with life's struggles, making well-thought-out choices, and facing the consequences of your actions.

The Steve Harvey Show originally aired from 1996 to 2002 as one of the WB's "flagship" shows. It currently airs in syndication and is available on DVD. Fans of the show may also like The Cosby Show and Saved by the Bell.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Boy/girl social dynamics. Some spoken innuendo and kissing.
Violence Occasional scenes of kids arguing or pushing each other. Actions are more comedic than harmful.
Language Mild language like "butt," and lots of street slang like "dang."
Message
	Social Behavior Promotes positive behavior, the value of friendship, and self-respect, as well as respect toward others. Characters of various ethnicities are featured. Presents some stereotypes of African-American youth. While characters may play pranks and engage in behavior such as lying, the negative consequences of their behavior are presented.
	Commercialism Some shows feature discussions of bands and celebrities, including Gladys Knight, Jerry Springer, and Michael Jordan.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Adults drink wine and beer. Underage drinking is presented as negative behavior.