What I Like About You - TV-PG

Unremarkable sitcom may to appeal to tweens.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: WB Cast: Amanda Bynes, Jennie Garth Genre: Comedy

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that by and large, this show is a cute, unremarkable sitcom that is likely to appeal to tweens, especially girls. Some objectionable situations come up, in particular Val's affair with her former boss. In a drunken impetuous trip to Atlantic City, they get married. The consequences of their actions are yet to be determined. In addition, Holly and Vince consider having sex. And despite the loveable natures of the characters, females on the show are portrayed as ditzy and boy-crazy.

Parents may want to ask their children (daughters especially) how they feel about the stereotypical depiction of the female characters. Is this the norm for sitcoms? Also, Val's relationship with Vic might prove to be a good jumping off point for a discussion about the potential consequences of getting married so quickly. Even if Val does eventually fall in love with Vic, was marrying him a wise thing for her to do? Since the show caters primarily to tween girls, families may want to relate this plot-point to Britney Spears's impromptu wedding in Las Vegas.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Caroline Gates-Shannon

Take a kooky teenage sister, send her to live with her older sister in New York City, throw in a couple more frivolous girlfriends, some romantic mishaps, some slapstick and physical comedy, and what you get is a cute, though unremarkable sitcom that tween girls will love and their parents will...well, not love, but may tolerate.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU revolves around the lives of the Tyler sisters -- cute, somewhat ditzy and mischief-prone teenager Holly (former Nickelodeon phenom Amanda Bynes), and older, more fastidious bakery owner Val (Jennie Garth). Holly moves in with Val after their parents move to Japan, turning Val's life upside-down. In the vein of Laverne and Shirley, I Love Lucy, and Friends, What I Like About You relies on physical comedy and oddball situations. Boy troubles and misunderstandings figure prominently as well. The driving force in the show, though, is the loving relationship between the sisters.

Kicking off its fourth season, What I Like About You throws new relationships into the mix. After three seasons, Holly finally gets together with her friend Vince and older sister Val must deal with the consequences of her drunken quickie wedding to former-boss-turned-fireman Vic. Later this season, Val's quirky friend Lauren will get a love interest, and Holly's friends Tina and Gary will become interested in each other. More comedic mix-ups and goofball antics are sure to follow.

Families who enjoy What I Like About You might also like to check out DVDs of Blossom and Clarissa Explains It All, other comedy shows that feature teenage girl protagonists.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Some mild sexual humor and references to Holly's virginity.
Violence
Language An occasional "hell" or "SOB".
Message
	Social Behavior Though sisters Val and Holly get themselves into tight situations, actions have consequences. Interpersonal relationships are the highest priority.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Adult sister Val gets married during a drunken night in Atlantic City.