Tools for this page
Print

What's Happening!!

(Rated NR, Comedy, Starring Ernest Thomas, Haywood Nelson, Fred Berry, Where to watch: TV Land, Syndicated, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    1970s slapstick comedy hasn't aged all that well.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The show features working-class African-American characters who exhibit some stereotypical characteristics. While the main characters aren't necessarily negative role models, they're not empowering figures, either. The messages behind the show aren't really about social commentary, but rather about humor. Raj is a good student, goes to college, and is pursuing a writing career. Dee is often sarcastic to the point of being rude and often tries to blackmail the boys. Bill Spencer isn't an ideal father figure, but he does try to maintain a relationship with his kids.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Some dating and discussion of teen boy/girl relationships.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Occasional references to items by product name, such as "Airwick."

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About What's Happening!!

Parents need to know that this iconic '70s sitcom focuses on three high schoolers growing up in urban Los Angeles. It hasn't aged as well as some of its sitcom peers: Some of the characters behave in stereotypical ways, and while they're not necessarily bad role models, they aren't exactly the most empowering African-American characters, either, particularly not in a modern context. Sarcastic exchanges between characters (particularly Dee) are frequent and may not set an ideal example for kids. Parents should also know that Raj and Dee's dad isn't an ideal father figure, and his relationship with the family isn't always positive.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the kinds of social messages that TV shows offer their viewers. What are producers trying to achieve by providing social commentaries? Why do some shows seem to offer no social messages at all? Do you think audiences are more likely to notice that kind of message further down the line, when times have changed? Families can also talk about using stereotypes as a form of humor. Is stereotyping ever appropriate?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about What's Happening!!?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 9+
    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Age 7+
    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Game of the Week

    Age 8+
    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.