Freddie (ABC)

common sense media says

Dumb premise with few laughs -- not recommended.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this program has many sexual and alcohol references. One-night-stands are common, and romantic relationships are taken very lightly. One character is an alcoholic, and the main characters spend much of their time doing shots and picking up girls at bars.

Positive messages: No positive role models.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Sexual innuendo, one-night-stands, kissing.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: "Quirky" sister-in-law is an alcoholic, Chris and Freddie take shots while talking about the girls they brought home the night before, often go to bars to pick up girls.

More on Freddie

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the carefree twenty-something lifestyle that is presented here. Is it realistic? They could also talk about the confusing portrayal of women here -- characters such as Freddie's young niece, grandmother, sister, and sister-in-law are treated with respect, but the women Freddie and Chris chase and hook up with are treated as disposable objects.

What's the story?

What's the story?

Freddie Prinze Jr. stars as Freddie Moreno, the head chef at a trendy Chicago restaurant. Finally living on his own, he ends up taking in his family: His sister and niece move in after the breakdown of a marriage, his sister-in-law after the death of her husband, and his grandmother. Sidekick Brian Austin Green (of Beverly Hills, 90210 fame), plays Chris, the neighbor, best friend, and sexpert when it comes to the ladies.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

How does the star of films like I Know What You Did Last Summer and She's All That transition from teen flicks to TV bachelor? Very poorly. Freddie Prinze Jr. spends most of the time on his series acting like, well, other popular TV characters that came before him -- namely invoking the spirit and comedic delivery of Friends' Joey (Matt LeBlanc). Freddie relies on stereotypes for its humor. Freddie and Chris are "typical" twenty-something guys who want casual sex without commitment. All the girls they pick up are, for the most part, dumb, easy, and desperate. And they're often referred to as such. Except for the ones that Freddie's related to, that is.

Freddie aims at redeeming its lead character by having him take in his family. Yet with all of this family in his home, Freddie's lifestyle has not changed. Rather, he asks girls that he brings home to keep it down so they don't wake anyone -- and of course the girls agree. Of course. A poor premise and racy content makes this inappropriate viewing for kids. A three minute wrap-up between Freddie and his sister at the end of each episode does not make Freddie a family comedy. If parents or adults decide to tune in, they're likely to be disappointed by the dumb jokes and tired cliches. Bottom line: There are so many better ways to spend a free half hour.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: ABC
Cast: Brian Green, Freddie Prinze Jr., Jacqueline Obradors
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: ABC

This review was written by Jill Murphy
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age