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Hank

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Kelsey Grammer, David Koechner, Melinda McGraw, Where to watch: ABC, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Kelsey Grammer puts a comic spin on starting over.

Themes in this show include:   family relationships, materialism

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series highlights the idea that you can start over after losing everything. While there's some typical sitcom family dysfunction, it also focuses on the importance of parents relating to their kids. On the downside, occasional put downs/stereotypes are used in relation to the local residents of small-town River Bend.

  • Role models:

    He isn’t always good at it, but Hank is definitely trying to reconnect with his wife and children after living a life dedicated to the corporate world. A self-made man and a hard worker, he also has a very positive attitude about starting over. The family (especially Tilly) misses the wealthier lifestyle they had in New York City.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some mild arguing.

  • Sex:

    Some strong sexual innuendo, with Hank making frequent comments about having (and not having) sex. Hank and Tilly are also sometimes shown in bed together, but no sexual activity beyond kissing is shown.

  • Language:

    Audible language includes “bastard, “damn,” and “hell."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Beer is visible. References to champagne drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Hank

Parents need to know that this sitcom about a sophisticated New York City family that moves to small-town Virginia to rebuild their lives after the economic downturn mixes some typical sitcom dsyfunction with positive themes about starting over and reconnecting with loved ones. Expect some salty  (“bastards," “damn," “hell”), sexual innuendo, and drinking (mostly beer). Hank and his family sometimes make snobby/classist remarks about the residents of their new town, though it's all played for humor.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how realistic most sitcom families seem. Do the Pryors seem like people you know? Do other sitcom families?
  • Is it ever appropriate to use stereotypes as a source of humor? Why or why not?
  • What do you think it would be like to move from an upscale urban environment to a remote country home? What are some of the benefits of living in the country vs. the city? Drawbacks?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    critique
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Needs the benefit of "2 1/2 men writing/directing

    Love it, but refer to the review title before the show meets the network "axe". From a P/T writer who laughs to coking from "2 1/2 men" that is also "Big Bang Theory" comedy caliber, timing and humor crucial to this continued broadcast.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    critique
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Comprehensive for age12+ under if enlightened

    You guys are looking great in writing and directing, keep the laughs coming, thanks

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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