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Happy Hour (Fox)

common sense media says

Shaky comedy bellies up to the bar. Not for kids.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this sitcom deals with both sexual and romantic relationships in various forms. It contains sexual innuendo and relationship jokes that will likely go over the head of young viewers -- thankfully, since some of them are pretty strong. Language can be coarse at times, and drinking (among adults) is a routine social event.

Positive messages: Highlights both drinking and sexual behavior. Strong women are depicted as confused, controlling, and/or bad. Amanda struggles with body image issues. Some people of color are seen during social settings, but none are among the main characters.
Violence: Mild, infrequent, and usually played for laughs. For example, a character throws an unseen punch -- the recipient of which wakes up with a black eye.
Sex: Contains strong sexual innuendo and some coarse references to genitalia and sex (much of which should go over the head of younger viewers). Shows semi-dressed adults waking up in bed together.
Language: Mild: "bastard," "balls," "butt," etc. Usage is sometimes coarse and borders on silly.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adult consumption of wine, beer, and hard alcohol. Characters mix drinks on screen and make references to the strength of alcoholic beverages.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Happy Hour

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the decisions people make when they want to be with another person. Is it OK to change your life or even move in order to continue a romantic relationship? How do people know if they've compromised too much of themselves to be with someone else? Families can also talk about the reasons people drink. When does social drinking become a problem?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Created by the team behind That '70s Show, HAPPY HOUR introduces viewers to Henry Beckman (John Sloan), who moves from small-town Missouri to Chicago to be with his girlfriend Heather (Brooke D'Orsay) and work for her uncle. When Heather dumps him to explore life on her own, straight-shooting, traditional Henry moves in with vain, flashy, womanizing Internet T-shirt vendor Larry Cone (Lex Medlin), who, reeling from former roommate Brad's (Nat Faxon) decision to move in with his controlling, uncompromising fiancée Tina (Jamie Denbo), makes it his goal to "build a better Henry" by trying to make the more-conventional and value-oriented Henry more like him. Henry lands a job working for Larry's childhood friend Amanda (Beth Lacke) and finds himself intrigued by her body-image issues and lack of professional boundaries. He's also pulled into the continual strife between Larry and Tina as Larry continues to try to "save" Brad from domestication. Attempting to find himself while situated between the extreme characteristics Larry and Brad, Henry finds support and friendship during daily "happy hours," Larry's social drinking ritual that comes complete with martinis and Rat Pack tunes.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Happy Hour isn't the most original of sitcoms, serving up a large helping of relationship woes and sexual innuendoes. But it does remind viewers about how our lives can be "shaken up" at any moment, leaving us feeling both vulnerable and open to new possibilities. And a stiff drink -- the show features a fair amount of drinking and alcohol-related conversation.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: Fox
Cast: John Sloan, Lex Medlin, Nat Faxon
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Fox
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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frankieitalian
 
Sooo funny
A great wonderful, funny show. I was laughing soooo hard! Fox better keep this show
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